Although many of our most popular activities require a cloudless sky, Amelia Island does get a rainy day every so often. Although you may have booked your vacation to soak up as many sun rays as possible, you don’t have to count your day wasted just because the sun doesn’t make an appearance. Visiting Amelia Island museums is an excellent option on a rainy day – and an entertaining one at that. Places like the American Beach Museum and other historical institutions make great destinations from your choice of our houses through Amelia Rentals on rainy and sunny days alike.
American Beach Museum
The American Beach Museum is one of the newest and most visited museums in town. Founded only five years ago, this Amelia Island museum commemorates a beach meant to be a haven for African-Americans during the Jim Crow laws. American Beach had appearances by several famous African-Americans in its heydays, such as Ray Charles and Hank Aaron. The great-granddaughter of Abraham Lincoln Lewis spearheaded the efforts behind the museum’s foundation. Lewis was the creator the beach and the first African-American millionaire in Florida.
Marine Welcome Center & Shrimping Museum
If you take away one thing from your trip to Amelia Island, you should notice that our history of shrimping appears everywhere. Fernandina Beach is where the modern shrimping industry has its roots. At the Shrimping Museum, learn about the families that brought shrimping to Florida, as well as how they do it: via net making, shipbuilding, and more.
Fernandina Beach Pinball Museum
In comparison to the other museums on Amelia Island, the Fernandina Beach Pinball Museum is a little more lighthearted. If your kind of history involves buttons, flashing lights, and flippers, this Amelia Island museum is for you. Play your way through its 20 pinball machines, including games from the 1950s.
Museum of History on Amelia Island
The Museum of History on Amelia Island offers a holistic guide to the history of the city. Guides take you on walking tours of the town instead of walking through exhibits, as it’s the first spoken history museum in Florida. (Pub crawls and ghost tours included.) Believe it or not, Amelia Island has been owned by eight different countries during its existence – with the most notable impacts being France and Spain. Fernandina Beach was named after Spain’s King Ferdinand, and Amelia Island was named after Amelia, daughter of King George II of Britain.
Maritime Museum of Amelia Island
For those with a strong interest in military history, don’t miss the Maritime Museum of Amelia Island. Observe and read about Navy history and memorabilia, as well as diving artifacts and history of pirates in the area. Ahoy, matey!
Things to Do in Amelia Island
After walking through our fine selection of Amelia Island museums, whether it’s the American Beach Museum or the Pinball Museum, return to your chosen house from Amelia Rentals. Cap off your afternoon with a cozy rainy day nap. Or, settle down with a board game in our spacious living rooms, and prep a family dinner together in our kitchens. Call us at 800-874-8679, or find us online to browse photos, amenities, and locations of specific properties.
