Attractions & History
Island Guide

Attractions & History

Fort Clinch, historic downtown Fernandina Beach, museums, the lighthouse, and the centuries-old sites that shaped Amelia Island.

13 listings

Fort Clinch State Park

Fort Clinch State Park

One of the best-preserved 19th-century forts in America, set within a 1,400-acre state park on the northern tip of Amelia Island. Self-guided fort tours are available daily, with at least one costumed reenactor on-site. "Living history" weekends occur the first weekend of each month. The park also offers camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and beaches on both the Atlantic and Cumberland Sound.

2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Historic State Park Civil War
Amelia Island Museum of History

Amelia Island Museum of History

Florida's first oral history museum, housed in the beautifully restored 1935 Nassau County Jail in the heart of the Fernandina Historic District. Exhibits span 4,000 years, from the Timucuan people through the "Eight Flags" era. The docent-led Eight Flags Tour runs at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Mon-Sat, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Admission $8 adults, $5 students.

233 S 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Museum History Eight Flags
Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach & Centre Street

Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach & Centre Street

A 50-block historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with more than 400 individually recognized structures. Centre Street is the vibrant heart, lined with Victorian-era buildings housing boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and bars. The district stretches from the waterfront marina to the Amelia River, offering a walkable blend of history, dining, and shopping.

Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Historic District Shopping Dining
Amelia Island Lighthouse

Amelia Island Lighthouse

Built in 1838, the Amelia Island Lighthouse is one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the United States. Standing on a small hill overlooking the north end of the island, it was relocated from its original position on nearby Cumberland Island, Georgia. Guided bus tours depart the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. from the Atlantic Recreation Center ($10 adults, $5 children). Grounds open Saturdays 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

215 O'Hagan Ln, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Historic Lighthouse Tours
The Palace Saloon

The Palace Saloon

Florida's oldest continuously operating drinking establishment. Originally built as a haberdashery in 1878, Louis G. Hirth converted it to a saloon in 1903 and installed the magnificent 40-foot hand-carved mahogany bar that still stands today. Once a haunt of the Vanderbilts, DuPonts, and Carnegies, it was the last bar in Florida to close on the eve of Prohibition and survived the dry years selling gasoline, ice cream, and near-beer.

117 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Historic Bar Nightlife
Old Town Fernandina

Old Town Fernandina

The original town site of Fernandina, established during the Spanish colonial period, located north of the current downtown Historic District. Roughly bounded by Towngate Street, Bosque Bello Cemetery, and the Amelia River, Old Town contains some of the island's oldest structures and was the filming location for the 1988 movie "The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking." Fernandina Plaza State Park marks its center.

N 14th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Historic Spanish Colonial Walking Tour
Maritime Museum of Amelia Island

Maritime Museum of Amelia Island

A museum dedicated to Amelia Island's rich maritime history, from the Timucuan era and Spanish exploration through the golden age of sail, the Civil War naval blockade, and the modern shrimping industry. Features ship models, nautical artifacts, and interactive displays. Located in the heart of historic downtown Fernandina Beach.

115 S 2nd St, Ste B, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Museum Maritime History
Bosque Bello Cemetery

Bosque Bello Cemetery

Meaning "Beautiful Woods," this historic cemetery was established during the Spanish period around 1798, though the oldest identified grave dates to 1813. Originally part of a Spanish land grant donated to the city, it sits near the entrance to Old Town Fernandina beneath a canopy of ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss. A hauntingly beautiful and peaceful place to walk and reflect on island history.

1321 N 14th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Historic Cemetery Spanish Colonial
St. Peter's Episcopal Church

St. Peter's Episcopal Church

One of the oldest churches in Florida, with roots dating to an 1858 missionary outpost. The current Neo-Gothic structure was built in 1881, partially destroyed by fire in 1892, rebuilt, and formally consecrated on Easter Day 1901. The stunning stained-glass windows and Gothic architecture make it one of the most photographed buildings in the Fernandina Beach Historic District.

801 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Historic Church Architecture
Pippi Longstocking House (Villa Villekulla)

Pippi Longstocking House (Villa Villekulla)

The colorful Victorian home used as "Villa Villekulla" in the 1988 film "The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking." Built in 1888, this privately owned residence sits in the Old Town neighborhood directly across from Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park. A beloved local landmark and popular photo stop. Please be respectful — it is a private home and not open to tours.

212 Estrada St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Historic Movie Location Victorian
Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

One of the world's most prestigious vintage automobile shows, held annually in early March on the grounds of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The multi-day event features rare and one-of-a-kind collectible cars across 36+ classes, along with automotive auctions, driving tours, seminars, and community events. The 2026 show was held March 5-8, honoring racing legend Dario Franchitti.

The Ritz-Carlton, 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Annual Event Cars Luxury
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival

A beloved annual tradition now in its 61st year, held the first weekend of May in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Features boatloads of fresh local shrimp prepared by non-profit and civic organizations, a juried Fine Arts and Crafts show with 300+ artists, a lively parade, live entertainment, fireworks, and family activities. Free admission. The 2026 festival runs May 1-3.

Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, Centre St, FL 32034

Annual Event Festival Seafood
Fernandina Beach Shrimping Museum

Fernandina Beach Shrimping Museum

A free museum at the City Marina and Marine Welcome Center honoring Fernandina Beach's distinction as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. Learn about net making, boat building, and the industry that shaped the local economy. Small but packed with history, artifacts, and photographs. Open Mon-Sat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun 1-4 p.m.

17 S Front St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Museum Free Maritime

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