Fernandina Beach Info

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Accommodations

Amelia Island Plantation Rental -
Historical Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island

The City of Fernandina Beach is located on beautiful Amelia Island, in the northeast corner of of the island along the Atlantic Coast.

  
With many cultural and leisure activities, parks, putt putt, and an excellent golf course and marina, Fernandina Beach offers something for the entire family.
Watch a Video about Amelia Island

View the Amelia Island Guide

Local Resturants

Here are a few personal favorite resturants of Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island area.
These are not indorsements just ideas:

Cafe Karibo - Located down town Fernandina - Healthy and Resonable.
Directions: Go Here

Lanna Thai Cuisine - Located just over bridge - Top Thai Food
Directions: Go Here

Marché Burette - Located on the Plantation - Great Pizza, and more

Gourmet Gourmet - Located just outside of the Plantation - Gourmet food for carry-out or dining in.

Kabuki Japanese Steakhouse - Located Mid way to Fernandina - Fun old school Japanese Steak House.

Ferrnandina Shops

Fernandina Farmers Market

Visitors looking for something out of the ordinary during their stay will enjoy a trip to the Fernandina Farmers Market in Historic Downtown. 
Corner of Centre Street & 7th Street North
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

French Market Antiques

Over 30 years of experience in antiques. Specializing in French antiques, furniture, accessories and personal indulgences.

203 Centre Street
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Phone: 904-491-0707

Last Flight Out

Our mission is to identify unique island lifestyle items that are always comfortable, wearable and eye-catching. We look for clothing and gifts that remind us of warm beach days, and cool summer nights. Our suppliers have provided us with some of the best paradise items that the LFO Cargo can fly to Amelia Island. Visit us in the Historic District at 114 Centre Street or on the web at www.lastflightout.com

114 Centre Street
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Phone: 904-321-0510

Thing To Do

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Fort Clinch State Park

Web Site

A part of the park system since 1935, Fort Clinch is one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country. Although no battles were fought here, it was garrisoned during both the Civil and Spanish-American wars. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps began preserving and rebuilding many of the structures of the abandoned fort. Daily tours with period reenactors depicting garrison life bring the fort to life for visitors.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Web Site

Voted one of the best zoos in the country. Well worth the drive into Jacksonville.

Local Nature:

Birdwatching

Amelia's rich and fish-filled waters create a veritable gold mine for birds and birdwatchers. Birders from across the country bring their binoculars to catch sight of a variety of nature's splendid species not available in most other geographic regions. Planning Your Outing: The early morning and late afternoon are the best times to find birds on Amelia. Try to avoid the heat of the day; if you don't feel like moving about, chances are birds feel the same. Tidal fluctuations govern the activity of waders, gulls and shorebirds. Most of them rest at high tide, gathering in concentrations at their favorite roost sites such as North Beach and South Beach, on the snags along the marsh at Egans Creek, on Tiger Island west of Old Town Plaza and on the higher marshland west of the downtown marina. When the tide is low and just beginning to rise, the shorebirds tend to become more active. Also while birding, keep your eyes open for butterflies. Amelia offers some of the most exquisite specimens found anywhere.

Hunting for Seashells

A favorite island pastime for visitors and locals alike is to canvas Amelia's sandy shores and surf line in search of seashells. Winds and waves reveal a marvelous variety of shells along the island's pristine shoreline, many unbroken and unworn. Easy to collect and identify, most shells can be found along the high-tide line. Along her 13-miles of shoreline, Amelia Island has a variety of public beaches and parks. Main Beach, the largest public beach park on the island, is great for beachcombing or swimming, and offers free parking, restrooms, picnic tables and more. Seaside Park is another great option, and includes a parking lot, boardwalk and gazebos. Fort Clinch State Park, located north of Fernandina Beach, also offers a beach for visitors..

Prehistoric Sharks

In addition to seashells, shark's teeth are another sought after beach treasure. The teeth are the fossilized remains of sharks, which roamed the oceans 10 to 50 million years ago. The teeth tend to be black or gray because the sediment in which they fossilized determines their color. For the most part, discovered teeth can be as large as 5" while others are only about the size of a pin. The largest teeth come from the giant Megalodon Shark, which grew to 65 feet in length and was at least 2 to 3 times larger than the Great White.

Sea Turtles

Florida beaches bear the unique distinction of being home for 90% of all nesting sea turtles in the U.S. Each year, from May through October, loggerhead and green turtles emerge from the surf at night to lay their eggs on the shores of Amelia Island. Left undisturbed, the hatchlings incubate for 55 - 60 days before digging out and making their way back into the Atlantic. There are three documented species of sea turtles on Amelia Island: loggerheads, green turtles and leatherbacks. In 1985, the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch (AISTW) was formed to focus on the conservation of the destination's sea turtle populations. Today, residents and seasonal visitors can join in the AISTW's monitoring efforts. To learn more about Amelia Island's sea turtle population or how you can get involved, visit www.ameliaislandseaturtlewatch.com.

 

Big Talbot Island - one of Amelia's barrier islands, encompasses thousands of acres of raw land. It remains much like its' earliest explorers found it. Many endangered species find repose here - the Northern Right Whales descend here to calf, as of this time only 18 pairs have been sighted; Manatees - these lovable creatures are akin to the elephant! Live Oaks form a sort of canopy over trails and roadways - seaspray in the winter months grooms the new growth that has sprouted, creating the crew-cut effect of these gorgeous old trees.

Little Talbot Island - voted one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the US, this is a Florida State Park.

St. George Episcopal Church, Ft. George Island - founded in 1877, this River Mission welcomed John Freeman Young as its' first bishop. River missions sprang up alongside southern waterways in the U.S. and were built to resemble the European Episcopal countryside churches. They were 'Carpenter Gothic' in style, that is, they boasted exposed beams along with a boat-shaped ceiling that welcomed all to their interior, just as Noah's Ark did of old. Much symbolism is incorporated into these religious structures that add to their beauty and dignity.

Night Life

Falcon's Nest - Located on the Plantation - Named after Amelia Island Plantation's own Jack "The Falcon" Healan, this adventurous nightspot is the place to "see and be seen" on Amelia Island. Interior Photo of Falcon's NestWith 7,000 square feet and fascinating memorabilia from the aviation world, Falcon's is the perfect spot to "fly by" and meet your friends for the best happy hour in town!

O'Kane's Irish Pub & Eatery - Located downtown Fernandina - Good Irish Bar

Palace Saloon - Located downtown Fernandina - A bit rough and raw but interesting.

 

Beaches

Thirteen miles of pristine beach await you at Amelia Island. Swimming, surfing, fishing, jogging, kite flying, and beach combing are some of the many things you'll find to do on Amelia's beautiful beaches.

South Fletcher (highway A1A) is the main road which skirts the coast of the island, and along it you will find many public beach access areas (look for the blue and white signs), some with parking and some for walking access to the ocean.

The beach is excellent for sharks teeth and shell collecting. Don't forget to check for new treasures after a period of rough weather.

Dogs are allowed on the beach, but within the Fernandina Beach city limits, all dogs on the beach must be on a leash.

Don't let an unnecessary accident spoil your vacation. Some areas of the beach are protected by life guards for swimmers. Swimming in areas with life guards is always a good idea. When you swim in the ocean you should be aware of rip current warnings. Amelia Island also has frequent afternoon thunderstorms during the summer months, so at the first sign of lightning you should get off the beach as quickly as possible.

Don't forget the sun block!! Nobody likes bright red tourists.......

Fishing

Good Source for local information: Web Site

Amelia Island, Florida offers a host of different fishing options for both visitors and local residents. The island is located in the north east corner of Florida. Surf fishing on the beach, pier fishing from two public piers and one private pier, bridge fishing at Nassau Sound, and charters for inshore and offshore fishing from boats. Four wheel drive vehicles are allowed on a few very small areas of the beach, and at Amelia Island State Park, on the south end of the island.

Local Maps