How to Plan an Amelia Island to St. Augustine Road Trip
The next time you plan a trip to Fernandina Beach, consider carving time out of your beach bumming for a fun day trip from Amelia Island to St. Augustine! Stop at some of Florida’s most beautiful nature parks and beaches along the way. Then in St. Augustine, explore the rich, vibrant culture of the city! With a history that dates back centuries, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
Amelia Island serves as the perfect home base for your adventures. Be sure to take a look at our free Vacation Guide to get some great ideas on what to do and where to eat once you return to your home away from home in Fernandina Beach!
Explore the Coastal Beauty from Amelia Island to St. Augustine
Your road trip from Amelia Island to St. Augustine can be just a quick, one hour and thirty-minute drive. If you’re opting for the scenic, Atlantic Coast route via A1A, the trip can take up to three hours and forty-five minutes.
3 Must-Visit Stops Along the Way
1. Little Talbot Island State Park & Big Talbot Island State Park
Wander ancient dunes and undeveloped beaches on the secluded barrier island that is Little Talbot Island State Park. Big Talbot Island State Park is a must-see destination for birdwatchers!
2. Jacksonville, Florida
If you have time, consider stopping in Jacksonville, FL, and visiting the Zoo and Gardens, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, or Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. If you’re in need of a quick bite to eat, check out Metro Diner!
Additional Travel Resources: Read about what makes Amelia Island one of the most romantic getaways from Jacksonville!
3. Vilano Beach
Right before you enter downtown St. Augustine, Vilano Beach greets visitors with gorgeous stretches of sandy beaches, charming fishing piers, and stunning wetlands. Be sure to visit the Vilano Beach Nature Boardwalk which runs near the Francis and Mary Usina Bridge and boasts mosaic art and local wildlife.
Spend Your Day in St. Augustine
Spend a day in the Nation’s Oldest City. St. Augustine exudes historic charm with its Spanish colonial architecture alongside gorgeous beaches. You’ll find a vast selection of sites, attractions, and landmarks to include in your itinerary such as the St. Augustine Distillery, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and more!
Indulge in delicious seafood meals such as lobster ravioli at Collage Restaurant or shrimp and grits at Uptown Scratch Kitchen. Try something new at Llama Restaurant, which specializes in Peruvian cuisine or stick to an American classic such as baby back ribs at Brisky’s BBQ. However you decide to spend your day, there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing experience in this quiet city that dates back to 1565!
Return to Your Fernandina Beach Home Base
After your Amelia Island to St. Augustine day trip, return to Fairbanks House in the heart of downtown, Fernandina Beach for rest, relaxation, and respite from your travels. Choose between five guest rooms, four suites, and three cozy cottages in which you can make yourself at home during your stay! Each one boasts its own unique style. Enjoy luxurious amenities such as gourmet breakfasts, pool access, evening social hours, and more!