Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Fernandina Beach, Florida
Our Tourist Attractions Expert Says:
Flags and shrimp are the main symbols of the coastal Florida town, Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island, off the Atlantic coast in Florida.. Fernandina Beach is the only city in the United States to have been under the domain of 8 different national flags at different eras, and residents are still proud of this rich history. Fernandina Beach is also considered to be the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, and shrimping is still an important industry in Fernandina Beach. Visitors continue to come to Fernandina for more than just flags and shrimp, though, as they come to enjoy the beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, interesting museums and tours, and relaxing accommodations.
Historic tours are a fun way to get to know Fernandina Beach. Tours are available twice daily at the Amelia Island Museum, Florida's only oral history museum. At the Bosque Bello Cemetery, visitors can visit the graves of soldiers from Napoleon's Army and Revolutionary, Spanish and Civil Wars. Visitors can also take Historic Area Walking Tours by car or on foot. Another fun tour option is via horse-drawn carriage with Amelia Island Carriages. For an aerial tour of Fernandina Beach, you can go flying with Island Aerial Tours or McGill Aviation—an unforgettable treat that the whole family will enjoy!
At Fort Clinch State Park along Fernandina Beach, you will find over 1,000 acres of beaches and nature trails for outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, picnicking, and biking along trails. Candlelight tours are also available for a unique (and very romantic!) evening out. Another romantic idea is to go horseback riding on the beach, with rentals available at Kelly Sea Horse Ranch. Kids of all ages will enjoy all the activities at Fort Clinch State Park—perhaps of key interest, will be the pre-Civil War brick fortress, complete with real canons!
Golfing is also a popular sport on Fernandina Beach, with may golf courses to choose from, including Fernandina Beach Golf Club, Royal Amelia Golf Club on Amelia Island, Opsrey Cove, and more.
Kayaking and specialty cruises are also a unique way to sightsee around Fernandina Beach. There are many rentals available for kayaks around the marshes, if your ideal sightseeing includes physical exertion; and if you'd rather kick back and relax, there are great cruises that include dolphin watching, historical narration, and more.
Since Fernandina Beach is a coastal town, of course fishing is another common sport. Boat excursions are available at the Amelia Island Charter Boat Association, and several other boats are available for charter boat fishing and personalized fishing adventures.
Need a new bathing suit? Run out of beach reading? Visitors can go shopping at the Palmetto Walk Shopping Village, The Jacksonville Landing, The Village Shops at the Amelia Island Plantation, or on Centre Street in the Historic District of downtown Fernandina Beach. While you're here, pick up some souvenirs—you'll want to remember your great trip to Amelia Island!
Dining in Fernandina Beach is a relaxing experience, as most restaurants offer outdoor seating by the water. For international tastes, try España Restaurant, La Bodega Café, or Le Cleos. For some more American southern-style dining try the home-style cooking at Barbara Jean's—and definitely get some dessert!
The hotels in Fernandina Beach are very accommodating, and most offer great specials such as "3rd night free." Some suggested hotels are Amelia Hotel at the beach, and Amelia Island Plantation Inn. Popular resorts in the area include the Amelia Island Plantation Resort and the Summer Beach Resort. Several other bed and breakfasts in the area include Amelia Island Williams House and Ash Street Inn, which are both located on the Historic Seaport, and the 1735 House Beach Front Inn, on the oceanfront. Coming highly recommended is the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, where you can enjoy quaint rooms and a complimentary breakfast served in a lovely oceanfront sunroom.
Fernandina Beach is located on Amelia Island, in the northeast corner of Florida along the Atlantic Coast. It can be found off of Route A-1A from Interstate 95. You can also fly to the airport in Jacksonville, which is just 30 minutes away. Alternatively, private aircrafts may use the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, and motor boats and sailboats may dock at the Fernandina Harbor Marina. So grab your fishing poles and sail over to Fernandina Beach, and have a fantastic time!