Fernandina Beach

Fernandina Beach, which can be found on Amelia Island, is a delightfully historic town that any and all Jacksonville area visitors will want to add to the itinerary. Founded just after the end of the Civil War, this small town was once a vibrant seaport, and while things have changed over time, it is still a popular place to gather. Between the Fernandina Beach rentals and the bed and breakfast inns, finding a good place to stay during your visit won't be hard, though it's always a good idea to book ahead when the annual Shrimp Festival is going on. Held in late April and early May, this festival is worth attending if you enjoy dining on shrimp.

Amelia Island boasts quite a history, and if you want to learn more about it during your visit to Fernandina Beach, then you'll do well to drop by the Amelia Island Museum of History. This fascinating museum is housed in an old county jail, which adds to its allure, and if you want to get the full experience, you'll book the hour-long tour of the ground floor. You can also check out the upstairs photo gallery on your own if you have the time. One of the best things about the Amelia Island Museum of History is the fact that it offers walking tours of Fernandina Beach's historic Centre Street, along with longer tours of the city's entire historic district. The historic district in Fernandina Beach features an array of historic homes that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and whether you book a guided tour or not, it's a joy to explore.

When you're not learning about history during your Fernandina Beach vacation, hitting the beach is something that you might consider. Finding a good beach on Amelia Island is easy, as there are miles of sandy coastline to take advantage of. About a mile from the heart of Fernandina Beach, four miles of beaches will be at your disposal. Relatively pristine, these beaches are ideal for relaxing, though you can also stay active if you prefer. Main Beach, which is the largest public beach on Amelia island, boasts basketball courts, a beach volleyball court, a small skateboarding park, a miniature golf course and more. Main Beach is often considered to be the best family beach on Amelia Island, as it features the most in the way of picnic areas, free public parking, outdoor showers, restrooms, and lifeguards.

While staying at a beach resort like the Amelia Island Plantation is a great way to go when it comes to lodging, you might also take some time out to consider the Fernandina Beach rentals. For those who are planning a Jacksonville wedding, a beachfront cottage rental can definitely make for some ideal honeymoon accommodations. The Fernandina Beach rentals come in the form of condos, cottages, and larger homes, and you might be interested to know that more often than not, the rates are comparable to those at the hotels and resorts. You'll have your own, fully equipped kitchen when you stay at one of the Fernandina Beach rentals, which is just one of the things that helps to make them popular.

In addition to an array of interesting historical attractions, Fernandina Beach also features unique shops and some excellent eateries, so you can add shopping and dining to your list of things to do here. Since Fort Clinch State Park is due north of Fernandina Beach, hiking, pier fishing, and picnicking are other things that you can easily add to your agenda when in town. You can even go camping at Fort Clinch State Park if you want to stay close to nature once the sun goes down. There are two campgrounds to choose from, and while one can be found on the banks of the Amelia River, the other fronts the Atlantic Ocean. Be sure to bring your binoculars to Fort Clinch State Park if you like birdwatching, as it is a gateway point for the Great Florida Birding Trail.