Welcome to Amelia Island, where history meets beauty at every turn. Get your phone and/or camera ready as we explore some of the island’s most iconic landmarks and unveil fascinating facts about each one.

1. Shark!

The big shark hanging at the Fernandina Harbor Marina is not just a whimsical decoration. It’s actually a nod to the island’s vibrant fishing culture, where tales of big catches and nautical adventures are found.

Fun Fact: Besides Peg Leg Pete and the statue of David Yulee, it’s probably had the most photo ops of any of the island landmarks.

2. David Yulee Statue

David Yulee, a prominent figure in Florida’s history, greets visitors at the Amelia Island Welcome Center (old train depot) downtown. Yulee played a pivotal role in the development of Florida’s railroad system, connecting the state with the rest of the country.

Fun Fact: David Yulee was the first Jewish member of the United States Senate. He officially changed his name to David Levy Yulee in 1846, resuming the use of his family’s original surname.

3. NaNa Dune

Rising majestically above American Beach, NaNa Dune holds the title of the tallest dune in Florida. It overlooks one of the few stretches of ocean that welcomed Black families throughout segregation and the Jim Crow era and it has been a witness to generations of stories.

Fun Fact: MaVynne Betsche, dubbed the “beach lady”, devoted the last 25 years of her life as this historic African-American community’s most vocal advocate. She is the one who name the dune NaNa.

4. The Lesesne House

Step back in time at the Lesesne House, also known as the “Crown Jewel of Centre Street”. Built in 1860, this gorgeous old home was once home to Dr. John Lesesne who treated soldiers during the Civil War. This home is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and plays host to weddings, parties, and many other events.

Fun Fact: The Lesesne House is the oldest remaining post-and-beam home on Amelia Island.

5. Old Town

Old Town is a little community all its own located on a bluff overlooking the Amelia River. It’s unique because it’s the only Spanish town in Florida where the original site plat remains to this day. It’s also the site of Plaza San Carlos (grounds in front of the Spanish Fort San Carlos, which is no longer in existence), and was the original town of Fernandina before it moved to the present location along Centre Street in 1861.

Fun Fact: In the 1980’s, film crews used Old Town and the Downes House, also called the Captain’s House, as the site for the film The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking. Most folks refer to it as the Pippi Longstocking house, now.

6. Fort Clinch

Originally built to defend the strategic port of Fernandina, Fort Clinch was twice seized by Union forces during the Civil War. Today, this well-preserved fort is part of a 1,500 acre state park with daily tours, trails, biking and hiking, beach combing, sunbathing, swimming, and surf fishing. 

Fun Fact: Dozens of visitors to the old fort have reported seeing the ghost of a Union soldier who wanders about, occasionally tipping his hat at astonished visitors.

7. Amelia Island Lighthouse

Originally built in 1820, the Amelia Island Lighthouse stood on Cumberland Island just across the channel from Amelia Island. However, changes in the channel made the “Cumberland Tower” ineffective so it was completely dismantled brick by brick and reconstructed on Amelia Island where it remains to this day.

Fun Fact: When the lighthouse lantern first sent its beam out to sea, Florida was not yet even a state.

8. Florida House Inn

Built in 1857 as a boarding house for his railroad employees, the Florida House Inn housed Union officers during the Civil War. One of them, Major Leddy, bought it after the war and ran it as a hotel with his wife. Famous guests include the Carnegies and Rockefellers, U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, automotive tycoon Henry Ford, and early film stars Mary Pickford as well as Laurel and Hardy.

Fun Fact: One person from the old times seems to have been so fond of it she has never left.  “Miz Leddy,” the major’s wife. Bartenders still catch the scent of her strong lavender perfume 

9. Pirates!

If you’re downtown, the chances of running into a pirate along the way are pretty high. They’re sort of the island mascot. Whether it’s in front of the Ships Lantern store (pictured above), outside of The Palace Saloon (Florida’s Oldest Bar) or with Peg Leg Pete who watches over the harbor, these guys get a lot of camera time.

Fun Fact: In 1817, Amelia Island became the site of the “Pirates’ Republic” when a group of pirates led by Luis Aury took control of the island. Aury and his men engaged in various illegal activities, including smuggling and attacking ships.

10. Marina Anchor

If you’re heading to the downtown docks or Brett’s Waterway Cafe, chances are you’ve climbed on the anchor that sits in front of the harbor. The large anchor, which represents Amelia Island’s maritime history, was dedicated to the port in 1962 and has seen so much change over the course of those years.

Fun Fact: This anchor quietly welcomes visitors to the marina and has become an excellent photo opportunity.

As you explore Amelia Island, keep an eye out for these landmarks that weave together the tapestry of our island’s story. Each one holding a little piece of history and a promise of adventure!