I was sitting at the kitchen counter on a Wednesday morning, staring at a calendar that looked like someone had thrown confetti at it. Between Sam’s work trips and our daughter’s activities, we hadn’t taken a proper weekend together in months. Then I saw this email from the Amelia Island tourism board — would we like to visit? — and before I could overthink it (which I absolutely do), I said yes.
Honestly, I’d never even heard of Amelia Island until then. If you’re anything like me, your Florida travels probably max out at Orlando or Miami. But this little island up in the northern part of the state turned out to be exactly what we needed.
Where Exactly Is Amelia Island?
Amelia Island sits in northern Florida, named after Princess Amelia of England. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Jacksonville — which, fun fact, was named after President Andrew Jackson. The island has 13 miles of beaches, sand dunes, and a kind of unhurried energy that makes you forget about the week you just left behind.
Getting there is easier than it sounds. If you’re on the East Coast, it’s roughly a two-hour flight from New York City. Prefer to drive? It’s about 2.5 hours from Savannah, Georgia — scenic enough that you’ll want to play good music and sing badly.
What We Did in Amelia Island
We had three days, which felt like the right amount of time. Not rushed, not dragging. Here’s how we spent it:
Horseback riding on the beach
This was the highlight for me, and I don’t say that lightly. We booked an hour-long guided ride through Kelly Seahorse Ranch ($95 per person). Riding along the water with those turquoise waves rolling in — Biscuit would have loved this, if only he could swim far enough to make it worth his while. The views made every dollar feel earned.
Kayaking through the marsh
Our resort, the Omni Amelia Island Resort, offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard tours of the nearby marsh. Rentals run about $35 per person for a couple of hours. I expected to be flipping over within ten minutes, but the water was so calm it ended up being one of those quiet moments you didn’t know you needed until you were in it.
Just… sitting on the beach
Sounds simple, right? But with 13 miles of shoreline and waves that are gentle enough for little ones to splash without drama, this was the easiest decision we made all trip. The sand is soft — perfect for castles if your child is into that sort of thing. Ours is more into digging furrows and throwing sand at anyone within range.
Downtown Amelia Island
Center Street in downtown is the kind of place where you slow down without trying to. Quaint shops, photogenic corners, excellent boutique stores — it’s about a 20-minute drive from most resorts. The Museum of History nearby is small but full of interactive displays that kept our daughter engaged, which says something.
A spa moment at the Ritz-Carlton
I had been carrying around a lot of mental noise before this trip — balancing work, keeping up with school schedules, the usual. So I booked the Ocean Healing Massage at the Ritz-Carlton ($185). It’s a 30-minute therapeutic bath followed by sea salt exfoliation and warm salt stones. By the time I walked out, my shoulders had finally remembered what relaxation felt like.
Where to Eat
Amelia Island has no shortage of good food — which is a relief because Sam and I believe half the joy of travel is eating somewhere new at least once a day. Here are the spots that stood out:
Timoti’s Seafood Shak. This was our favorite dinner spot on the whole trip. The menu runs from clam chowder to lobster rolls, and there are solid non-seafood options too. Dishes run $15–$25 each. There’s patio seating and an attached playground, which meant Sam could actually finish his meal while our daughter entertained herself.
Kitchen 251. Located at the Amelia Island Marina, this casual spot served Cajun fare with portions big enough to share — or take home for breakfast the next morning. Entrees around $15–$20. Sam declared it his favorite of the trip, which I respect because he has strong opinions about food and is usually right.
Lagniappe. Southern cuisine with a French Creole twist — think gumbo, seafood étouffée, the kind of comfort food that makes you want to linger over coffee. Lunch specials start around $18.
Coquina at the Ritz-Carlton. Tapas-style dining with beach views that are hard to compete with. Expect to spend more here — tapas range from $14–$26 per plate — but it’s worth it for a special evening meal.
Espana. Spanish and Portuguese cuisine on a patio so pretty I almost didn’t want to leave the table. The grilled seafood was excellent, and dinner for two with drinks came in around $80–$100. We’d go back just for that patio alone.
Where to Stay
We stayed at the Omni Amelia Island Resort, and I’m glad we did. It’s spread across 1,350 acres of nature — golf courses, trails, pools — so there’s never a dull moment if you don’t want one. Rooms start around $300–$500 per night depending on season.
The splash pad was the real star for our daughter. Since she can’t quite swim yet, having a water feature she could enjoy while we kept an eye on her from a nearby cabana felt like the resort read my mind. I’m making a quiet note to look for hotels with splash pads going forward — it might become a non-negotiable.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Amelia Island isn’t trying to be Miami or The Keys, and that’s the point. It’s quieter, more low-key, better suited for people who want to actually rest on vacation rather than pack every hour with activities. Bring sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and maybe one outfit fancy enough for Coquina.
Budget-wise, a weekend here is doable without breaking the bank if you pick your splurges carefully. Horseback riding and the Ritz-Carlton spa are worth treating yourself to. For everyday meals, Timoti’s and Kitchen 251 keep things grounded. The Omni is pricier than a motel but felt every bit worth it for what we got.
The Takeaway
Florida has so much more to offer than the big-name destinations — and Amelia Island proved that to us in just two days. There’s something about a place this unhurried, with good food and soft sand and enough space to breathe, that settles you back into yourself.
Have you ever been to Amelia Island? Or is it one of those places you keep meaning to visit? I’d love to hear what you think — drop a comment below if you have tips or questions.
There is something about central California that feels just right — not as hurried as the south, not as distant as the north. Last year, Sam and I drove out to San Luis Obispo County for an anniversary weekend, and we kept finding ourselves slowing down without meaning to. The kind of trip where you do not need a schedule, just good shoes and an appetite.
Here are the seven things we loved most in SLO CAL — the little region between SoCal and NorCal that seems to have forgotten it is part of any bigger thing.
Sensorio – Art Made for After Dark
4380 CA-46, Paso Robles
Over 100,000 glowing bulbs arranged like bioluminescent flowers. The Field of Light is the original and largest exhibit, and since our last visit they added six more. We ended up favoring Dimensions by HYBYCOZO — all geometry and soft color, the kind of space you want to stand in without your phone for a minute.
Go right before sunset so you can see the installations both ways: daylight and dark. They photograph beautifully either way.
Sunset Gondola Ride in Morro Bay
833 Embarcadero, Morro Bay
This was the evening highlight. Our gondolier, Stephano, used to sing opera and teach music — now he glides around Morro Bay on his boat, the Gianna, telling stories as the buildings behind him light up in gold. It almost feels like a European canal once the sun goes down.
They offer 3-course dinner cruises too, and night cruises if you want something quieter. Stephano is also an ordained pastor, which makes him one of the few people who can row you around AND marry you on the water.
Metal Stamping at Junkgirls
870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo
I made a metal-stamped bookmark with my name on it, a tag for Biscuit, and a ring from a recycled spoon. The whole place felt like art therapy — warm, unhurried, and deeply handmade. The founders, Melissa and Jenny, built the shop around healing through craft, and you can tell.
Over 70% of the store’s items are made in-house. They also run junk journaling and monoprint workshops if you have time for a second session.
Montana de Oro Bluff Trail
35.258093, -120.887191
The trail runs up to 3.9 miles with a 193 ft elevation gain, but you can turn around wherever feels right. We stopped at the first scenic overlook — I sketched for a while while Sam listened to the ocean and did his breathing exercises. The sound of those waves is genuinely calming; apparently it activates your parasympathetic nervous system.
If you visit between February and April, the trailside California Poppies are worth the early start.
Spare Time Books in Paso Robles
945 12th St Suite C, Paso Robles
I have been in my bookstore era for a while now, and this one earned a place on the list. Two friends bought it together and filled it with warmth — book clubs, events, even a Silent Book Club that feels made for introverts like me.
E-Bikes and Picnic at Cass Winery
7350 Linne Rd, Paso Robles
Most wineries are not built for people who do not drink wine. We rented e-bikes here and rode through the vineyards while Sam checked out the views. Then we found a spot by the reservoir for lunch — just us, a blanket, and rows of grapevines stretching out in every direction.
Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo
Pink. Exuberant. Completely committed to its own vision. The Madonna Inn is the kind of place you stop at because everyone tells you to — and then you stay because the pink champagne cake is genuinely good.
Where We Ate
S’aranella, Paso Robles – our favorite meal of the trip. Modern Spanish with tapas, pintxos, and paellas. The pan con tomate is still on my mind weeks later.
Feral Kitchen & Lounge, SLO — upscale speakeasy vibes upstairs with creative cocktails and burgers worth the climb.
Scout Coffee, SLO — my favorite coffee shop from the trip. There is a mural outside that makes you want to linger.
Spearhead Coffee, Paso Robles — recommended by our server at S’aranella, and worth the detour.
Mersea’s Seafood Restaurant, Avila Beach — more for the ocean view than the menu, but that view is hard to beat.
Where We Stayed
In SLO we stayed at The Butler Hotel — an old auto repair shop converted into a quiet hotel. Close enough to downtown to walk, far enough from the noise to sleep well. Check-in was entirely by text code; no front desk, no small talk.
In Paso Robles it was the Paso Robles Inn, right next to the historic square. Spacious rooms, wandering paths on the property, and a short walk to Spare Time Books — which made my morning significantly better.
A note from Nora
Maybe that is what SLO CAL does best: it does not ask you to be an adventurous traveler or a slow one. It just lets you be whoever shows up, as long as you are willing to look at the sky once in a while.
I’ve been thinking lately about that specific travel moment you know: you arrive at the famous spot, look around, and quietly think, “is this it?” It happens. I’ve been up the CFTR a thousand times and I’m still not over the view, but half the things tourists line up for in Toronto could have skipped the line entirely.
After calling this city home for 25 years — long enough to remember when the CN Tower was the only giant in the sky, and when a ferry to the Islands felt like crossing to another world — I’ve put together the guide I wish someone had handed me. Not the brochure version. The real one, with the corners I actually like.
Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, here’s what I think is genuinely worth your time.
The Quick List: 5 Things to Do in Toronto If You’re Short on Time
Short weekend? First trip? Start here.
The CN Tower — the iconic sky-high view over the city and Lake Ontario
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada — a stunning ride right at the bottom of the tower
Royal Ontario Museum — world-class art, culture, and natural history in one building
A ferry day trip to the Toronto Islands — the best escape from the city’s buzz, skyline included
Get lost in Kensington Market — Toronto’s bohemian, passionately multicultural heart
Catch a Blue Jays game on a summer afternoon — a classic Toronto ritual
The Big Icons (Yes, You Should Still Do These)
Go up the CN Tower — do the EdgeWalk if you’re brave
You can’t talk about Toronto without the CN Tower, and that’s not just because it’s in the name. I’ve been up countless times, and on a clear day the view is straight-up stupidly good. For the really brave, the EdgeWalk is genuinely terrifying and completely unforgettable — it’s the world’s tallest full-circle, hands-free tower walk, and you’ll be dangling 356m (1,168 ft) above the street telling this story for years. We did it once for my dad’s 80th birthday, and he’s still talking about it.
My biggest tip: book timed tickets online well in advance. The lines can be truly enormous, and no one’s watching the skyline happy while they wait in line.
Glide under the sea at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Right at the base of the CN Tower is Ripley’s, one of the best aquarium experiences of its kind in the world. The standout is the Dangerous Lagoon — a huge underwater tunnel with a moving sidewalk, so you just stand there and watch sharks, sea turtles, and giant sawfish drift past. For families, for rainy days, or for anyone who likes turtles, it’s a genuine winner. Go on a weekday morning or later in the evening to dodge the biggest crowds.
Lose a morning at the Royal Ontario Museum
The ROM is one of the largest museums in North America, and that sharp, drifting Michael Lee-Chin Crystal crashed into the historic building makes it impossible to miss. I used to live a few blocks away, so this museum has a soft spot in my heart. It’s a treasure trove of world culture and natural history, but my favorite has always been the dinosaur wing — truly world-class. Skip the weekday mornings if you can: schools and groups flood in. Go after 1 p.m. instead and the whole place settles down.
Wander the Art Gallery of Ontario
Even if you’re not an art person, go for the building alone. The swirling wooden staircase Frank Gehry designed is a masterpiece, and spending an afternoon in the Thomson Collection of European art and the Group of Seven paintings — Canada’s most iconic group of artists — is one of the calmest hours you can have in the middle of this loud city.
Eat your way through St. Lawrence Market
National Geographic once named St. Lawrence Market the best food market in the world, and 200-plus years later I’m here to tell you they weren’t wrong. It’s a Toronto institution in the truest sense, and the new North Building opened in April 2025, housing the Farmers’ and Antique Markets. My ritual is non-negotiable: head to Carousel Bakery for the peameal bacon on a bun. It’s the most Toronto thing you can eat. Saturdays when the farmers’ market is in full swing are glorious — and packed. For a calmer browse, go on a weekday.
Step back in time in the Distillery District
The Distillery District’s cobblestone streets are a beautifully preserved slice of Victorian industrial architecture, and completely pedestrian-only, which is half the charm. Back when I worked in the film industry, we used to shoot here long before it became the art, culture, and good-food hub it is today. If you can time your visit for the winter, the Christmas Market here is magical, and I make a point of going every single year.
Explore the castle: Casa Loma
Toronto has its own castle, and it’s a spectacular Gothic Revival mansion. I have work memories from here too — a lot of the first X-Men movie was shot at Casa Loma. The audio guide is worth whatever it costs: it’s narrated by “Archie,” the castle’s fictional archivist, and he brings the rooms and the former owner, Sir Henry Pellatt, fully to life. My favorite part is winding through the secret passages and the 800-foot tunnel that runs from the castle to the stables.
Downtown’s Beating Heart
People-watch at Yonge-Dundas Square
They call it Canada’s Times Square, though — honestly, it doesn’t need the nickname. It’s a huge public square flooded with flashing billboards, sprawling crowds, and street performers, sensory overload in the best possible way. It’s not a place for quiet, and that’s the point. I love sitting with a coffee and just watching the impossible cross-section of humanity flow through, especially at night when all the lights come on. In summer there are often free concerts and events.
Stand in front of the TORONTO sign at Nathan Phillips Square
City Hall, the famous “TORONTO” sign, and one of the biggest public squares in the city. In winter the reflecting pool freezes over into an outdoor rink, and renting skates here is a classic Toronto experience — I can tell you from grownups in two hats pretending that’s not happening. In summer it’s the hub for festivals and big events. It’s also the spot for the photo you’re going to post, day or night.
Neighbourhoods Where the Real Toronto Hides
Away from the big-ticket names, Toronto is a city of very different neighbourhoods. Forget the map — getting a little lost is the whole point.
Wander Kensington Market
A designated National Historic Site, and one of the best places in the city to eat, shop, and just exist. It’s a vibrant, multicultural maze of independent stores and eclectic food stalls in the heart of Chinatown. Grungy, colorful, unapologetically itself. I used to live here, and my favorite way to spend the day is to wander for hours without a plan. Follow your nose to the smell of fresh churros, slip into three vintage shops you can’t resist, and pick up an empanada from one of the Latin American stalls.
Take a long walk down Queen Street West
Once named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, Queen West has been the epicentre of Toronto’s art and music scene for decades. The Graffiti Alley alone is worth the trip — the murals are incredible and constantly changing. This was the spot where Rick Mercer filmed his infamous “rants” for Canadian television (if you’ve never seen one, consider that a personal failing on your part). It’s perfect for a slow walk, popping into designer shops and music venues like the Horseshoe Tavern.
Eat until you can’t on Little Italy on College Street
Toronto has several “Little Italys,” but College Street is the original, and it used to be my stomping grounds. Countless nights exploring its restaurants and bars. In summer the patios are packed and the whole neighbourhood is buzzing. For good food and late-night eats after a show, I still go here first.
Window-shop in Yorkville
If Queen West is Toronto’s artistic heart, Yorkville is its polished, upscale counterweight — and since it’s the last neighbourhood I’ve lived in, I know it like the back of my hand. It’s fantastic for window shopping and celebrity spotting, especially during TIFF. The BATA Shoe Museum is here too, if you’re into that specific kind of cool. For the full Yorkville feel, a cocktail on the Sassafraz patio for people-watching is perfect; for something more casual, Hemingway’s rooftop patio or Eataly for a proper Italian spread will do.
Newer Spots the Locals Are Talking About
I’ve lived here for more than 25 years, and the city still manages to surprise me. These are the newer additions that have quickly become must-sees.
Marvel at Little Canada
One of the city’s newest and genuinely most charming attractions: a massive, shockingly detailed miniature world of famous Canadian landmarks, from coast to coast. I was prone to bluster by the detail — a tiny, twinkling version of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa during their winter light show, a minuscule Niagara Falls. It’s surprisingly magical, and one of the better cross-ages experiences in Toronto.
Spend an evening at The Well
The Well is a huge new development that has completely transformed the area west of the financial district: an open-air cluster of shops, great restaurants, and a European-style food market. It’s quickly become one of my favorite spots for dinner — the range of food is astonishing, from fine dining to casual eats. A great place to land an evening when the weather’s good.
Walk the redeveloped waterfront
Toronto’s waterfront used to be an industrial afterthought full of old movie studios. Now you can walk or bike for kilometres along the water’s edge. My favorite part is Sugar Beach — soft sand and those iconic pink umbrellas, right next to the old Redpath Sugar Refinery. An urban beach that feels like a cheat code.
For the Sports Fans
Toronto takes its teams seriously, and the passion is infectious — especially during a playoff run. The main sports complex, including the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena, is right downtown.
Catch a Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre
There is nothing quite like a clear afternoon at the ballpark. This place is packed with memories for me — my husband worked at the Rogers Centre for years, and I was lucky enough to stand in its ugly seats and watch the Blue Jays win the World Series in 1993. A hot dog, the dome open (weather permitting), the crowd doing the one — it’s the most classic summer experience in this city. Even if baseball isn’t your thing, the atmosphere on its own is worth a few hours. Look for the “Loonie Dogs” nights for a deal-worthy ticket.
See the Raptors or Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena
Home to the NBA’s Raptors and the NHL’s Maple Leafs, this is where the action is. Leafs tickets are notoriously hard to come by, but you can usually find seats for a Raptors game. If you’re here during a playoff run, whatever you do, go to “Jurassic Park” — the outdoor square next to the arena where fans spill out and watch the game on a huge screen. The energy is electric, in a good way.
Pay respects at the Hockey Hall of Fame
If you like hockey at all, this is a must. It’s a wonderful tribute to the sport, full of memorabilia and interactive exhibits, and even folks whose interest is passing get quietly taken by it. My favorite part is seeing the actual Stanley Cup up close in the Great Hall. It’s smaller than you’d think. A perfect few hours to spend downtown.
Get Outside: Pockets of Green You Can Reach in 30 Minutes
Ferry to the Toronto Islands
A short, scenic ferry ride from downtown and the city’s noise just… turns off. The Toronto Islands are a string of car-free islands with beaches, parks, and some of the best skyline views in the city. It’s the perfect family day trip, and home to Centreville Amusement Park, the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, and the castaway ruins of the Hanlan’s Point Hotel. It’s a soft spot for me too — this is where my husband and I had our first date, so I have a soft spot I refuse to explain. The ferry runs to three different stops; for beaches and a slower vibe, head to Ward’s Island or Hanlan’s Point. Rent a bike — it’s the best way to explore the little paths and bridges.
Picnic in High Park
High Park is Toronto’s largest public park, and a true urban oasis. I lived in the High Park neighbourhood for 10 years — it was the first home I had when I moved to Toronto — and I’ve never stopped coming back. The cherry blossoms in spring are world-famous and beautifully crowded, but I’m actually a fall person here: when the maples are all fire, this place is at its quietest. After a walk, head over to the nearby Roncesvalles Village — one of my favorite neighbourhoods, full of Polish delis and indie coffee shops.
Hike the Scarborough Bluffs
A hard-to-believe landscape within the city limits: the Scarborough Bluffs are a stretch of dramatic white cliffs running 15 km along the Lake Ontario shoreline. For the most iconic view, head to Bluffer’s Park — look up from the beach to the towering white cliffs and for an hour you’ll think you’re on the Mediterranean, not in a major Canadian city.
How to Actually Plan the Trip
Getting around
TTC (public transit): the best way to get around Toronto. The subway is fast and great for long distances north-south and east-west, and the streetcar and bus fill in the rest. You can just tap your credit card or phone on your way in and out, or grab a PRESTO card if you’re here a while.
From the airport: the UP Express train from Pearson (YYZ) to Union Station is, without a doubt, the best way into the city — clean, frequent, and only 25 minutes. Do not sit in a taxi in traffic and wonder what you were thinking.
Walking: downtown and the best neighbourhoods are very walkable. Once you’re in Kensington Market or Yorkville, your feet are the best transport.
When to go
Summer (June–August): the city is at full volume — patios packed, festivals every weekend, warm air. The most popular time, and the most crowded.
Autumn (September–October): my favorite. The humidity is gone, the colours in the Don Valley and High Park are unreal, and TIFF takes over the city.
Winter (December–March): yes, it’s cold — layer up. But the Distillery Christmas Market, the Nathan Phillips rink, and fewer crowds make it a genuinely magical alternative.
Spring (April–May): unpredictable (you can still get snow in April, no judgment), but May is when High Park’s cherry blossoms erupt and the city finally exhales. If you’re going for the flowers, aim for late May.
Where to stay
For a short visit, I’d stay central — downtown or the Entertainment District puts you within walking distance of most of what’s on this list. Yorkville if you want the luxury-hotel, fine-dining side of things. If you’re after a local, less touristy feel, Queen Street West, Ossington, or anywhere west of the city is where I’d bed down.
That’s the City I Keep Coming Back To
Toronto reinvents itself constantly, and I think that’s exactly why I still love it after 25 years. It’s a mosaic of cultures, cuisines, and corners you can’t find in one trip — and the people here are remarkably welcoming about letting you find them. I hope this saves you from a few of the “is this it?” moments.
And if you have questions about the city I live in, ask away in the comments — I answer faster than the UP Express gets you into the city.
