Comprised in a 50 block area downtown Fernandina Beach, The Historic District encompasses numerous 19th century structures that visitors can admire by taking a self-guided tour or shopping. Fernardina’s Historic District is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Amelia’s Parks and Plazas are another of the main attractions for avid adventurers.

Amelia Island State Park, Tel. (904) 251-2320

This park is located 7 miles north of Little Talbot Island State Park, and 8 miles south of Fernandina Beach, featuring an unspoiled wilderness through 200 acres of salt marshes, coastal maritime forests, and pristine beaches, offering horseback riding on the beach, not usual in the Florida region. Amelia Island State Park also offers bird and wildlife watching, seashells hunting, fishing, and strolling along the beach

Fernandina Plaza, Tel. (904) 277-7274

Fernandina Plaza was designed in 1769 in accordance to the essential elements of the Spanish colonial town plan, although no permanent settlement in this area was recorded until 1801, that today is an open grassy area designated by a State of Florida Historic Marker, featuring scenic views of the Amelia River and Victorian era homes nearby, as well as picnic facilities.

Amelia Island Plantation, Oak Marsh Golf Course. Tel 888-261-6161

Designed by Pete Dye and built in 1972, this 6,500 yard golf course encompasses small greens and fairways along serpentine salt marsh creeks and Amelia’s traditional moss draped oaks. Featuring 14 holes with water hazards and bulk-headed greens, the course is open for walking tours after 4 pm.

Big Talbot Island State Park, Tel. (904) 251-2320

This park is a natural preserve adjacent to Amelia, in one of the unique northeast Florida’s island, a bird watching paradise with many rich and diverse habitats and natural photographic sceneries. There are several canoe routes through the marshes, providing exciting exploring adventures. There are also a number of historic hiking trails and fishing facilities.

Little Talbot Island State Park, Tel. (904) 251-2320

Featuring salt marshes and desert-like dunes, Little Talbot State Park has a rich maritime forest, where visitors can easily watch river otters, marsh rabbits bobcats, and many other birds native to this island. Sunbathing, swimming and relaxing are popular along the five miles of Little Talbot’s sandy beaches.

Fort George Island Cultural State Park, Tel. (904) 251-2320

Fort George was built in 1736 to defend the southern flank of the British Colony of Georgia, becoming a vacation center during the 1920s, that today is a state park offering hiking, biking, boating and fishing. The Fort’s Visitor Center is housed in the recently restored Ribault Club, once an exclusive resort within Fort George.

George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park, Tel. (904) 251-2320

Very close to Amelia Island, northeast of Jacksonville, George Crady Bridge is a mile-long, pedestrian-only fishing bridge spanning across the Nassau Sound, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This area provides one of the finest fishing spots in Florida, with varied fish such as drum, jacks, tarpon, and whiting. To access this bridge the north end through Amelia Island State Park.

Another place where there are many things to do when visiting Amelia Island is the Amelia Island Plantation, a 1,350 acre hotel resort with 23 clay tennis courts, four 18-hole championship golf courses, a health and fitness center, fine shops, dining and nightlife facilities. This resort also features a full-service spa which is famous for its award-winning youth programs.

Amelia Island History Museum is located in Fernandina Historic District, in a restored building that was Nassau County Jail until 1935. Another interesting fact is that Amelia Island is the southernmost of the “Golden Isles” chain of barrier islands, hence there are many activities to do when visiting the island.

The Palace Saloon is the last old west style tavern that closed its doors in the United States. Built in 1878, this structure is the oldest saloon in Florida, popular during the late 19th century as a reunion center of wealthy families such as the Carnegie’s, DuPont’s and Vanderbilt’s. Before closing during prohibition, the featured drink served at this saloon was Ice Cream.

The Amelia Island Lighthouse is another of the gems from the 1800s that survived the turn of two centuries. The structure is 107 feet above sea level and was built in 1839, with a lighthouse lamp originally fueled with whale oil, that eventually was replaced with kerosene before electricity.

Unfortunately for the visitor, the Amelia Island Lighthouse is not open to the public, but it can be seen from the park situated on Atlantic Avenue at Egan’s Creek.