Amelia Island’s Record High Tide of Tourism

Record 618,200 Overnight Amelia Island Visitors

Besides the day trippers, tourists are arriving on Amelia Island and staying overnight as reliably as the tides. And the visitor high tide line has risen for its fifth year in a row.

Amelia hosted a record 618,200 overnight visitors in 2015, a 7.6 percent increase over 2014 according to the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council (TDC). Amelia Island visitors reportedly spent $433 million while here in 2015, a 10.7% increase from the previous year. However, the total economic impact of tourism for the destination in 2015 was almost $570 million. (See more data from the TDC at end of article.)

The exploration of this laid-back, small-town beach escape continues to grow, with its Victorian vibe emanating from historic district in downtown Fernandina Beach. Besides the allure of beautiful Atlantic coast beachfront, there’s cozy Centre Street with its array of boutiques, antiques, consignment shops, art galleries, restaurants and pubs. Plus the downtown Fernandina marina and riverfront with its sensational sunsets and water access, including opportunity to hop aboard Amelia River Cruises for a fun and educational adventure.

With a recipe rich in history, Fernandina holds claim to a trio of “oldest” in the state in respective categories: 1. the Amelia Island Lighthouse circa 1838, 2. the Florida House Inn circa 1857, and 3. the Palace Saloon, circa 1903. Also mix in the must-see attraction, Civil War-era Fort Clinch, recognized as one of the “most well-preserved 19th century forts in America.”

Want to taste some local signature cocktails downtown while visiting? There’s the Palace Saloon’s popular “Pirate’s Punch,” and Florida House Inn’s “Mermaid Slap.” Or try homemade spirits at Fernandina’s distillery, Marlin & Barrel, making “Bearing Rum” and “Venture Vodka” at 115 S. 2nd Street near the riverfront (with tasting tours).

Neighborhood of Sea Islands

Amelia Island is in great company in this cluster of barrier islands at the border, with Georgia’s gem, Cumberland Island, just across the sound from Amelia, plus two more Florida undeveloped islands just over Amelia’s southend bridge — Big and Little Talbot. While there’s plenty to do on Amelia, it’s fun to island hop in the neighborhood, especially for nature enthusiasts who have a few days to explore.

If Amelia was a coastal cocktail, it would clearly be one that tourists love to imbibe. And apparently with no hangover, considering the TDC reported an extraordinary 97.9 percent Amelia Island visitor satisfaction rate.

New Fernandina Restaurants & Pubs

Sprinkle in a nice variety of restaurants and pubs from one tip of the island to the other, including several new ones to try in 2016. Like Craft Beer? A highly anticipated opening is around the corner in April 2016 with the new brew pub and restaurant, the Amelia Tavern, at 318 Centre Street. Situated on the lot where the former O’Kanes Irish Pub served many folks for about two decades, the Amelia Tavern has been under construction for over a year, but days are dwindling down to its debut.

Other newcomers to the downtown dining scene include Burlingame Restaurant, 20 South 5th Street, and Luca’s on Centre Street (in spot formerly occupied by Bonito Grill). Also, The Picnic Basket at 503-A Centre Street and the The Patio Place (Creperie, Wine Bar) at 416 Ash Street opened earlier this year. On Amelia’s southend, location of the island’s oceanfront golf and spa resorts, Bob’s Steak and Chop House just opened at Omni Amelia Island Plantation in March 2016.

Fernandina’s Spanish roots, with its original settlement of Old Town, adds another intriguing flavor to this “Isle of Eight Flags.” More off the beaten path, Old Town has its own interesting place in history, and offers one of the best panoramic waterfront vistas available on Amelia Island, from a bluff overlooking the river (another great spot to watch a sunset).

Top Events — Collector Cars, Shrimp & Art Festival

Amelia Island is in the auto world’s global spotlight in March each year for collector car show, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, and other related events including five auto auctions. This year, one rare Ferrari offered for sale on Amelia Island (March 11, 2016 by Gooding & Company), sold for a mind-boggling $17.16 million.

While more people attend the very popular Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival held in May each year, it’s the Amelia Concours d’Elegance event that brings more global notoriety and economic benefit to Amelia Island annually.

But in a popularity contest, with its 50-plus year history, more folks would likely vote for Fernandina’s Isle of 8 Flags Shrimp Festival as their top choice of family-friendly event, with its array of food vendors, Kid’s Zone, wonderful art show, fireworks, pirates and live entertainment at the riverfront stage. This year’s Shrimp Festival dates are April 29 – May 1, 2016. But festivities kick off with local favorite, the Pirate Parade on Thursday evening April 28, 2016 at 6 pm on Centre Street.

Building Boom, Nassau County

Plenty of people who discover Amelia Island end up moving here, as tourists turn into full time residents (or second home owners). “…Growth is already coming this way like a tsunami. Our county, our lifestyle are extremely desirable…,” read related article, “Nassau County’s Growth, Development & New Elementary School.”

More About Local Tourism Data

In addition to record visitation and spending, the Amelia Island TDC reported that it exceeded its goals in taxable room sales, occupancy, average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPar). The ADR on island increased 5.3 percent to $214.53. Looking at the past five years, this is a 26.34 percent increase since 2011, putting Amelia Island third in the state behind Naples and the Florida Keys last year. Occupancy was 71.2 percent, which is a 3.9 percent increase over 2014 and 26.24 percent increase since 2011. Amelia’s RevPar increased 9 percent to $152.80, only exceeded by Miami and the Florida Keys (and a remarkable 59.6 percent increase since 2011).

“These 2015 numbers speak volumes about the quality of product and experience Amelia Island offers,” said Gil Langley, President and CEO of the Amelia Island CVB. “It is always rewarding to see visitors enjoying our beaches, exploring downtown and sharing their experiences about Amelia Island, but it’s equally gratifying to witness the tremendous impact our efforts have on our local economy, which last year included the creation of 130 new hospitality jobs.”

The TDC’s data showed growth in visitation from all key markets, including from within Florida; the Southeast, Northeast and Midwest regions; and international.

Florida also broke its tourism record with 105 million people visiting during calendar year 2015 (its fifth consecutive record year, as well). Tourism is, indeed, booming in the Sunshine State!