Want to escape to Amelia Island without having to leave your four-legged family members behind? Our laid back island welcomes everyone… especially pets. Here is a doggone good guide to pet-friendly places to stay, eat, play and enjoy.

Places to Stay

The pet-friendly Seaside Amelia Inn; Home2 Suites by Hilton; Hampton Inn Amelia Island; Ocean Coast Hotel at the Beach; and Residence Inn Amelia Island are all within walking distance of the beach and happily welcome your furry family.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and Omni Amelia Island Resort are pet-friendly resorts set on the Island’s south end.

The newly renovated oceanfront Beachside Motel agrees that travel is better when you’re with your best furry friend while the brand new Courtyard and Springhill Suites by Marriott offers a special welcome treat and designated dog walking/pet clean-up areas at their hotel(s).

Don’t forget about the Condo & Home Rentals scattered about Amelia Island. Many of these will allow pets for short or long-term stays.

Places to Eat and Drink

Downtown:

Nestled in Historic Downtown is Amelia Island’s funkiest and friendliest bar, The Green Turtle Tavern, where pets and people can enjoy a pint of ale or a bowl of water – whichever you prefer. Enjoy eclectic and affordable gourmet cuisine and a pet-friendly, shaded patio at Café Karibo or their sister restaurant, Timoti’s Seafood Shak. The Happy Tomato has delicious barbeque and would love to serve you and your furry friend on their patio for lunch or dinner. Their resident feline, Bart, agrees that it’s the best barbeque around. Kids and pets love the outdoor patio of The Boathouse where they can both dance to the excellent live tunes all day long. Duck Pinz and Gregor MacGregor’s Mini Links & Drinks are both sportsy places (bowling and mini golf) with pet-friendly outdoor spaces.

Central Island:

Kitchen 251 located at the Amelia Island Marina, not only offers down home food with an amazing waterfront atmosphere, they also welcome pups on their outdoor deck. Sliders Seaside Grill, Fernandina Beach’s oceanfront tiki bar and beach view dining experience is open to pets as well. A kids’ playground with a sandbox and live music round out the reasons to visit. For fast food service, delicious drinks, and an outdoor space with views you can’t beat, head just over the bridge to pet-friendly Shuckers Oyster Bar & Grill. The Sandbar & Kitchen and SaltLife Food Shack are both laid back beach restaurants with outdoor decks perfect for a good meal with your best four legged friend.

South Island:

The Omni Amelia Island Resort features dog-friendly dining on the outdoor patio’s of Falcon’s Nest, Marche Burette, and Natural Slice. After a day on the beach, head to The Surf Restaurant & Bar for a basket of fried shrimp with your favorite pooch. It’s a pet-friendly spot and you may just catch some live music, too!

Places to Shop

Pick up treats for your pup AND enjoy a glass of wine or beer at Redbones Dog Bakery and Boutique where they strive to find the finest selection of upscale boutique items, gifts and accessories from all around the world. Dogs are encouraged to come in and say hello!

Historic downtown Fernandina Beach is proud to be pet-friendly. You can tell by all the water bowls located outside the many shops lined up and down Centre Street. If you’re looking for a touch of glamour for your canine, stop by Lori + LuLu, which has chic pet accessories along with their “laid-back, luxury lifestyle” clothing.

Places to Play

Get paws in the sand! Leashed pets are welcome on Amelia Island beaches (with the exception of state parks). To help you with the necessary cleanup, Main Beach even has a doggie trash bag dispenser.

Dogs can swim in a wishbone-shaped pool and indulge in one of the top-rated dog parks in the country at the Nassau County Humane Society Dog Park. Separate play area for smaller dogs.

Egans Creek Greenway is a 300-acre wildlife area with a network of trails that are perfect for a leashed walk. Just keep your eyes open for other wildlife. Parking/entrance behind Recreation Center on Atlantic Ave.

Amelia River Cruises wants you to bring your well-mannered pets along on a historic narrated sightseeing cruise from Fernandina’s Historic waterfront. Inquire to get the details on which of the week’s cruises are pet-friendly.

Last but certainly not least is Hot Paws Pet Resort where ALL dogs (and many people) want to go and play. Hot Paws exemplifies the best in grooming practices, boarding, daycare services, behavioral training and transportation of your beloved four-footed family member.

Upcoming Events

The Nassau Humane Society hosts year round adoption events or has representation at other island events so visit their website for more information. However, it’s the annual Dickens on Centre holiday festival (December 8 – 11, 2022) and the Parade of Paws that everyone looks forward to. Make plans to come back for this adorable event that draws out dogs dressed in their holiday finery (and one rabbit last year) to parade with their well-behaved humans down Centre Street. It’s more fun than you can shake (or throw) a stick at!

These suggestions are just a sneak peek of what Amelia Island has to offer you and your furry family members. Discover more pet-friendly places to stay, eat, shop and play on www.ameliaisland.com.