Its that time of year when the call of the beach is just too strong to ignore. You know youre going to end up heading south pretty soon, but for this vacation you want to incorporate something more into your ocean-themed holiday. A little nature would do you some good, and a historical setting never hurt anyone. Therefore, it seems that Amelia Island would be a good place to get all your getaway goals accomplished.

Amelia Island is the kind of destination that is layered in terms of its ability to please everyone in your traveling party. Theres likely to be some overlap in the things everyone wants to do, as well, considering that the beach, playing tennis, hiking, and shopping are pretty crowd-friendly. Basically, dont worry about anyone complaining of boredom during this trip to the Sunshine State.

Another reason you wont be suffering through any downtime is that youre entertaining the notion of renting a vacation home. Youve heard rumors that many beach bungalows and resort condos are stocked with games, movies, books, and are conveniently located to all the most popular sights. A little investigation will prove this rumor to be true, so to ensure that not a moment of your precious vacation is wasted, follow your instincts and reserve a unique property that will please the whole family.

Considering that you and your traveling companions are looking forward to squeezing every drop of entertainment out of the beach as possible, youre aiming to reserve a place thats right on the water. About 100 feet from the shore, youll find a cozy spot with central air, a spacious kitchen, a screened in porch perfect for dining, and all the luscious views you can imagine. Being able to take a dip before breakfast without having to set foot in a car will prove to be a priceless novelty, so warn the kids now so they wont faint with excitement later.

Being where you are also spells nearness to fishing, biking trails, bird watching opportunities, and tons of shops and restaurants. A collection of clay tennis courts is a short drive away, as is a world-class golf course, so you wont have to worry about packing on the pounds this trip thanks to all outstanding and painless ways youll be burning off those seafood dinners and tropical drinks.

Historic, Victorian-styled downtown, with its blocks of charming streets and fascinating background as a seaport and fishing village will also catch your eye, and will also be pretty darn close to your beach house. Spending a day or an evening shopping and sightseeing wont have to mean hours in the minivan, so take your time and throw the itinerary out the window. This vacation will be delightfully spontaneous due to your unassumingly convenient home away from home.

Things that have bogged you down on previous vacations, like noisy hotel neighbors, no space to unpack your clothes, and a little too much family togetherness, will be things of the past this time around. The vacation property that you end up choosing, if you go for what you really want, will be roomy and open, with closets and bed space to spare. Never feeling claustrophobic will do wonders for everyones mood, so venture forth towards all the sights of Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach without ever feeling dread about coming back.

So for those days when youre biking through Fort Clinch State Park or canoeing through the marshy waters on the lookout for bald eagles, you wont be worrying about your job, your car payment, or your inadequate hotel room. Savor the landscape with true appreciation, and congratulate yourself for investigating all the alternatives when it was time to pick out a place for you and your family to lay your heads at night.