DAY TRIPPIN’ TO FERNANDINA BEACH

Just 35 miles northeast of Jacksonville sits one of Florida’s authentic gems.  Cloaked in centuries of history, Fernandina Beach offers visitors a charming downtown at the northern tip of pristine Amelia Island.  Its downtown tree-lined streets are filled with well-maintained historic homes, quaint shops and diverse eateries ranging from casual fresh seafood to fine ethnic dining.  The open-air bars are hopping spots with fun atmospheres and live music, yet visitors to the area also include young families.

Located in Nassau County, the area was first settled by the Timucuan Indian people, but later fell under the Spanish flag when Fernandina was named for King Ferdinand VII of Spain.    History buffs, shoppers, foodies and those that love Florida’s great outdoors will find plenty to do in this charming town.  

EXPLORE DOWNTOWN

Sunset at the harbor
Mega yachts and smaller vessels are moored in the downtown harbor which provides spectacular sunsets.  The harbor is just a stone's throw from the restaurants, bars and shops along Centre Street. ​

Downtown Shopping
Fernandina Beach is a true shopper’s paradise.  It’s not a souvenir or chain retail environment, but rather an abundance of unique shops with interesting wares to browse along the Centre Street area. 

Downtown Dining
For a casual lunch of fresh seafood, order at the counter at Timoti’s Seafood Shack and sit at their outdoor patio.  Their blackened shrimp tacos are among the very best for flavor and freshness.  Landlubbers can opt for Island Kitchen for a lunch menu of fresh salads and sandwiches.   For a memorable dinner and excellent tapas, head to Espana Restaurant just off Centre Street.  Anyone craving Italian will find Caio is a great choice for Italian fare. ​

Artrageous Artwalk
On the second Saturday of each month, local galleries host open houses to showcase their creative works. Visitors can meet the artists and take in original paintings, photography, metal work, jewelry, pottery and glass work.  Artrageous Artwalks are from 5 - 8 p.m. from  April to September, and 4 - 7 p.m. October to March.

Marlin & Barrel Distillery
For some adulting time, make a stop at this craft distillery that makes rum, vodka and gin by hand with local ingredients. 

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OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Ferry ride to Cumberland Island 
Cumberland Island, is Georgia's largest barrier island, includes 9,800 acres of Cumberland Island National Seashore.  The island boasts undeveloped beaches, wild horses, scenic marshes, diverse wildlife and historic sites that include the 20,000 square-foot Plum Orchard Mansion that operates as an inn.  
The island is accessible from the Greyfield Inn Ferry which departs the Fernandina Marina three times a day.   Ferry service must be arranged in advance with the Inn.

Main Beach Park
32 N. Fletcher Avenue, Fernandina Beach
Just a few minutes drive from downtown Fernandina, this spot is a gorgeous place to watch the sunrise.  This public beach  isn’t packed like many Florida beaches. The park has restrooms and adequate free parking

​Boat Tour
Backwater Cat Adventure takes adventurers on a two-and-a-half-hour tour on a two-person, motorized catamaran.  A tour guide navigates the tour group through the area’s scenic river, backwaters and marshes to Cumberland Island and Fort Clinch.  The tour departs from the downtown Fernandina harbor.

Boneyard Beach
The hidden secret is tucked about 15 minutes south from Fernandina Beach on Big Talbot Island State Park. The pristine three miles of shoreline along the Nassau Sound is a natural maze of massive driftwood and makes for a unique picnic spot.  Due to the tides and large driftwood hidden beneath the water’s surface, swimming is not allowed.

Fernandina Beach Skate Park
25 Tarpon Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Located next to Main Beach Park, this public skate park features a variety of ramps, verts, half pipes and obstacles for skateboarders and inline skaters who skate at their own risk.  Helmets are required.  Restrooms are available at Main Beach Park.  Parking available.

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THE ARTS & history

Artrageous Artwalk
On the second Saturday of each month, local galleries host open houses to showcase their creative works. Visitors can meet the artists and take in original paintings, photography, metal work, jewelry, pottery and glass work.  Artrageous Artwalks are from 5 - 8 p.m. from  April to September, and 4 - 7 p.m. October to March.

Fort Clinch State Park
2601 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Nature lovers and history buffs alike enjoy this 1400-acre park, strategically positioned on the St. Mary’s River, which is home to a historic fort and diverse species of wildlife. Visitors to the fort can explore its spacious grounds and many rooms and galleries while learning about the life of Union soldiers that used the fort during the Civil War.   The pristine park has many trails that enable hikers and bikers to enjoy the wooded live oak hammocks. 

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