Local tourism officials have something new to brag about.
Three area islands have made the Condé Nast Traveler list of “The Best Islands in the U.S.”
Amelia Island, home to Fernandina Beach and the annual Concours d’Elegance, was ranked as the country’s number three island.
Just up the road, the neighboring islands of St. Simons and Little St. Simons, which are part of the Golden Isles of Georgia, were combined in the survey to rank at number six.
“Readers have voted our island paradise into this elite group of global destinations eight of the last nine years. It’s a true testament to Amelia’s enduring appeal, and an invaluable endorsement from discerning travelers,” said Gil Langley, president and CEO of the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau in an email to WJCT News.
More than 300,000 readers took part in Condé Nast Traveler’s 30th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey.
Hilton Head Island, S.C. captured the number one spot.
Condé Nast Traveler suggested hiking through Fort Clinch State Park or visiting one of Amelia Island’s seasonal festivals. “Readers agree that this Florida island is a beautiful, history-filled family destination,” the traveler’s website wrote.
Amelia Island was the only Florida location to make the list.
St. Simons was cited by Condé Nast Traveler for its beaches, dense forest, loggerhead turtles, right whales, dolphins and manatees. “Visitors come for the island-wide trail system and preserved sites of Native American and American colonial settlement,” according to Condé Nest.
You can see the full list on Condé Nast Traveler’s website.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
