Landmarks & More

Amelia Island Lighthouse: 

Built in 1838, Florida's oldest lighthouse has guided mariners since the state's admission to the Union. While the lighthouse itself remains an active aid to navigation, visitors can explore the historic grounds on Saturdays (11 AM - 2 PM). Interior tours offer a glimpse inside this landmark on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month ($10 for adults, $5 for children 12 & under; pre-registration is required via the number above or the Atlantic Recreation Center). Location: 215 O'Hagan Lane, Fernandina Beach, FL Visitor Info: Grounds open Saturdays 11 AM-2 PM. Interior tours require pre-registration.

American Beach Museum:

Discover the inspiring story of American Beach, established in 1935 by Abraham Lincoln Lewis as a haven for African Americans during the Jim Crow era. Explore the community, read historical markers detailing its significance, and visit the A.L. Lewis Museum (see Museums section) for deeper insights. Also, see NaNa, Florida's tallest sand dune, a symbol of preservation. Location: American Beach community, off A1A, Amelia Island, FL

Fernandina Beach Historic District:

Wander through this remarkable 50-block area, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Admire the stunning concentration of well-preserved Victorian-era architecture – ornate homes, charming cottages, and historic storefronts along Centre Street and beyond – inviting you to vividly imagine life in centuries past.

Fort Clinch State Park:

Journey to Amelia Island's northern tip to explore one of the best-preserved 19th-century forts in the country. Fort Clinch served as a significant Union base during the Civil War. Walk the ramparts, explore the barracks, and interact with living historians (on select days) to gain insight into military life during that era, all set against over 1,100 acres of natural parkland. (See Parks & Land Adventures for more park activities).

Old Town Fernandina & Plaza San Carlos:

Visit the original site of Fernandina, first settled by Timucuan Native Americans and later laid out by the Spanish in 1811 with a distinctive grid plan. Today, you can view some of the remaining historic homes built directly on the ground ("Spanish fashion") and stand in the Plaza San Carlos (formerly Plaza de la Constitucion), the last Spanish-platted plaza in the Western Hemisphere, offering glimpses into history and beautiful sunset views over the Amelia River. Location: Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park, Estrada Street, Fernandina Beach, FL