Fernandina Beach is located on Amelia Island, one of the greater Jacksonville area's most beautiful barrier islands, located within the Sea Islands barrier chain, which stretches upward to the state's border with South Carolina. Visitors can explore state park military sites on the "Isle of Eight Flags," nicknamed for its eight ruling countries since the 16th century, or stroll through historic shops, restaurants, and art galleries in Fernandina Beach's lovely Old Town downtown district. Family-friendly beachfront access is offered at Main Beach Park, while area landmarks and natural wonders can be explored via a variety of kayak, charter boat, or airboat tours.
Sunbathe and relax in Main Beach Park
Main Beach Park is the premiere beachfront park and beach access area in Fernandina Beach, located along North Fletcher Avenue and offering waterfront access to the city's beautiful ocean shoreline. The park is known as the city's most family-friendly beach spot, offering a children's playground with safe play opportunities for kids of all ages and a large grassy lawn for families to enjoy picnics and pick-up sports games. Lifeguards are staffed on duty at the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day to ensure swimming safety.
Address: 32 N Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, Phone: 904-310-3350
Explore local history at Fort Clinch State Park
Fort Clinch State Park is anchored around the 19th-century Amelia Island fortress of the same name, which was originally constructed as a seaside fortification in 1847 and named after famed Seminole War general Duncan Lamont Clinch. A six-mile hiking trail is also offered, along with ample opportunities for cycling, marine wildlife watching, birding, surfcasting, and shelling. Guests can camp overnight at the nearby Amelia River Campground or attend monthly military reenactments honoring the park's fort history.
Address: 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, Phone: 904-277-7274
Go fishin on George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park visitors can stretch out and observe the beautiful Nassau Sound landscape, enjoying some of the state's best fishing conditions for catching whiting, jack, drum, and tarpon. The pier is best known as the site of the world record for flounder catches, set in 1983 and measuring over 20 pounds in weight.
Address: 9000 Heckscher Dr, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, Phone: 904-251-2323
Learn about history at The Amelia Island Museum of History
The Amelia Island Museum of History is the premiere cultural and historical museum of Amelia Island, housed within the city's historic Nassau County Jail building, constructed in 1878 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum, which is located within Fernandina Beach's core downtown district, showcases a variety of museum exhibits detailing the human history of the "Isle of Eight Flags" from indigenous times through the modern day.
Address: 233 S 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, Phone: 904-261-7378
Stay at Omni Amelia Island Resort
Set along the shores on Amelia Island and a few miles from Amelia Island State Park, Omni Amelia Island Resort is a luxury oceanfront resort that features a world-class spa and wellness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and three championship golf courses.
Address: 39 Beach Lagoon Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, Phone: 904-261-6161
Meet local artists at Blue Door Artists
Blue Door Artists showcases eight art studios used by Fernandina Beach area artists, which are open to the public for observation Mondays through Saturdays during the morning and afternoon hours. Fine contemporary art and crafts are available for purchase at the studio's store, including handcrafted home items and artisan pieces. Gallery visitors of all ages and ability levels can also participate in artist-run workshops or attend Second Saturday events, which showcase works by featured artists as part of public receptions.
Address: 205 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, Phone: 904-491-7733
Jog in Egan's Creek Park
Egan's Creek Park protects 300 acres of lovely natural terrain in Fernandina Beach along Amelia Island's Egan's Creek, which were originally developed as a greenway and passive recreation site in 2000. The labyrinth-like park and trail system are open to island walkers, joggers, and cyclists throughout daylight hours, offering chances to observe a plethora of regional wildlife, including snakes, bobcats, alligators and a variety of native bird species.
Address: 2201 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, Phone: 904-310-3363
Stroll through Fernandina Beach Marketplace
Fernandina Beach Marketplace is Fernandina Beach's premiere weekly farmer's market, open to the public each Saturday morning year-round in all weather conditions. The market, which is hosted within the city's downtown district on North 7th Street, showcases booths from area farmers, producers, and bakers, selling a wide variety of seasonal food items and pantry goods to community customers. Regional food trucks and carts are also showcased, along with live music performances and appearances by area celebrities and media personalities.
Address: N 7th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Enjoy panoramic views at Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park
Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park is the smallest state park in Florida, stretching for 0.8 acres along Amelia Island's northern end atop a bluff offering panoramic views of the Amelia River.
Address: 715 San Fernando St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Visit Amelia Island Lighthouse, the Oldest Lighthouse in Florida
12. Amelia Island Lighthouse is the oldest preserved lighthouse in the state of Florida, located at the St. Mary's Entrance of Amelia Island along the beautiful Cumberland Sound and St. Mary's River waterfronts. You can tour the historic facility each first and third Wednesday morning of the month with advance reservations.
Address: 215 O, Hagan Ln, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Go on a fishing trip with Fish Amelia Island
Fish Amelia Island offers year-round fishing trips for anglers of all ages and ability levels, ranging from family excursions to professional competitors. Charter guests can enjoy opportunities to catch summer fish species such as coba, tarpon, bull redfish, and trout, along with autumn and winter species such as jacks, mangrove snappers, and sharks. Marine life watching opportunities are also offered aboard excursions, including chances to spot and photograph area populations of dolphins and shorebirds.
Go on an excursion with Amelia River Cruises and Charters
Amelia River Cruises and Charters tours explore regional landmarks by water, including beautiful Fort Clinch State Park, the historic Old Town district of Fernandina Beach, and the famed wild horses of Cumberland Island. Up to 80 passengers can come aboard ADA-accessible private boating charters, which offer food and beverages aboard all trips.
Go on a walking tour with Amelia Island Downtown Tasting Tours
Amelia Island Downtown Tasting Tours are the best way to explore the culinary scene of downtown Fernandina Beach and the greater Amelia Island district, featuring meet-and-greet chef experiences, food and beverage tasting opportunities, and walking tours past the island's historic landmarks.
Have lunch at Espana Restaurant and Tapas
Espana Restaurant and Tapas is a charming Spanish and Portuguese-style restaurant in Fernandina Beach's historic downtown district, offering indoor and outdoor seating in intimate dining room and outdoor garden seating spaces.
Address: 22 S. 4th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, Phone: 904-261-7700
Take a guided tour of Bosque Bello Cemetery
Bosque Bello Cemetery, commonly referred to as Beautiful Woods, is Fernandina Beach's oldest historic cemetery, believed to have been originally established by the island's Spanish colonizers in the late 18th century. Guided tours of the cemetery are offered each Saturday morning between October and May with advance reservations.
Address: 1320 N 14th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, Phone: 904-310-3356