About the Lighthouse
The Amelia Island Lighthouse holds the distinction of being Florida's oldest existing lighthouse and the only one from the Territorial Period to survive without major rebuilding. Originally constructed on Cumberland Island, Georgia in 1820, it was moved brick by brick to Amelia Island in 1838.
Standing 67 feet tall at the island's highest point, this historic beacon continues to guide ships into Fernandina Harbor and the St. Marys River. Its walls are no less than four feet thick at the base, and it's equipped with a third-order Fresnel lens designed in Paris, capable of sending beams 15 miles out to sea.
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Visiting the Lighthouse
Public Viewing (Saturdays): The lighthouse grounds are open Saturdays from 11am-2pm for self-guided viewing. You can walk the grounds and photograph the exterior, but interior access is not available during Saturday viewing.
Guided Tours: Official tours are offered on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 10am. Tours depart via shuttle bus from the Atlantic Recreation Center (2500 Atlantic Ave). Pre-registration required—call (904) 310-3350.
Private Tours: Groups of 10-25 can arrange private tours on weekdays ($200) or weekends ($250).
Visitor Tips
Tours are very limited and fill up quickly—register well in advance. The lighthouse is located in a residential neighborhood with no public parking at the site. Note: Climbing the lighthouse stairs to the observation deck is not permitted for safety reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tour the Amelia Island Lighthouse?
Yes. Guided tours run on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, departing by shuttle at 10 a.m. from the Atlantic Recreation Center (2500 Atlantic Avenue). Pre-registration is required — call (904) 310-3350 at least 24 hours ahead. Tours are about $10 per adult and $5 per child.
Can you visit the lighthouse without a tour?
Yes. The lighthouse grounds are open for free self-guided viewing on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can walk the grounds and photograph the exterior, but interior access is not available during Saturday viewing.
How old is the Amelia Island Lighthouse?
Built in 1838 and first lit in 1839, it is the oldest existing lighthouse in Florida and the only one from the Territorial Period to survive without major rebuilding.
Can you climb the Amelia Island Lighthouse?
No. Climbing the interior stairs to the observation deck is not permitted, for safety reasons. Tours cover the grounds and the history of the light.
Is there parking at the lighthouse?
The lighthouse sits in a residential neighborhood with no public parking on site, which is why guided tours shuttle visitors in from the Atlantic Recreation Center.