Luxury Island Escape Meets Family Road Trip

After a few months of quality time at home, it’s safe to say many families may be chomping at the bit to get as far away as possible. Currently, far away is still within U.S. borders and many travelers are more than okay with that.

Take a road trip to Amelia Island, the southernmost sea island in a chain the begins off the coast of South Carolina, and ends along Florida and Georgia. The island is easily accessed by car, but can feel a world away for cooped-up families.

Escape to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for the waterfront and sweeping ocean views of your international dreams, right in Florida. The luxury resort sits on 13 miles of sand overlooking the Atlantic. Enjoy a secluded beach for much-needed romantic dinners with your partner, or a safe retreat for the kids.

Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Enjoy all the southern charms of secluded bike paths shaded by overgrown trees, and easy walking paths stretching to quiet beaches and nature reserves. Sit back at the resort on an Adirondack chair, or grab a boogie board and get in the water with the kids — the resort offers an endless supply of fun, or relaxation with the modern amenities travelers want and the slow pace and southern hospitality they need.

Grab a bike and hop on the East Coast Greenway, offering 3,000 miles of trail from Key West to Maine — don’t worry, you don’t have to go that far, just trek the scenic oceanside portion.  Guests can also opt for the Ocean View Trail that leads into historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Spend some extra time exploring Fort Clinch Trail protected by an umbrella of southern oaks for a quintessential southern bike ride.

Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Join a daily exploration with an Amelia Island Naturalist, collecting unique seashells, uncovering fossilized shark teeth and interesting driftwood, or get out on the water with an eco-kayak tour. Explore Simpson Creek and Talbot Island State Park while looking for dolphins and migrating birds.

For that extra-special touch, travel during sea turtle nesting season and see endangered Loggerhead and Leatherback sea turtles on Amelia Island.

Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

For those planning a trip over the Fourth of July, the resort celebrates the red, white and blue with a good, old-fashioned, hometown Independence Day weekend, including lawn games, music and a luxury barbecue (so not old-fashioned, but classic The Ritz-Carlton). End the night with s’mores by the fire and waves crashing in the distance.  

If there’s more your family needs, there’s more the resort offers — think spa treatments, world-class dining, golf, a kid’s club and shopping.

Take advantage of the resort’s Stay Longer package and get up to 30 percent savings on extended overnight stays, or opt for the beach road trip option and enjoy a $100 hotel credit and complimentary valet parking. Use promotion code L9Z at checkout, or check out other deals and offers here.