Northernmost city on Florida's Atlantic coast, situated on Amelia Island
General Information
Open 6am to 9pm daily
How to Get There
Fernandina Beach is the historic heart of Amelia Island on Florida's northeast coast, known for its 50-block Victorian historic district of brick streets, boutique shops, galleries, and waterfront restaurants, plus miles of uncrowded Atlantic beaches and the well-preserved brick Fort Clinch. It is a popular getaway near Jacksonville.
The island has flown the flags of eight nations, and its ties to pirates, shrimping, and railroads run through local museums and tours. The Spanish platted Fernandina in 1811 and named it for King Ferdinand VII, making it the last Spanish city platted in the Western Hemisphere. The Old Town site is on the National Register of Historic Places, and Plaza San Carlos marks where Fort San Carlos once stood.
Things to Do
- Stroll the historic district for Victorian homes, churches, museums, and cafes
- Tour Fort Clinch State Park: a 19th-century fort with living-history demonstrations, beaches, and maritime forest
- Spend time on the beaches for swimming, surfing, and shell collecting
- Cruise the harbor: sunset and dolphin-watching cruises and kayak trips on the Amelia River and Cumberland Sound
Top Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Clinch Trail System | More than 6 miles | Easy | Maritime forest, dunes, and beach |
| Egan's Creek Greenway | About 5 miles round trip | Easy | Wetlands and coastal habitat |
| Historic District Walking Tour | 1 to 2 miles | Easy | Victorian homes, churches, and landmarks |
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Fernandina Beach, Florida, Original Town of Fernandina Historic Site, released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
