Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Information
The
Beaches Visitor Center
(
904-242-0024;
www.jacksonvillebeach.org
;
380 Pablo Ave,
Jacksonville Beach;
10am-4:30pm Tue-Sat)
has information about the beaches.
Getting There & Around
Traveling by car from Jacksonville, follow I-10 to Atlantic Beach, and Hwy 90 (Beach
Blvd) directly to Jacksonville Beach. Coming from St Augustine, follow Hwy A1A due
north.
Jacksonville Transportation Authority
operates buses from Jacksonville to the beaches
($1.50).
Amelia Island
History buffs adore this glorious sea island, just 13 miles from the Georgia border, which
combines the moss-draped charm of the Deep South with the laid-back beach culture of
Florida. It is believed the island's original inhabitants, the Timucuan Indians, arrived as
early as 4000 years ago. Since that time, eight flags have flown over the island, starting
with the French in 1562, followed by the Spanish, the English, the Spanish again, the Pat-
riots, the Green Cross of Florida, the Mexican Rebels, the US, the Confederates, then the
US again!
Vacationers have been flocking here since the 1890s, when Henry Flagler tamed the
wild east coast, converting the area into a playground for the rich. The legacy of that
golden era is evident in the central town of Fernandina Beach, whose 50 blocks of historic
buildings, Victorian B&Bs, and restaurants housed in converted fishing cottages all help
make Amelia Island one of the most charming finds in the US. Splurge on a few days here
if you can.
Dotting the rest of the island are lush parks, green fairways and miles of unspoiled
shoreline.
