Amelia Island voted 2nd 'Best Island in the U.S.' What makes Florida spot special?

JanaeTravel2025-07-116640

Looking for an island escape without leaving Northeast Florida? One of the top-ranked islands in the U.S. is right in your backyard.

Travel + Leisure’s readers are ranking Amelia Island as the No. 2 island in the “Best Islands in the Continental U.S.” category in the publication’s annual World’s Best Awards. Amelia Island made the publications top islands list for the seventh straight year.

So, what keeps visitors returning to this island on Florida’s Northeast Coast?

What is Amelia Island known for?

Amelia Island is "a barrier island rich in colorful history and breathtaking natural beauty," according to Travel + Leisure . The publication also highlights the island's "abundant wildlife and pristine waters" as key features that continue to attract visitors throughout the year.

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Additionally, for those who love lighthouses, Amelia Beach has is home to the oldest lighthouse in Florida. Restored back in October of 2024, its beacon now shines brighter than ever before.

What makes Amelia Island so special? Its history and the lighthouse

Once ruled by eight different nations, Amelia Island’s layered past is visible in its diverse architecture, local museums, and landmark sites. This complex legacy gives rise to the Isle of Eight Flags moniker, celebrated in one of the island’s best-known events.

Where is Fernandina Beach and why is it so 'charming?'

Fernandina Beach is the heart of the island, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, is now a historic downtown district filled with boutique shops, eclectic eateries, and notable landmarks like The Palace Saloon (Florida’s oldest bar).

However, this is not the first time that Fernandina has been on the radar; it was recently named one of the 40 most charming small-town downtowns in America, earning unique recognition from HGTV.

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"Nothing charms like a small downtown that beckons visitors with historic architecture and boutique shops or local culture and tree-lined streets," the HGTV article said, adding that the writers specifically sought downtowns inviting visitors.

According to the outlet, what was once a stomping ground for swashbuckling pirates, Prohibition-era bootleggers, and a host of other interesting characters. "Today, it's a quirky, relaxing, family-friendly escape full of great food, unique stories, and plenty of activities to enjoy," the outlet writes.

Aside from our breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant cultural experiences, the island has to offer. For Gil Langley, President and CEO of the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. The reason the island earned the No. 2 spot, he says has to do with " the remarkable dedication of our local tourism and hospitality community. "

Where to stay in Amelia Island? Here's a top resort

If you are wondering where to stay in where to stay in Amelia Island. You might be in for a treat. Among one of the most liked resorts is The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, one of the island’s top-rated resorts, also recognized by the readers of Travel + Leisure, being voted No. 10, among the “Best Resorts in Florida.”

Where is Amelia Island?

What other Florida islands ranked?

When compared to other states, Florida had more islands in the ranking than any other state; five out of the 15 islands on the list are in Florida, including Amelia Island (No. 2),Marco Island(No. 6), and the Florida Keys (No. 8).

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Although the Keys slipped to No. 8 this year—down from No. 5 position in 2024—readers continue to express their enduring affection, saying it's a place they want to “go there again and again and again.”

Why is Florida a beach favorite?

According to the survey readers say it's the kind of place they want to return to "again and again and again." “Old Florida at its very best,” one reader wrote. “Locally owned and managed eateries and hotels. Down-home Southern friendliness. Great food.”

Full List: 15 'Best Islands in the Continental U.S.'

1. Mount Desert Island, Maine

2. Amelia Island, Florida

3. Mackinac Island, Michigan

4.Golden Isles, Georgia

5. San Juan Islands, Washington

6. Marco Island, Florida

7.Kiawah Island, South Carolina

8. Florida Keys, Florida

9. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

10.Nantucket, Massachusetts

11. Sanibel Island, Florida

12. Outer Banks, North Carolina

13. South Padre Island, Texas

14. Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

15. Captiva Island, Florida

What does the score reader mean? How does voting work?

Based on their contest description, every year for our World's Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 Travel + Leisure readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.)