Amelia Island Lighthouse
Florida's oldest lighthouse, built in 1838, offering historic tours and panoramic island views on select Saturdays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Limited tour hours
Amelia Island Lighthouse
Best Time
Limited tour hours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Florida's oldest lighthouse, built in 1838, offering historic tours and panoramic island views on select Saturdays.
"A beautiful historic beacon, but plan ahead as tours are only on Saturdays!"
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours are limited to Saturdays and require advance booking. Don't miss out!
🚗 Golf Cart Friendly
Navigate the neighborhood easily with a golf cart. Parking is limited.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Amelia Island Lighthouse
Fernandina Beach
Florida's oldest lighthouse, a historic beacon offering stunning views and a glimpse into maritime history.
Guided Tour Experience
Lighthouse Interior
Climb to the top for panoramic island vistas and learn about the lighthouse's rich past from knowledgeable guides.
Historic Fernandina Beach
Downtown Fernandina Beach
Explore charming shops, local eateries, and historic architecture just a short distance from the lighthouse.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tour Availability is Limited
Location & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours are limited to Saturdays and require advance booking. Don't miss out!
🚗 Golf Cart Friendly
Navigate the neighborhood easily with a golf cart. Parking is limited.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of this historic landmark. The grounds offer great angles.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Combine your lighthouse visit with a stroll through historic Fernandina Beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours are limited to Saturdays and require advance booking. Don't miss out!
🚗 Golf Cart Friendly
Navigate the neighborhood easily with a golf cart. Parking is limited.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of this historic landmark. The grounds offer great angles.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Combine your lighthouse visit with a stroll through historic Fernandina Beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Amelia Island Lighthouse as a beautiful and historic landmark, especially appreciating the guided tours that offer stunning island views and historical insights. However, many note the significant limitation of its infrequent Saturday-only operating hours, leading to disappointment for those who cannot make it during that narrow window. The lighthouse's location within a residential neighborhood also means limited parking and basic grounds.
"Lighthouse is only open on Saturday. We had a good time taking a golf cart ride and driving by anyway."
Jessica L. Smallwood
"I went Saturday August 17th at 11:00, and it was open to park and walk around the lighthouse. Several others came and went as I was there taking pictures, expect to spend about 10 minutes there at most. There are a few benches if you'd like to sit and rest. The lighthouse is beautiful, and worth the visit if you enjoy lighthouses and are in the area.
As others have said, it's only open on Saturdays starting at 11:00 for a few hours. There are no facilities there, just simply a few parking spaces and the lighthouse. It's located in the middle of a neighborhood and the "driveway" up to it is 1 lane."
Alex Bennett
"Not much to say, as the site is under construction. It looks nice. If you trek there from the beach, it's a nice little hike through a quiet neighborhood."
Lance Doddridge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The lighthouse is located in a residential neighborhood in Fernandina Beach. Parking is limited, so consider arriving by golf cart or bicycle. Some visitors suggest it's a nice hike from the beach through quiet streets.
Public transportation options directly to the lighthouse are limited. It's best to drive, bike, or use a golf cart to reach the site.
You can see the very top of the Amelia Island Lighthouse from a pull-off at Fort Clinch State Park, especially when it's lit. However, the treeline obscures a full view.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The lighthouse is typically only open for guided tours on Saturdays for a few hours. It's crucial to check the official schedule and book your tour in advance, as access is restricted.
Information on tour pricing can be found on the official Amelia Island Lighthouse website or by contacting them directly. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Yes, advance reservations are essential for guided tours of the Amelia Island Lighthouse due to limited availability.
The lighthouse has undergone renovations, including work on its Fresnel lens. It's advisable to check for any ongoing construction that might affect access or tours.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting for photos of the Amelia Island Lighthouse. The surrounding neighborhood also provides charming backdrops. +1
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or the lighthouse management regarding drone operation policies to ensure compliance.
The grounds around the lighthouse offer excellent vantage points. You can also capture unique shots from the surrounding residential streets or from a distance at Fort Clinch State Park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the historical aspect and the idea of a guiding light for ships to make it engaging. Consider renting a golf cart for a fun way to navigate the neighborhood to the lighthouse, adding an element of adventure to the outing. Since tours are limited, plan your Saturday visit carefully. Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities at the lighthouse itself are minimal.
📸 Photographers
Remember that access to the interior is limited to specific tour times on Saturdays.
The nearby Fort Clinch State Park also offers a distant, albeit partial, view of the lighthouse, which can be an interesting photographic challenge. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Beacon of History: The Amelia Island Lighthouse
+1 Its iconic structure has guided mariners for generations, and its presence is deeply woven into the fabric of Fernandina Beach. The lighthouse is a significant historical landmark, offering a tangible connection to the area's rich heritage. Visiting the lighthouse offers a unique opportunity to step back in time. While exterior views are accessible, the true magic lies in the guided tours, which are available on select Saturdays.
Climbing to the top rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of Amelia Island, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding landscape, making it a memorable experience for history buffs and sightseers alike. Beyond the lighthouse itself, its location within a charming residential neighborhood adds to its appeal. Exploring the quiet streets by golf cart or bicycle allows for a more immersive experience, connecting the lighthouse to the community it serves.
Planning Your Lighthouse Visit
The lighthouse is situated in the heart of a residential area, which means parking is quite limited.
When planning your visit, consider combining it with other attractions on Amelia Island. Historic Fernandina Beach, with its unique shops and restaurants, is a short distance away and makes for a perfect complement to your lighthouse excursion.
This allows you to make a full day of exploring the island's historical and cultural offerings, creating a well-rounded and memorable trip. 
Social
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