A first-timer’s guide to the Amelia Island Concours, exploring why it’s considered one of the most prestigious concours d’elegance and what makes the experience worth the trip.
Is the Amelia Island Concours worth visiting?
Each March, Amelia Island hosts one of the most revered automotive gatherings in the world: The Amelia – Concours d’Elegance.
For a few days, manicured lawns replace museum floors, race legends stroll past strollers, and cars you’ve only seen in movies and books appear close enough to hear ticking as they cool.
If you’re wondering whether going will somehow “ruin” the magic of spotting special cars one by one, relax. The Amelia does not flatten joy. It multiplies it. Sometimes to mildly absurd levels.
At Stay Better Vacations, we offer a handpicked collection of vacation rentals across Amelia Island and the charming town of St. Marys, Georgia. From relaxed beachfront stays to homes close to history and local flavor, plus plenty of pet-friendly options, it’s easy to find a place that fits the way you want to travel.
Planning an Amelia Island escape and looking for tips? Visit our travel blog, where our local experts share curated guides on vacationing with dogs, biking around Amelia Island, top annual events, and more.
This guide to The Amelia, Concours d’Elegance, is designed to help you understand what the event actually is, how it typically unfolds, and whether it fits your idea of a perfect long weekend.
We’ll cover:
- What The Amelia Actually Is (And What It Isn’t)
- How the Weekend Usually Unfolds
- Early Days: Warming Up the Engines
- The Concours Day: Sensory Overload, Politely Delivered
- The Final Day: Looser, Friendlier, and Surprisingly Intimate
- What Happens Beyond the Show Field
- Why the Location Matters More Than You Think
- Pro Tips from Locals (and People Who’ve Done This Before)
- FAQ: The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
What The Amelia Actually Is (And What It Isn’t)
At its core, The Amelia is a concours d’elegance: a judged exhibition of historically significant automobiles presented in carefully curated classes. But describing it that way is a little like calling a symphony “organized noise.”
The Amelia has long been known as the racers’ concours. This matters. While the cars are pristine, the stories are gritty. Many of the vehicles here were raced hard, modified obsessively, and driven with intent rather than reverence. Owners, engineers, and former drivers are often nearby, happy to explain why a particular scratch or modification matters.
What it is:
- A rolling, outdoor archive of automotive history
- A social gathering disguised as a car show
- A place where brass-era machines sit comfortably beside modern hypercars
What it isn’t:
- A roped-off, don’t-breathe-too-loud museum
- A single-day spectacle you rush through
- A place where you need to pretend you know everything
Curiosity, not credentials, is the only requirement.
How the Weekend Usually Unfolds
While exact dates and times shift slightly year to year, The Amelia reliably follows a multi-day structure, typically running Thursday through Sunday in March. Each day has a different personality, which is part of the charm.
Early Days: Warming Up the Engines
Auction previews allow you to walk right up to headline cars without the pressure of bidding paddles or dramatic pauses. Ride & Drive programs let attendees sample select vehicles on real roads, which feels almost rebellious given the caliber of machinery involved. Evenings often include social gatherings that feel less like galas and more like well-dressed reunions.
This is the calm before the concours lawn fills. If crowds make you itchy, these days are your safe space.
The Concours Day: Sensory Overload, Politely Delivered
The main concours day—traditionally Saturday—is when everything converges.
Hundreds of cars spread across the lawn in clearly defined classes. Judges confer. Photographers crouch. Conversations start with “I can’t believe this is here” and end with “wait until you see the next row.”
Despite the scale, it never feels frantic. People move slowly, partly out of respect, partly because their brains are busy recalibrating what “rare” means.
This is the day most people picture when they think of The Amelia—and yes, it lives up to the expectation.
The Final Day: Looser, Friendlier, and Surprisingly Intimate
The closing day usually shifts gears.
Family-friendly programming, informal displays, additional Ride & Drive opportunities, and a slate of talks and seminars create a more relaxed atmosphere. Owners linger. Cars feel closer. Conversations stretch.
Many repeat visitors quietly admit this ends up being their favorite day.
For current schedules and exact programming, always check the official site: ameliaconcours.com.
What Happens Beyond the Show Field
The concours itself is only part of the story.
Surrounding events usually include:
- Major international auctions that double as theater
- RADwood, celebrating 1980s and ’90s car culture with zero shame
- Seminars featuring designers, racers, and industry figures
- Informal gatherings where brand loyalty becomes a social sport
You are not meant to do everything. The event rewards restraint. Pick a few anchors each day and let the rest unfold.
Why the Location Matters More Than You Think
Amelia Island plays an underrated role in the experience.
Between events, there are beaches, state parks, and a historic downtown that gently pull you back into the real world. Mornings can be quiet. Evenings can be simple. This contrast keeps the weekend from tipping into excess.
The Amelia was never designed to overwhelm. It was designed to linger.
Pro Tips from Locals (and People Who’ve Done This Before)
A few things that don’t always make it into the official FAQs, but probably should.
You don’t need to be a car expert
The Amelia rewards curiosity, not credentials. You can enjoy the design, stories, and atmosphere without knowing every model or racing stat.
Give yourself more than one day
One day is exciting; multiple days let you slow down, notice details, and actually enjoy the experience instead of rushing.
Expect to walk more than planned
The grounds are expansive, and steps add up quickly. Comfortable shoes matter more than looking polished, and yes, grass is involved.
Dress for flexible March weather
Mornings can be cool, afternoons warm, and conditions can change quickly. Light layers, sunglasses, and sunscreen are smart choices.
Talk to people around you
Owners, judges, and longtime attendees are often happy to share stories. Casual conversations add unexpected depth to the day.
Photographers should pace themselves
There’s no shortage of moments, but trying to capture everything is exhausting. Pick a few areas or time windows and enjoy the rest.
Families should aim for later days
As the weekend unfolds, the atmosphere becomes more relaxed and easier for kids to navigate without sensory overload.
Book your short-term rental early
Accommodations fill faster than many expect. A vacation rental offers space, quieter mornings, and an easier wind-down after full days on the grounds.
Plan logistics loosely, not rigidly
Parking, ticket tiers, and access details change each year. Check the official Plan Your Visit section at ameliaconcours.com, but leave room to wander.
FAQ: The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
What is the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance?
The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is a multi-day automotive event held each March at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Think museum-quality cars on manicured lawns, plus auctions, talks, test drives, and plenty of people who know exactly why that one detail matters.
What is the most prestigious concours d’elegance?
Pebble Beach usually takes the crown, but Amelia is firmly in the same league. It’s often described as “the racers’ concours,” meaning it values stories, use, and heritage as much as polish. Serious, yes—but rarely stiff.
Is the Amelia Island Concours worth visiting?
Absolutely. Even if you don’t know a carburetor from a croissant, it’s still visually stunning and surprisingly approachable. You can wander, ask questions, and enjoy the spectacle without doing homework first.
How much does the Amelia Island Concours cost?
Prices vary by year and ticket type. General admission is typically reasonable if you buy early, while premium access and multi-day passes climb quickly. Kids are often free. Translation: check the official site and don’t wait too long.
How many days should you plan for?
One day is exciting. Two days are better. Three lets you slow down and notice the details instead of sprinting past them.
Do I need to plan far in advance?
Yes. Tickets, parking, and especially short-term rentals book up fast. Lock in your stay early and your future self will be quietly grateful.
Where to Stay During The Amelia Concours d’Elegance
For many visitors, short-term vacation rentals are the most practical option. They offer more space to unwind, work better for groups or families, and make it easier to keep a relaxed, local rhythm between events. Having a kitchen, separate living areas, and a quieter place to recharge quickly becomes a real advantage.
Stay Better Vacations offers a curated collection of vacation rentals across Amelia Island and nearby St. Marys, Georgia, with options close to the show field, historic districts, and the beach.
Heads Up! Concours week is one of the island’s busiest times of year, so booking early is essential. Secure your stay first, then plan the rest around it. This will make the entire weekend smoother.
Make Your Vacation Even Better with Stay Better Vacations
Specializing in boutique-style service, Stay Better Vacations offers thoughtfully curated vacation rentals across Amelia Island, Florida, and St. Marys, Georgia. As a locally owned, women-operated company, we focus on warm Southern hospitality and stays that feel personal, relaxed, and easy.
Get ready for beach days, coastal adventures, and time well spent with family or friends. Traveling with a pup? Select pet-friendly vacation rentals make it simple to include every member of the crew.
