Visiting the Amelia Island Lighthouse takes a little planning, but it’s definitely worth the effort! There are two ways to see it—either by joining a lighthouse tour through the Atlantic Recreation Center (every 1st and 3rd Wednesday for $10 per person) or by visiting the grounds on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Neither option lets you climb to the top, but both give you a chance to experience this historic beacon up close.
Quin and I opted for the guided tour to get the full experience. We hopped aboard a comfy, air-conditioned bus with a small group of fellow explorers and took a quick ride over to the lighthouse. The tour began with a short but fascinating presentation by the Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers, who help the City of Fernandina Beach keep the light shining. I loved hearing how much care and pride goes into preserving this piece of maritime history.
After the presentation, we were free to explore the grounds. Stepping inside the base of the lighthouse was a treat—it’s the first one we’ve seen with granite stairs! Though we couldn’t climb to the top, it was still exciting to peek inside. I was a little disappointed to learn that the Lightkeeper’s Quarters no longer exist, as they weren’t saved for restoration, but the overall visit was still lovely.
If you’re planning a trip to Amelia Island, I definitely recommend making time for this historic stop. You can find more details about the tours on the City of Fernandina Beach website.
