Read more to find out how you can save money at Amelia Island resort. Planning a weekend trip to Amelia Island, which is beautiful? Fantastic! We love that everyone on Amelia Island can “splurge” on a Luxury Beach Resort like Ritz Carlton Amelia Island, a dinner of shrimp caught locally, or a cruise on Amelia River Cruises without worrying about going over their budget. But even small things can add up. So, we put together this list of top tips for saving money on Amelia Island while making the most of your stay. We did this by combining local knowledge with tips from budget-savvy travelers who have been there and done that.
Plan ahead and book airport parking
The small Jacksonville International Airport is a great place. Easy to get in and out of, and not too pricey. But, like many major airports, its parking lot is having trouble keeping up with the growing number of travelers. This means that people want to park at airports, and the prices at the airport can be very high.
Check your airport’s on-site vs. off-site rates BEFORE you get to the airport after you book your flight. Off-site parking options that are reliable and save money are great. They offer customers a safe place to stay, a steady stream of shuttle drivers who will help you with your luggage (which can save your life), and, it’s worth saying again, they cost a fraction of what hotels do. Booking off-site parking ahead of time, either over the phone or online, is a simple way to save money and time.
Vacation rentals can save money on housing
If you’re not traveling alone, it’s often cheaper to stay in a Vacation Rental than to rent multiple hotel rooms. Instead of a hotel lobby, friends and family can hang out in a real living room. They also let different people in your group go to bed early, stay up late, wake up early to watch the sunrise, etc., without worrying about bothering others.
Vacation Rental: Save Money on Food
Even though a Vacation Rental may cost less upfront, you will find that most of your money will be saved on food and drinks. When you stay in a Vacation Rental, a full kitchen is part of the package. This saves money because you can eat in, pack a picnic, and eat shrimp caught in your area while drinking a local drink for a fraction of the price.
Take advantage of things that are free
Amelia Island has a lot of free things to do that the whole family can enjoy:
- Fort Clinch Beach from the water
On Amelia Island’s beaches, you can enjoy the island’s natural beauty and look for shark’s teeth and seashells. On the Egans Creek Greenway, you can go for a walk and see birds, alligators, and other animals. At the Fernandina Beach markets on Saturday mornings, you can take a walk outside. The Fernandina Beach Market Place farmer’s market is open from 9 am to 1 pm every day of the year. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, local artists sell their arts and crafts at the Arts Market. From April to October, you can go to a free concert in Fernandina’s historic district on the first Friday of every month. The Sounds on Centre is a free concert from 6:00 to 8:00 pm that is good for the whole family.
- Spring or fall are good times to go
Amelia Island is busiest in the summer, from June to August. This means that hotels will charge their regular prices, the beaches will be busier, and it might be hard to find deals on brunch and happy hour. If you want to avoid crowds and save money, visit in the spring (April to May) or fall (September to November) (September – October). The weather on Amelia Island is beautiful all year long, so you can still enjoy the famously sunny weather of Florida. No matter what you decide to do, we’re glad you’re coming and can’t wait to show you all the great things Amelia Island has to offer.
