Once upon a time, pirate boots stomped along these shores. Thousands of years ago, the ancient Timucua tribe built their civilization here. And this coveted little island off Florida’s northeast coast is the only place in America where eight different national flags have flown. Living history is woven into the Amelia Island experience. You can taste Gullah Geechee heritage in the shrimp and grits, or play on the beach that was home to Florida’s first Black beach resort. Greet the day like American royalty in a Victorian-era B&B, or envision the days of the Civil War as you walk the walls of Fort Clinch. Come experience every era of America. Making history is an Island thing.
Escape to an island named for a princess — where Indians roamed, pirates plundered, gilded age millionaires visited and lived, and African-Americans came to play as a refuge from segregation. Welcome to your weekend history lesson.
Take a look back and experience the depth of African-American history and heritage on our storied coast. Let this itinerary inspire you to come and learn, celebrate and memorialize African American history on Amelia Island.
Amelia Island's charming bed & breakfast inns are picture perfect in every way with secret gardens, shady courtyards, porch swings and rockers, fountains, stately architecture, and distinctive decor. Each award-winning property offers daily breakfasts, afternoon happy hours, lodging packages, and loads of history. All are just steps away from bustling downtown Fernandina Beach with restaurants, shops, sightseeing tours, activities and nightlife.
This 1,500-acre historic park provides exceptional recreational activities and wildlife viewing. Sixty-nine campsites offer unparalleled overnight Real Florida experiences. Enjoy miles of bicycling on the historic oak-canopy drive, or hiking and biking on the 6-mile multi-use trail. Visit Fort Clinch and step back to 1864, as soldiers reenact life during the Civil War. Three miles of beautiful shoreline for fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and shelling.
Uncover the hidden gems of history across Amelia Island with these featured partners, and plan your adventure into the past.
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The Real Treasure Island
Amelia Island's geography set the stage for its' destiny as a maritime magnet for all kinds of adventurers.
Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach
50 blocks of charm await in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, an enchanting Victorian seaport village.
Palace Saloon - Ghost of Charlie
The oldest bar in the state of Florida isn't still operating without a few good stories to tell.
Wild-Caught Amelia
Amelia Island history and the shrimping industry are connected as intertwined as the weave of a perfectly fashioned net.
Meet Me on American Beach
One of the most fascinating chapters in the story of Amelia Island, American Beach came to be through the efforts of Florida's first African American millionaire, Abraham Lincoln Lewis.
Spirits of Amelia Island
Home to Florida's oldest saloon and a modern-day distillery, Amelia Island's lively spirits are ready to welcome you for a fall getaway where you tour local haunts.