Everything You Need to Know About the Amelia Island Lighthouse
How to Explore Florida’s Oldest Lighthouse
If you're planning a trip to Amelia Island, one landmark deserves a spot at the top of your itinerary: the Amelia Island Lighthouse. Standing on the highest point of the island, this historic sixty seven foot structure is more than just a tall building. It’s special treasure made back in 1820 and inside has a remarkable spiral staircase made out of granite that was hand cut. The Amelia Island Lighthouse is worth a visit and is the perfect starting point for a day of sightseeing, waterfront views, and fresh local cuisine.
Where is the Amelia Island Lighthouse?
The Amelia Island Lighthouse is located in Fernandina Beach at 215 O'Hagan Lane which is accessible from North Wolff Street. With a beautiful view overlooking Amelia Island, the lighthouse holds tours on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. On the tour you can learn about the history of the lighthouse and how important it is to Amelia Island.
A fun fact about the Amelia Island Lighthouse is that it wasn't originally located on Amelia Island. The lighthouse was first constructed on Cumberland Island, Georgia, in the early 1800s. After Spain ceded Florida to the United States, shifting channels made the original location less effective, so the brick lighthouse was carefully dismantled and rebuilt on Amelia Island, where it continues to stand today.
The Amelia Island Lighthouse is beautiful year round and is a perfect opportunity to get plenty of pictures. Between its rich history, unique architecture, and picturesque location, it's easy to see why the lighthouse remains one of Amelia Island's most beloved attractions.
Image courtesy of Judson McCranie via Wikipedia
The History of the Amelia Island Lighthouse
The black and white lighthouse holds a special place in Florida’s history. Early in the nineteenth century (even before Florida became a state!), this lighthouse was built to guide ships along the darkened waters of the Atlantic Coast.
Over the decades, the lighthouse changed from oil to easily operated electric lights. We bet the lighthouse keeper was glad they didn’t have to carry heavy buckets of oil up sixty-nine granite steps anymore! Today, the light still shines as far as sixteen miles out to sea. This distinctive pattern of flashing light is one of Amelia Island’s most unique treasures.
What Makes This Destination So Unique?
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Amelia Island Lighthouse is its status as the oldest lighthouse in Florida. Its signature white tower and black body stand out against the coastal landscape because its daymark is unique to the lighthouse. A daymark is a navigational aid that helps sailors identify landmarks and determine their location during daylight hours. This visual identifier allows boaters to distinguish Amelia Island’s lighthouse from other landmarks along the coast, making it an important navigational aid both day and night.
Even more impressive, it is the only lighthouse in Florida that has never undergone major rebuilding, allowing visitors to see a structure that remains remarkably true to its original form. While many lighthouses built near the coast suffered damage from storms and erosion, the Amelia Island Lighthouse has remained standing thanks in part to its location on the island's highest point. The Amelia Island Lighthouse is just one of many incredible attractions on Amelia Island, making it easy to fill an entire day with sightseeing, outdoor activities, and coastal charm.
Image courtesy of Meerkat Media Group
Plan the Perfect Amelia Island Picnic
After seeing the historic lighthouse, stop by Timoti's Seafood Shak and grab a meal to go. Fresh seafood baskets, sandwiches, and locally inspired favorites make it easy to create the perfect picnic for your adventure.
The Amelia Island Lighthouse is worth a visit and it's even better when paired with a delicious seafood meal from Timoti's Seafood Shak after your adventure.