Amelia Island is one of Florida's best-kept secrets, just thirteen miles long and two miles wide. Yet, sand and surf aren't the only reasons to visit. Amelia Island homes for sale sit in the midst of a smorgasbord of amazing historical finds. Our real estate agents will be glad to introduce you to some of them.

Starting in the 1700s, Amelia Island was controlled by a number of European powers. Eight nations have held the island in all, with early European contact headed by the French and then the Spanish. It remains surrounded by shipwrecks to this very day.

And that's only the beginning! Let's take a closer look at the best places to visit on Amelia Island for history buffs:

• Fort Clinch State Park – 2601 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
  Florida is in the top five states in the U.S. when it comes to state parks, with nearly 200 in all, and one of the best is on Amelia Island. A 1,400-acre park, Fort Clinch State Park is known for hiking and biking on trails that weave around the historic fort. It is open from 8 a.m. to sunset every single day of the year.
  
  
• Amelia Island Museum of History – 233 South Third Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
  Amelia Island Museum of History is situated in the former Nassau County Jail and has the distinction of being the first spoken history museum in The Sunshine State. With help from experienced interpreters, you'll explore 4,000 years of history and the great cultures, individuals, and events that shaped it all.
  
  
• Original Town of Fernandina Historic Site – See Website for Location Details in Fernandina Beach, FL
  Original Town of Fernandina Historic Site marks the location of the original Fernandina settlement and, today, is the centerpiece of the historic "Old Town." Sitting on a bluff above the Amelia River, it offers small-town vibes with locally owned restaurants, gift shops, art galleries, and antique shops, among others.
  
  
• Amelia Island Lighthouse – 215 O'Hagan Lane, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
  Lighthouses have a thriving fan community all their own, and the Amelia Island Lighthouse is a beautiful example anyone should make time to visit. Originally built in 1838, it is the state's oldest lighthouse. It offers guided tours twice monthly and is open to the public on most Saturdays.
  
  
• Fernandina Shrimping Museum – ­17 South Front Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
  Located on the grounds of the Fernandina Beach Marina, the small Fernandina Shrimping Museum is an homage to Amelia Island's marine heritage. Drop by and volunteers will teach you about the historic arts of net making, shipbuilding, and so much more. Permanent exhibits celebrate the island's early shrimping families.
  
  
• Amelia Research and Recovery – 115 South Second Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
  Amelia Research and Recovery is the home of the renowned local treasure hunters who, using the fully customized crane ship "Polly L," have been responsible for pinpointing and recovering some of the most sought-after Amelia Island shipwrecks. A selection of historical finds remains on view at the office.
  
  
• The Fairbanks House – 227 South Seventh Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
  When you're looking for the authentic bed and breakfast experience in a historic setting that showcases Amelia Island's splendor, you can't go wrong with The Fairbanks House. Select from your choice of rooms, suites, and cottages, each one brilliantly decorated to evoke the best of Amelia Island.

Contact us to discover more of what Amelia Island has to offer.