This Here Town is Fernandina Beach, FL
Are you looking for the best things to do in Fernandina Beach, Florida? Are you looking for Fernandina Beach activities and restaurants to check out? Read on for all my favorite spots!
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You’ll find pirate statues, flags, and signage all over Fernandina Beach.
Fernandina Beach is a lovable mix of historic small-town charm and rogue party pirate vibes. (Yes, I said "rogue party pirate"... but more on that in the "Vibes" and "Things to Do" sections.)
Florida's northeastern Atlantic municipality, this adorable little town sits just north of the behemoth of suburban sprawl known as Jacksonville and just south of the Florida-Georgia line on picturesque Amelia Island.
Also known as the Isle of Eight Flags, Amelia Island boasts 13 miles of beaches, 40-foot dunes, panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway, a charming downtown, a 19th-century fort, Victorian homes, and a population of approximately 38,000. Fernandina Beach, the town on Amelia Island, houses an estimated 13,401 residents.
And, if you've never been, you need to bump Fernandina Beach to the top of your small-town bucket list! Whether you're into colonial history, adventurous watersports, or catching live music with a cold beer in your hand, you'll find plenty to do on this colorful island.
Fernandina Beach is a long-standing family favorite for day trips (I grew up in that suburban behemoth mentioned above), and my mom was an arts and crafts vendor in the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival for many years. Most recently, I brought my husband to the island for a romantic weekend!
So, for nostalgic and new reasons, Fernandina Beach is very dear to my heart.
Centre Street is lined with hip eateries and boutiques.
A Seriously Abbreviated History:
Amelia Island’s human history dates all the way back to the 2500 B.C. when the Timucua called this lovely place home. Because its rich history stretches so far back in time, I highly recommend doing more intensive reading on the history of Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island. For the purposes of this blog post, however, you’ll find some dates of interest below:
2500 B.C. to 1562 A.D.: Timucua people flourish on Amelia Island.
1562: Frenchman Jean Ribault arrives and claims the island for France, naming it Isle de Mai.
1565-1573: Spaniard Pedro Menendez de Aviles drives the French out, and an oft-abandoned mission is established.
1702: South Carolinian James Moore leads a successful British-Indian invasion of what’s renamed Amelia Island.
1783: The Second Treaty of Paris ends the Revolutionary War and gives Florida back to the Spanish.
1813-1862: Basically, a lot of things happen, and Amelia Island ends up flying the Patriot, Green Cross of Florida, Mexican Rebel, Confederate, and eventually the United States flags.
Drive through the tunnel of live oaks and Spanish moss at Fort Clinch State Park.
The Vibe:
Fernandina Beach melds a laid-back beach-town feel with a historic "Old Florida" atmosphere - and a strong streak of the "party pirate" vibe I mentioned earlier. The people are friendly, quirky pirate statues and street art abound, and the music is always bumpin' at the Green Turtle Tavern. Fernandina is a family-friendly beach destination and an old shrimping village, and somehow, it also has a whole lot more nightlife than you'd expect in a town that size.
Water sports are a way of life in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
The Charm:
Centre Street, Fernandina Beach's main drag, is lined with quality boutiques, vibrant restaurants, fine art galleries, and gorgeous live oaks. The downtown gives way to epic sunsets against the silhouettes of shrimp boats and luxury yachts along the harbor. Take a stroll down any side street, and you'll fall in love with Victorian houses and Spanish moss-laden trees. It's hard not to love Fernandina Beach's distinctive mix of old small-town charm and hip, modern businesses.
The 2.5-hour Backwater Cat adventure to Cumberland Island was one of our favorite things to do in Fernandina Beach.
Lovely Things To Do in Fernandina Beach, FL
Get out on the water.
When visiting an island known for its natural beauty, it would be a shame not to get out on the water! How you do so is totally up to you, however, and Fernandina Beach offers no shortage of options. Some of the most popular options include:
self-guided or guided kayak tours
stand-up paddleboard rentals, lessons, and guided tours
boat tours and sunset cruises
fishing charters
Hydrobikes
Backwater Cat adventure
We did the Backwater Cat 2.5-hour boat tour of Amelia and Cumberland Islands, and it was a highlight of our trip. My husband loved hitting the throttle on our tiny watercraft (maybe a little too much? Was I screaming at an octave only dolphins can hear?), and it was an adventurous way to enjoy the natural beauty of the island, learn some local history, and get out on the water. For me, the best part was getting a taste of Cumberland Island without driving to the ferry on St. Marys.
And, if you’re unfamiliar with Cumberland Island, this local treasure is a National Seashore that’s only accessible by boat. Among other things, the island is famous for its gorgeous feral horses and mansions built by the Carnegie family.
Spend the day playing in the surf or soaking up the sun on Amelia Island.
Hit the beach.
It should be obvious by this here town’s name, but hitting the beach is one of the best things to do in Fernandina Beach. Spend a day soaking up the sun, playing in the surf, or napping in the sand: the world is your oyster. Some popular beaches on Amelia Island are Main Beach, North Beach, Seaside Park, South Beach, and Peters Point Beach.
Are you planning not to leave the beach, even for meals? We love the Salt Life Food Shack, a colorful joint directly across from Main Beach.
Play a round of golf.
While golf is not my cup of tee (har har), there are several beautiful golf courses available on Amelia Island. Check out the Fernandina Beach Municipal Golf Club or the Fernandina Beach Golf Club, or book your stay at the Omni or Ritz-Carlton if you’re feeling fancy.
The Palace Saloon is the oldest bar in Florida, and it’s an institution in Fernandina Beach.
Grab a drink.
Fernandina Beach is a lively little town with an active bar scene. Pick your poison: there's something for everybody! Are you on the hunt for a low-key but lively watering hole? The Green Turtle Tavern is a favorite for chill vibes and live music.
Are you a fine wine or craft cocktail lover? Kick back at The Decantery, a sophisticated watering hole next door to the Palace Saloon. Are you on the hunt for a local hideaway? The naked-mermaid-filled bar inside the Florida House Inn is a solid choice. Do you like happy hour with a cheeky theme? Pop in the Principal's Office inside the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn. If you have one too many Xtra Credits, you'll wind up wearing the dunce cap.
And, even if you don't drink, it's worth popping into the Palace Saloon. Florida's oldest bar, the old-fashioned interior and informative displays at the Palace Saloon offer unique local flavor and a glimpse into Fernandina Beach's history.
Catch some live music.
What’s a beach town without some live music? Wander historic downtown on a Saturday night, and you’ll hear music wafting on the salty breeze from at least two directions. You’ll find local musicians playing at various restaurants and bars around town on most weekends, including The Patio at 5th and Ash, The Green Turtle Tavern, The Palace Saloon Shipyard, and Salt Life Food Shack.
Be sure to visit Fort Clinch State Park while visiting Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Check out Fort Clinch.
Even if you’re not a history buff, per say, you should put a visit to Fort Clinch at the top of your list of things to do in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
The fort was built in 1847 to protect the entrance to the Cumberland Sound and the St. Mary’s River and would come under Confederate and then Union control before ultimately being abandoned. Although it was never fully completed or used in direct combat, Fort Clinch served as a military post during three U.S. engagements, including World War II. Today, the fort offers a glimpse into Fernandina Beach’s rich history as well as sweeping views of Amelia Island’s natural beauty.
The road to Fort Clinch is lined by Spanish moss-laden live oaks, and the park offers beaches, hiking and biking trails, designated swimming and surfing areas, picnic tables, fishing opportunities, and campsites.
Pedal around town.
Riding bikes is a really popular activity on Fernandina Beach. Reserve your bikes in advance at one of Amelia Island’s many rental companies, especially if you’ll be in town during a festival or holiday weekend.
You can spend the day pedaling along the streets of the historic district, one of the island’s beaches, and one of the many paved or rustic trails. Egan’s Creek Greenway and Fort Clinch State Park are great biking options.
Stop by JJ Cooper while shopping on Centre Street in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Go shopping in historic Fernandina Beach.
Downtown Fernandina Beach is home to some really adorable shops, so I highly recommend taking a leisurely stroll through the stores along and off of Centre Street.
Drop by JJ Cooper for luxury menswear and accessories, and pick up a beach read (or three) at the neighboring Book Loft. And, last but not least, I love wandering the racks and displays at The Salty Local - you’re sure to find a cute new outfit, gift, or cheeky decor item.
Attend an event.
Have I mentioned how many childhood memories I have from my mom’s booth at the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival? The Shrimp Festival takes place the first weekend of May each year, and you can enjoy shopping at the arts and craft shows, pirate and beard contests, an ice cream eating competition, live entertainment, a parade, decorated shrimp boats, and so, so much more.
There are a seemingly endless array of upcoming events, and we were lucky enough to catch the Black Friday Pajama Party and Christmas tree lighting during our most recent stay - and it was a blast. Trust me, everything is more fun in your pajamas.
Will you be dunce of the day at the Principal’s Office inside the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn?
Stay at a historic inn.
Yes, there is a Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island, but if that’s not in your budget (or you’re just not the bougie type), you should check out one of the many historic inns in Fernandina Beach.
The hiply renovated Amelia Schoolhouse Inn occupies the first schoolhouse built on Amelia Island circa 1886. Guests will love the scholastic-inspired decor, on-site pool, Principal’s Office bar, and proximity to historic downtown.
Built in 1905, the Hoyt House Bed & Breakfast was modeled after the Rockefeller Cottage. It offers a pool, hot tub, bar, hot breakfast, and full bar. You’ll find this historic inn located close enough to walk to Fernandina’s nightlife without hearing it through the wall of your room.
We had the best breakfast on the shaded patio at the Garden Street Bistro.
Grab a bite to eat.
Ok, food is my number one priority when traveling, and Fernandina Beach has some really fun restaurants.
For breakfast, we love the Garden Street Bistro. Sit on the covered patio if the weather is nice, and treat yourself to a yummy plate of the mini blueberry pancakes before ordering your entree- it’s called self-love, not over-eating. While the Favorite French Toast Ever deserves a nod, I will tell anyone with ears how delicious the Hawaiian Shrimp Wrap is.
You also can’t go wrong with a cup of coffee and a bite-sized cinnamon roll and/or tiny donut from Amelia Island Coffee. Why does food just taste better it’s adorably small?
Looking for a wonderful date night spot? Make a reservation at España for a romantic evening of wine and tapas, and make sure to order Gambas Mozambique and Papas Bravas.
We also loved The Patio at 5th and Ash.
For dessert, treat yourself to a giant slice of delicious chocolate ganache cake and a glass of the King Estate Red Blend at The Decantery.
The Amelia Island Lighthouse is an iconic piece of Fernandina Beach history.
Visit the Amelia Island Lighthouse.
While not the largest of lighthouses, the Amelia Island Lighthouse is beautiful and a lovely piece of regional history.
Keep in mind that this local gem's grounds are only open to visitors on Saturdays from 11am - 2pm. Lighthouse tours are offered on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month with advanced reservations, and while you will learn a lot about the history of the lighthouse and the island, you will not be allowed to climb the stairs to the top.
Gregor McGregor’s Links and Drinks stays open late on Friday and Saturday nights.
Challenge your friends to a round of mini-golf.
Gregor McGregor’s Links and Drinks could not be more conveniently located. The cute and compact mini-golf course sits a mere one block off Centre Street, making it the perfect downtown destination or detour on the way to or from dinner.
We loved that Gregor McGregor’s stayed open until 11 pm on Friday and Saturday nights during our stay.
Bowl a strike.
My husband has never met a game he won’t play, so we wandered into Duck Pinz on our way from Gregor MacGregor’s Links and Drinks. While I’m notoriously bad at bowling, we had a blast trying and failing to get a few strikes at this miniature bowling alley en route to our room.
I loved that you can rent a lane by the half-hour and that they have a nice selection of non-alcoholic options on the menu.
Have you been to Amelia Island? What are your favorite things to do in Fernandina Beach, Florida? Drop your favorite restaurants, activities, and shops in the comments below!
