HistoryItinerary
If you’re a lover of history, have we got some stories for you. 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. Yes, Amelia Island is chock full of history and we can’t wait to tell you about it.
Check into any of the award-winning Bed & Breakfast Inns in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, your home away from home for the next three days and located smack dab in the middle of 50 blocks of historic charm to explore.
Looking for a boutique hotel? Try the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn — the first local school built on Amelia Island in 1886 that has been renovated into a swanky historic hotel.
Or for those planning a luxurious getaway, book a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island or Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa.
Pictured – Fairbanks House B&B
Your first order of business is a visit to the Amelia Island Welcome Center, located in the old train depot at the foot of Centre Street. Pick up helpful information and brochures from the friendly staff as well as learn about all eight flags that Amelia Island has flown under since 1562!
This is where your history getaway begins.
Where can you overlook the Fernandina Harbor and marina right on the Amelia River AND enjoy a delicious lunch? Salty Pelican has been serving up land and sea dishes in a casual atmosphere since 2012.
Start with the fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese dip followed by a dozen oysters, pelican shrimp wrap, or a good ol burger. So many choices here and all delicious! Oh, and don’t forget Key Lime pie for the win!
Located on the northern end of Amelia Island is Fort Clinch State Park, a Civil War era fort and state park providing daily fort tours, trails for biking and hiking, beachcombing, sunbathing, swimming, and surf fishing. Adults and kids alike will love walking the grounds of the old fort as soldiers reenact what life was like back in 1864. If you happen to be around on the first weekend of the month, you’ll witness a soldier garrison firing cannons and demonstrating other battlefield skills.
Just down the road from Fort Clinch is the Amelia Island Lighthouse. This historical beacon has been shining its light since 1838 and can still be seen 16 miles out at sea. Read all about it here then go see it for yourself.
Burlingame Restaurant, located in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach, is as cool as the restored 1940’s home it sits in. The small, seasonally changing menu created by a talented young local chef, makes sure that folks never get tired of the same ol’ same ol’. It’s relaxed fine dining coupled with an interesting and eclectic selection of wines, craft cocktails and beers.
INSIDER TIP: Try the Steak & Frites served with house-made fries, bone marrow vinaigrette, and roasted garlic aioli
Breakfast is best at Amelia Island Coffee where all the early birds go! Located in a 140-year-old exposed brick building, Amelia Island Coffee offers a variety of hot and cold coffee and espresso drinks, organic teas, freshly baked pastries, and breakfast sandwiches and bagels. I’d say they have all your breakfast items covered!
Grab a table inside or outside and enjoy the eclectic vibe of downtown’s “the coffee shop”.
One of the most fascinating chapters in Amelia Island’s history takes place in and around American Beach on the island’s south end. In addition to the A.L. Lewis Museum, folks can also take a step back in time with Ron Miller, tour guide extraordinaire and owner of Coast One Tours, whose mission is to “Educate and share the History of how and why American Beach was founded”. Become educated, enlightened, and enraptured with not only his tour but the amazing history he provides.
Way back in the early ’80s, an old fish camp was remodeled into a restaurant down under the Shave bridge. And the rest, as they say, is history. The Down Under has grown into the iconic southern seafood restaurant we know today, with a personality all its own. Part quirky fish camp. Part old Florida charm. All delicious.
Enjoy an ice-cold beer or cocktail outside on the oversized deck and watch for dolphin, sea turtles, and manatees. Try their traditional Oysters Rockefeller, followed by Crab Cakes, Spicy Fried Shrimp, Honey Glazed Salmon, or their signature Grouper Monterey.
Discover the rich history of Amelia Island with an Amelia Island Historic Tour. Set out in an air-conditioned minibus for a guided tour of Amelia Island and learn about different phases of local history from the Timucua Indians to the modern shrimping industry. Folks love this tour.
Here’s what one tour attendee had to say: “Daniel was an entertaining and informative tour guide who has a lot of knowledge about the history of the island and a few insider tidbits that were interesting. I would definitely recommend this tour to those who want to know more about national and regional history through lesser-known facts. The bus was comfortable and the size of the group was what we prefer when taking tours. A win-win!”
For a special evening and to end this day of discovery, venture over to David’s Restaurant & Lounge. This elegant, darkly-lit and upscale fine dining establishment specializes in steak and seafood with an extensive wine list. The comfortable roomy lounge with a full bar, appetizer bar menu, and special martini menu is always a nice place to begin your relaxing dining experience and talk about tomorrow’s activities.
Who would’ve ever thought the old Florida Public Utilities building could serve such a yummy purpose today! Welcome to David’s.
INSIDER TIP: Order the signature Prime Aged Ribeye, served with mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies, and finished with rosemary au jus on the side. Trust me…you’ll dream about it.
Known for their famous buttermilk fried chicken & waffles, salads, sandwiches, and $15 bottomless bloody mary’s and mimosas, Leddy’s Porch at The Florida House Inn serves up simple, clean, southern fare for weekend brunch. Dine inside, on the porch, or in the courtyard — it’s all good.
Get a history lesson while you’re there. Amelia Island was Florida’s first luxury tourist destination, luring captains of industry, socialites, and dignitaries during the Gilded Age of the late 19th century, The Florida House Inn was a favorite place to stay and it’s said that some of those visitors have never left.
It wouldn’t be a visit to Fernandina Beach without going to the Amelia Island Museum of History. Housed in the former Nassau County jail (you can still check out one of the cells) in the heart of Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, the state’s first spoken history museum is an excellent place to get your introduction to the wild and wonderful history of the island.
There’s a “Discovery Ship” area for children to explore life as a pirate, a choice of docent or self-guided tours, and exhibits featuring treasures from Amelia Island’s last 4000 years.
Dine on the patio under a canopy of live oaks at The Patio at 5th & Ash. This downtown restaurant has an eclectic menu with a variety of dining options. Lunch menu favorites include the Fernandina French Dip made with braised short rib, caramelized onions, creamy horseradish sauce, provolone cheese, and a side of au jus. Or, the incredible Goat Cheese Burger made with an angus beef patty and topped with Pico de Gallo, creamy goat cheese, avocado, spring mix, and a remoulade sauce.
Wash it all down with a Spice Up Your Life Margarita and I’d say that’s about a perfect lunch. Vegan and Vegetarian options are available as well.
If you’re ready for a boat tour that’s anything but ordinary, climb aboard Amelia Island Pirate Voyages, where history comes alive, and real pirates come along for the ride! Enjoy lively music, cannon battles near historic Fort Clinch, dolphin sightings, and glimpses of wild horses and old ruins along Cumberland Island.
Learn about Amelia Island’s storied past through thrilling tales, and interactive pirate fun. This is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience for kids and adults alike.
Nestled in a 1906 cottage in the heart of historic downtown, Indigo promises an elevated dining experience celebrating the rich flavors of Southern coastal cuisine and highlighting its distinct character and charm. They are dedicated to using only local ingredients, with farm-to-table freshness being at the heart of everything they serve. This is a great date night spot!
INSIDER TIP: The “Faroe Island Salmon”, served with a Vidalia onion potato cake, and asparagus with crawfish Meunier, is amazing.
End your island getaway on a spoooooky note. Ghost Tours of Amelia Island explores the paranormal and sinister side of Amelia Island with spooky haunted history You’ll hear chilling ghostly tales and the most famous haunted stories the city has to offer on this informative .5-1-mile tour ending at St. Peters cemetery.
Ghost hunting equipment is provided. Take a tour… if you dare.
These suggestions are just a sneak peek of all Amelia Island has to offer as you plan your Historic Weekend Getaway. Discover more and plan your perfect trip on www.ameliaisland.com for a complete list of places to stay, eat and play. We’re looking forward to seeing you here for years to come.