Discovering Fernandina Beach: A Hidden Gem in Florida - Best Florida Vacations From A Resident

Fernandina Beach is a charming coastal town located on Amelia Island, Florida north of Jacksonville. This beach town is known for its stunning beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant downtown area.

One of the main draws of this small town is its beautiful beaches. The town boasts 13 miles of pristine coastline, with crystal-clear waters and soft, white sand.

Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a variety of water sports, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The beaches are also home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees, making them a popular spot for nature lovers.

In addition to its beaches, Fernandina Beach is also home to a number of historic landmarks and buildings. Perfect for history buffs.

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The town’s charming downtown area is filled with 19th-century architecture, including Victorian-era homes and storefronts.

Visitors can take a stroll down Centre Street, which is lined with boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. The town is also home to Fort Clinch State Park, a well-preserved Civil War-era fort that offers guided tours and reenactments.

Looking for something specific for Fernandina Beach? Use this table of contents listing. At the bottom of this article, I’ve included links for nearby attractions, places to stay and more.

Best Things to Do in Fernandina Beach

You will love everything about this charming coastal town located on Amelia Island in Florida. A really great town to explore.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring historic sites, shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation.

Here are some of the best things to do in Fernandina Beach:

Visit Fort Clinch State Park

Fort Clinch State Park is a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Instantly transport back in time as soon as you step foot in this fort.

The park is home to a well-preserved 19th-century fort that served as a military post during the Civil War.

Take a guided tour of the fort and learn about its history, or explore the park’s nature trails and beaches. The beach near Fort Clinch State Park is known for shark’s teeth.

Stroll Through The Historic Downtown

Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach is a charming area filled with shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Enjoy leisurely strolling down Centre Street and admire the beautiful architecture of the Victorian-era buildings. This area is also home to several art galleries and antique shops.

Take a Sunset Cruise

Fernandina Beach offers several options for sunset cruises, including sailboats, catamarans, and motorized boats.

Want to get out on the water? Take a relaxing cruise along the Amelia River and enjoy the stunning views of the sunset over the water.

Explore Amelia Island State Park

Amelia Island State Park is a beautiful natural area located just south of Fernandina Beach. The park features miles of pristine beaches, nature trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Visit the Amelia Island Lighthouse

The Amelia Island Lighthouse is a historic landmark located on the northern end of Amelia Island. Take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about its history, or climb to the top for stunning views of the surrounding area.

Best Time to Visit Fernandina Beach

Fernandina Beach is a beautiful destination located in the northeastern part of Florida. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering a variety of activities and attractions.

The best time to visit Fernandina Beach depends on what you are looking for. See which season is best for you:

Summer

Summer is the peak season for Fernandina Beach, and it is the busiest time of the year. The weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for beach activities and water sports.

However, the crowds can be overwhelming, and the prices for accommodations and activities can be high.

Fall

Fall is a great time to visit Fernandina Beach, as the weather is still warm, but the crowds have thinned out. The prices for accommodations and activities are also more affordable than during the summer months.

Fall is also the time for the annual Amelia Island Jazz Festival, which is a must-see event for music lovers.

Winter

Winter is the off-season for Fernandina Beach, and the weather can be cooler and sometimes rainy. If you are looking for a peaceful and quiet getaway, this is the perfect time to visit.

The prices for accommodations and activities are also at their lowest, making it an affordable option for budget travelers.

Spring

Spring is another great time to visit Fernandina Beach, as the weather is warm and sunny, and the crowds have not yet arrived. This is also the time for the annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, which is a popular event for food and music lovers.

Best Beaches

Fernandina Beach is known for its pristine beaches that offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Here are some of the best beaches in Fernandina Beach that you should consider visiting:

Main Beach Park

Main Beach Park is one of the most popular beaches in Fernandina Beach. It boasts a wide expanse of white sand, clear blue waters, and plenty of amenities.

The beach features a playground, picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a fishing pier. You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas or enjoy a snack at the concession stand. Main Beach Park is located at 32 N Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach.

Peters Point Beachfront Park

Peters Point Beachfront Park is another popular beach in Fernandina Beach. It offers a wide beachfront with soft sand, calm waters, and a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean.

You can drive onto this beach. If you plan to do so, get there early because spots will fill quickly. 4600 Peters Point Rd, Fernandina Beach.

Amelia Island State Park

Amelia Island State Park is a pristine beach that offers a natural setting with dunes, salt marshes, and a variety of wildlife. The beach features over 200 acres of unspoiled natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.

Enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. The park also offers picnic areas, restrooms, and outdoor showers.

Seaside Park

Seaside Park is a small beach that offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. It features a boardwalk, quiet beachfront with soft sand, calm waters, and a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean.

The beach is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet day at the beach. Make it a day! Picnic areas, restrooms, and outdoor showers all available in this park. Address for Seaside Park is: 2002 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach

Where to Eat and Drink

Fernandina Beach is a great place to enjoy delicious food and drinks. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a fine dining experience, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink in Fernandina Beach:

Restaurants

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, however, I am not listing those here. Too many have closed, and I do not want to provide incorrect information. But you can click here for restaurants that are open for business in the city: Restaurants

Bars and Pubs

The Palace Saloon – This historic bar is open. It is the oldest in Florida and has been serving drinks since 1903. They offer a wide variety of beers, wines, and cocktails.
The Green Turtle Tavern – Also open and so much fun. This laid-back bar offers a fun atmosphere and live music on the weekends. They also have a selection of craft beers and cocktails.
The Salty Pelican Bar and Grill – Also open as of this writing and a great pic for a view. This waterfront bar and grill is a great place to enjoy a drink while watching the boats go by. They offer a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails, as well as seafood and other pub fare.

How to Get to Fernandina Beach

Fernandina Beach is a charming coastal town located in the northeastern corner of Florida. The town is to get to by car, plane, or boat, making it a convenient destination for travelers from all over the world.

By Car

One of the easiest ways to get to Fernandina Beach is by car. The town is located just off of Interstate 95, which runs along the east coast of the United States.

From I-95, travelers can take Exit 373 and head east on State Road 200, also known as A1A, for approximately 15 miles. This will take you directly into the heart of Fernandina Beach.

By Plane

For those traveling from further away, the closest airport to Fernandina Beach is Jacksonville International Airport. The airport is located approximately 30 miles south of the town and offers daily flights from major cities across the United States.

Once you arrive at the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle to Fernandina Beach, although both might be more expensive than getting a rental car.

By Boat

Fernandina Beach is also accessible by boat, as it is located on the Amelia River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The town has several marinas that offer dockage for boaters, as well as a public boat ramp for those who want to launch their own boats.

Visitors can also take a ferry from nearby Cumberland Island, Georgia, which offers daily service to Fernandina Beach.