Amelia Island is the last in a chain of barrier islands that stretches between South Carolina, Georgia, and northeastern Florida. As you’d expect, the pace of life is very languid, though the place does get hopping for popular annual events, including the Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in May. The main attraction, of course, is the island’s pristine 13-mile-long shoreline, with access mostly restricted through well-regarded resorts like the Ritz-Carlton and Amelia Island Plantation. Yet despite its popularity as a resort-vacation hotspot, the island doesn’t feel overdeveloped or tacky. For an even more pristine experience, head to the south end to visit Amelia Island State Park, as well as the twin Big Talbot Island and Little Talbot Island state parks across the causeway (camping available).