Nassau: Nature, History and Events

Explore Nassau through a variety of interests: paddling and cycling, coastal areas and parks, history and events. Its attractions offer a range of different highlights. When planning your trip, it’s worth first deciding which topics interest you most—and then looking for a hotel in Nassau.

Nature and outdoor activities

The Egan's Creek Paddling Trail is a paddling route in Nassau County. Check the route conditions locally. If you’re interested in trails on Amelia Island, you’ll find about 40 miles of bike paths there, classified as easy or challenging. The total distance is approximate; the two difficulty categories help you understand the type of trails available.

Amelia Island State Park offers more than 200 acres of undeveloped recreational opportunities on a barrier island. Beach access conditions may change, so check them before your visit. Visitors may bring their own horses to the beach. Contact with a ranger is required for horseback riding, and access rules may change.

Nassau Crossing has 2.5 miles of multi-use trails. This gives you a specific trail distance, while the bike paths on Amelia Island are described by an approximate total distance and two difficulty categories. These details provide different points of reference if outdoor activity is part of your trip.

Places with history

Fort Clinch State Park preserves a Third System masonry fort. The fort was garrisoned during the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. Another historical site is Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park, which preserves the location of the early 19th-century Spanish Fort San Carlos. Both sites reflect military history, but represent different fortifications and periods.

The Amelia Island Museum of History presents 4,000 years of the history of life on the water on Amelia Island. In Callahan, the West Nassau Museum of History is located in the historic Train Depot. Its collection includes county and railroad memorabilia from the past 130 years. Nassau Crossing’s community gathering place also features a caboose that honors the region’s railroad history.

American Beach is also associated with history: the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was developed in 1935 as a beach resort community for African Americans. There you can see NaNa Dune and visit the A. L. Lewis Museum. Check access to individual sites before your visit. The Amelia Island Lighthouse remains an active navigation aid, guiding ships to Fernandina Harbor; its operation may change due to decisions by the responsible authority.

Events and local products

The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival is held annually in May on Amelia Island. Dates and program details may change. The festival includes seafood and shrimp dishes prepared by local nonprofit and civic organizations. It also features an arts and crafts show with more than 300 award-winning artists and craftspeople. The program thus combines food with visual arts and crafts; specific festival offerings may vary from year to year.

Tuscan Rose Vineyards produces its own wine from ten varieties of native Muscadine grapes grown on its property. Offerings may change.

When choosing your destination, you can use the differences between these themes: the historic sites range from fortifications and railroad memorabilia to the history of American Beach; the outdoor offerings include a named paddling route, bike paths and beach recreation. Find hotels in Nassau and tailor your search to the aspects that matter most to your trip planning.

Discover more destinations: Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Callahan, Alachua, Suwannee County, Washington County, Volusia, Walton.

For the broader travel overview: Florida.