Tips for Saving Money on Amelia Island

Amelia Island – Affordable Family Fun

Planning a getaway weekend to beautiful Amelia Island? Fantastic! Here on Amelia Island, we love that everyone can “splurge” on a Luxury Beach Resort, a locally caught shrimp dinner, or a cruise on Amelia River Cruises and not worry about breaking the budget. Still, the little things can add up. So, mixing up some local knowledge and hints from well-seasoned budget-savvy travelers, we put together this list of our top 5 suggestions to saving money on Amelia Island while enjoying your stay to the fullest.

Book airport parking in advance

Speaking from a lot of first-hand knowledge, Jacksonville International Airport is a wonderful small airport. Easy in, easy out, and not overly priced. But, like many major airports, it’s parking lot is struggling to keep up with the ever-increasing number of travelers. This means that airport parking spaces are in high demand and the on-site rates can be very expensive.

Once you book your flight, make sure you check out your airports on-site vs. off-site rates BEFORE you get to the airport. Reputable, off-site parking options are fantastic and are saving money. They provide customers with a safe location, a continuous flow of shuttle drivers who will help you with your luggage (which can be a lifesaver), and, worth mentioning again, are a fraction of the cost. Booking off-site parking in advance, via phone or on-line, is an easy way to cuts costs and save time.  Compare prices and service reviews online at ParkFellows. They have zero service fees, so you will always get the lowest rate.

Vacation Rental – Housing Savings

If you aren’t traveling alone, staying at a Vacation Rental is often less expensive than buying multiple hotel rooms. Friends and Family can relax in a real living room rather than a hotel lobby. They also allow different members of your group to go to bed early, stay up late, wake to watch the sunrise, etc. without the worry of bothering others.

Always ideal for family vacations.

Vacation Rental – Food Savings

While the upfront cost of a Vacation Rental can be less, you will discover the majority of your savings will be with food and drink.

When you stay at a Vacation Rental it comes with a full kitchen. This is saving money by letting you eat in, pack picnics, and enjoy locally caught shrimp while enjoying a local beverage, at a fraction of the cost.

If you are interested in renting an apartment, there are many options available in Amelia Island through VRBO or Homeaway.

Take advantage of free activities

Amelia Island has plenty of free activities that are fun for the whole family.

• Enjoy the natural beauty of Amelia Island on the beach and search for shark’s teeth and seashells.
• Go for a walk on the Egans Creek Greenway and spot a variety of birds, alligators, and other wildlife.
• Stroll outside at the Fernandina Beach markets on Saturday mornings.
• The local Fernandina Beach Market Place farmer’s market occurs year-round from 9 am to 1 pm.
• The Arts Markets is held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, where you can find arts and crafts from local artisans.
• On the first Friday of the month from April through October, you can enjoy a free concert in the Fernandina historic district. The Sounds on Centre is a free family-friendly concert from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

Visit in the Spring or Fall

The busy season for Amelia Island is the summer, between June – August.  This means that hotels will be at their regular rate, the beaches will be more crowded, and it may be hard to find brunch/happy hour deals.

If you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of off-season deals, then consider visiting in the Spring (April – May) or Fall (September – October).

Amelia Island’s climate is truly beautiful all year long, so you will still enjoy the famous sunny Florida weather.

Whatever you decide to do, we are excited to have you visit, and we look forward to showing all the wonders that Amelia Island has to offer.

Categorised in: Amelia Island, Tips & FAQs