Florida’s northern belle: the quiet charm of Amelia Island

However much you think you know Florida, there’s always a new side to discover. There are bayous and mangroves, cosmopolitan cities and world-renowned attractions. And, located in the northeast corner of Florida, freed from the mainland by a tangle of waterways, is the Atlantic barrier landmass Amelia Island.

A three hour drive from Orlando and four hours from Tampa , this relaxed holiday paradise provides a more leisurely pace than the big theme park hubs, slowing the pulse with its calm, unspoilt beaches, historic architecture and compact size.

Low-rise, palm-studded and analogue, it’s the perfect pick for a family-friendly reset.

Florida has no shortage of postcard-perfect beaches, but the 13 miles of Atlantic shoreline that fringes Amelia Island comes with its own feel. Breeze-rustled sea grasses speckle dunes that roll out to soft, blue surf. Here, children play and fishermen cast their lines.

You’ll find picnic tables, public barbecues and volleyball courts, while vendors will rent out loungers, umbrellas and bikes. You can even cycle across the hard-packed sand that trims the water’s edge.

Take your pick from central Main Beach Park, which is overseen by lifeguards and popular with families; sleepy Amelia Island State Park, where you can look for sharks teeth in the sand and catch the most mesmeric sunsets; or any of the other countless beaches along the island’s shoreline. Each one has something unique to offer.

The hub of life on Amelia Island is Fernandina Beach, atmospherically lined in Victorian-era brick buildings sporting faded painted adverts and saloon-style signs. Omni Amelia Island Resort and Spa provides a serene stay overlooking the beach’s white sands and the ocean beyond. Alternatively, the luxurious Ritz-Carlton offers a secluded haven, complete with its own private golf course

Spend an afternoon meandering around the boutique galleries, diners and independent shops selling handmade jewellery, soaps, clothes and sweets (you aren’t imagining it – you can smell homemade fudge wafting through the air).

If you eat one thing, it has to be shrimp: this is Florida’s historic shrimp capital, and eateries sell it every way you can imagine, from sautéed in Creole spices and served with cheesy grits to deep-fried with a squirt of fresh lemon.

Amelia Island’s history is long and spans everyone from the ancient Timucua people to pirates. It’s the only place in America where eight different national flags have flown.

Discover the rich backstory of the island with a guided tour or a visit to Fort Clinch State Park, a 1,400-acre vestige from the American Civil War where soldiers re-enact life from 1864. It’s also one of the island’s great backdrops for active pursuits, popular for its six-mile trail used for hiking and biking, and its three miles of shoreline for swimming, shelling and searching for fossilised sharks’ teeth.

Because of the compact nature of Amelia Island, you’re rarely more than 15 minutes away from any of its draws, ensuring that everyone in your brood can get a taste of something they fancy.

Hit some balls on acclaimed golf courses, kayak through scenic waterways, enjoy a romantic picnic on the beach, stretch tired, post-sightseeing muscles at a yoga class – there’s no shortage of activities here. You can even hire a mini catamaran boat for exploring the island’s backwaters, available for everyone aged five and up.

The annual events calendar includes Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, and Pétanque Amelia Island Open, a celebration of the French boules game.

And at the end of a busy day, there’s a selection of inviting accommodation options to retreat to, whether you prefer a historic Victorian-style inn, a charming rental cottage or a luxe oceanfront resort with seductive pools and spacious suites.

With over 100 restaurants, Amelia Island’s vast culinary offering will excite even the most demanding foodie. Casual bites, just-caught seafood, fine dining and Southern favourites are all just for starters here.

Kick-start a day of sightseeing with a locally roasted coffee and handmade pastry before settling in for a leisurely lunch out on the water, where you can soak up superlative sea views as you eat. Come dinnertime, head to downtown Fernandina Beach, where you’ll find everything from Cuban cuisine and sushi to steak and fish tacos.

Be sure to leave room for something sweet, too, like a slice of buttery fudge, or a hand-dipped soft serve from one of the local parlours. If an ice cream doesn’t say relaxing beach holiday then what does?

Book your Florida holiday here