About the Resort & Pickleball Facilities

Omni Amelia Island Resort has thoughtfully integrated pickleball into its extensive recreation offerings. The resort features multiple dedicated pickleball courts positioned to capture ocean breezes while providing shade during peak afternoon heat. These aren't afterthought facilities - they're purpose-built courts with premium surfaces that rival dedicated pickleball clubs.

What sets Omni apart is the programming. The resort's tennis and racquet sports staff includes pickleball specialists who offer private lessons, group clinics, and organized play sessions. Beginners can book introductory lessons to learn proper form and strategy. Intermediate players benefit from skill-development clinics focusing on specific aspects like dinking or third-shot drops. Advanced players connect with competitive matches and round-robins organized by skill level.

The resort's racquet sports shop stocks quality paddles, balls, and apparel, with staff available to help with equipment selection and local court recommendations beyond the resort. Court reservations are handled through the concierge or racquet sports desk, with time slots typically available throughout the day. The proximity to the beach means you can schedule morning pickleball, afternoon beach time, and evening play to avoid midday heat.

Resort Amenities

What Makes Omni Amelia Island Special

True Family Appeal: Most upscale pickleball destinations cater primarily to adults or active retirees. Omni Amelia Island welcomes families with children through comprehensive kids' programs. The Nature's Explorers program offers supervised activities including beach exploration, pool games, arts and crafts, and educational programs. Parents can enjoy morning pickleball knowing children are engaged, safe, and having their own adventures.

Atlantic Beachfront Location: The resort sits on 3.5 miles of private Atlantic beach - wide, clean sand perfect for swimming, sandcastle building, and beachcombing. After your pickleball session, you're minutes from ocean waves. The beach location on Florida's northeast coast means milder summer temperatures compared to Gulf Coast destinations, extending the comfortable play season.

Historic Fernandina Beach: Just 10 minutes from the resort, the charming town of Fernandina Beach offers cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, locally-owned shops, and excellent restaurants. The historic downtown provides cultural enrichment and dining variety beyond the resort's nine restaurants. Fort Clinch State Park at the island's north end offers Civil War history and excellent hiking trails.

Championship Golf: The resort features 36 holes of championship golf including the Oak Marsh course designed by Tom Fazio and the Ocean Links course designed by Bobby Weed. Golf-playing partners or family members have world-class options while you're on the pickleball courts. The resort regularly hosts PGA Tour events, testament to the courses' quality.

Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Ideal Season (March - May, September - November): Spring and fall shoulder seasons deliver perfect weather with temperatures in the 70s-80s, lower humidity than summer, and fewer crowds than peak winter months. These months offer the best combination of comfortable playing conditions and reasonable rates. March through May features blooming landscapes and warming ocean temperatures.

Summer (June - August): Warm and humid with afternoon thunderstorms typical of Florida summers. Morning and evening pickleball sessions remain comfortable, with beach and pool time dominating midday hours. This is peak family vacation season with the most kid-focused activities and programs. Expect higher occupancy but also the liveliest atmosphere.

Winter (December - February): Mild temperatures (60s-70s) make this popular with snowbirds escaping northern winters. Ocean water is cool but pool temperatures are heated. Fewer families during school session means quieter weekdays. Holiday weeks command premium rates and book far in advance.

Getting There

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is 30 minutes from the resort with direct flights from most major U.S. cities. The drive to Amelia Island crosses scenic bridges with marshland views. Rental cars provide flexibility for exploring Fernandina Beach and the island, though the resort offers shuttle service to downtown. Some visitors fly into Savannah/Hilton Head Airport (45 minutes) for a scenic drive through Georgia's Lowcountry.

Where to Stay

Other Activities

Beyond pickleball, the resort offers extensive recreation: 3.5 miles of private beach for swimming and beachcombing, eight pools including a zero-entry family pool with waterslide, 36 holes of championship golf on two distinct courses, full-service spa with oceanfront treatment rooms, nature programs and guided ecological tours, horseback riding on the beach, kayaking through tidal marshes, fishing charters and excursions, and supervised kids' programs with age-appropriate activities.

Off-resort experiences include exploring historic Fernandina Beach's Victorian downtown, visiting Fort Clinch State Park for Civil War history and pristine beaches, taking dolphin-watching cruises, touring Cumberland Island National Seashore (accessible by ferry from nearby), and experiencing Sea Turtle conservation programs during nesting season.