Centre Street, Downtown Fernandina’s Historic District
Amelia Island’s Civil War-era Fort Clinch is “one of the best-preserved 19th-century forts in America.”
Besides the historic fortress itself, Fort Clinch State Park is a wonderful place for spending time outdoors hiking, biking, fishing and for nature observation. (See related article: “The Nature of Places, Fort Clinch State Park.”)
Amelia Island’s Events & Festivals
Two events each year bringing the most visitors to Amelia Island, Florida. The longest running event, held for more than half a century, is Fernandina’s Isle of 8 Flags Shrimp Festival in the downtown historic district (always the first weekend in May).
Amelia Island is located in northeast Florida, about a 30-minute drive from the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). The eastern gateway to Florida, this barrier island is located at coastal border of Florida and Georgia. From Amelia Island one can see Cumberland Island, Georgia across the sound from Amelia’s northern tip (scenes of Cumberland below).
Driving Directions to Amelia Island, Florida
No ferry is required to visit Amelia Island. Two bridges bring travelers onto this northeast Florida barrier island.
From I-95, take exit 373 about 14 miles along Florida 200/A1A to the Shave Bridge crossing the intracoastal from the mainland through Yulee to Amelia Island. The southend’s Nassau Sound Bridge connects to Heckscher Dr., a scenic coastal drive through various barrier islands. Crossing the Nassau Sound brings road trippers to Amelia Island State Park.
Amelia Island State Park, Nassau Sound.
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Amelia Island State Park April, 2017 Bordering Nassau Sound and Atlantic Ocean, park features 2 miles of beachfront. Go fishing, birding, and horseback riding on the beach.
