14 Fun Things To Do In Fernandina Beach, Florida

Fernandina Beach doesn’t try to impress you—it just does. The streets are lined with old brick buildings, front porches still matter, and the salty breeze carries more than just ocean air—it brings a sense of place. This is where shrimp boats still dock, stories are told over strong coffee or cold beer, and no one’s in a rush to leave.

You can spend the morning walking under moss-covered oaks, the afternoon exploring old forts or galleries, and still make it to the marina in time to catch the sun drop behind a row of sailboats. It’s a place built on character—not marketing—and that’s what makes it work.

This list covers the best things to do in Fernandina Beach: the obvious highlights, the hidden spots, and the local experiences that feel more like memories than checkboxes. No fluff. No filters. Just a guide to a real Florida town that still remembers who it is.

1. Explore Amelia Island State Park

📍 Location: State Road A1A North, Jacksonville, FL 32226

Amelia Island State Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike, offering a serene escape just minutes from Fernandina Beach. This 200-acre park boasts diverse ecosystems, including pristine beaches, salt marshes, and lush maritime forests. Activities like birdwatching, kayaking, and fishing are plentiful, but the standout experience here is horseback riding along the sandy shore—a unique activity that sets this park apart from others in Florida.

The tranquility of the park makes it ideal for a peaceful morning stroll or a kayaking trip through the calm marshes, where wildlife such as herons, ospreys, and dolphins often make an appearance. With its stunning vistas and well-preserved natural beauty, Amelia Island State Park is a must-visit for anyone exploring Fernandina Beach.

2. Relax at Fernandina Beach Main Beach Park

📍 Location: 32 N Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

If you’re after that classic beach-day vibe—flip-flops, salt air, and soft sand between your toes—Main Beach Park delivers. This spacious stretch of shoreline has all the essentials: beach access, shaded picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a playground that keeps kids entertained while grownups soak up the sun. It’s friendly, unpretentious, and perfectly suited for a low-key day by the Atlantic.

Early risers often come for morning walks along the shoreline, while families arrive later with coolers and beach chairs in tow. There’s a timeless rhythm here—waves rolling in, gulls overhead, and the distant squeals of kids discovering how cold the water really is. Lifeguards are often on duty in season, which adds peace of mind for parents.

Stay for sunset if you can. The sky turns a warm watercolor over the dunes, and the day winds down with that rare kind of stillness you only get at the coast. Main Beach Park isn’t flashy, and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.

3. Step Back in Time at Fort Clinch State Park

📍 Location: 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Few places blend nature and history quite like Fort Clinch State Park. Spread over 1,400 acres at the northern tip of Amelia Island, the park’s centerpiece is a remarkably well-preserved 19th-century brick fortress. Wander its shadowy corridors, climb the ramparts, and you’ll feel the weight of history around every moss-covered corner. On select weekends, reenactors bring the site to life with live musket drills, cooking demonstrations, and period dress.

But the fort is only part of the magic. The park’s diverse landscapes include maritime forests, salt marshes, and a windswept shoreline perfect for shelling or spotting dolphins offshore. Hikers and bikers love the well-maintained trails, while anglers head to the mile-long pier for laid-back fishing with killer views of Cumberland Sound.

Whether you're here for the military lore, the coastal beauty, or both, Fort Clinch rewards curiosity and slows your pace. Give yourself time to explore—it’s the kind of place that reveals a little more with every turn.

4. Discover Fernandina Beach Historic District

📍 Location: Centre Street & surrounding blocks, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Step into a storybook version of Old Florida in the Fernandina Beach Historic District, where red-brick buildings, wraparound porches, and cobblestone paths tell tales of pirates, railroad tycoons, and Gilded Age opulence. Spread across 50 blocks, this area is home to one of the best-preserved Victorian-era downtowns in the country—and it’s still buzzing with life.

Start your stroll on Centre Street, the main artery lined with cafés, antique stores, bookshops, and boutiques. As you wander, you’ll pass historic landmarks like the Nassau County Courthouse, old churches, and charming bed-and-breakfasts that look frozen in time. Stop in for a drink at The Palace Saloon, and you’ll sip your cocktail surrounded by hand-carved mahogany and stories that stretch back over a century.

The district is more than just architecture—it’s the cultural soul of the island. Art festivals, farmers markets, and spontaneous live music give this place a timeless-but-alive feeling. Whether you’re a history nerd, a casual browser, or a sunset chaser, this neighborhood invites you to slow your pace and look a little closer.

5. Explore Egmont Key

📍 Location: Egmont Key, at the mouth of Tampa Bay; access via ferry or private boat from Fort De Soto Park

For travelers who crave a mix of history and untouched nature, Egmont Key is an absolute gem. This remote island—reachable only by boat—offers a different kind of Florida experience: one without crowds, shops, or schedules. Here, the adventure starts the moment you board the ferry.

The island is best known for the Egmont Key Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since 1858, and the ruins of Fort Dade, a Spanish-American War-era outpost now half-reclaimed by jungle and sand. Snorkelers can explore the coral-covered foundations of the old fort along the shoreline, where schools of tropical fish dart between the ruins. It’s an eerie, beautiful underwater time capsule.

With no facilities or food vendors, this is a bring-your-own-everything kind of place—perfect for a peaceful beach picnic or quiet swim in turquoise waters. Egmont Key doesn’t shout for attention. It simply waits for those willing to explore it. And for those who do, it feels like discovering Florida’s forgotten soul.

6. Bike the Amelia Island Trail

📍 Location: Trailhead near Peters Point Beachfront Park, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

There’s something liberating about biking Amelia Island—especially when the trail rolls you through maritime forests, breezy marshlands, and stretches of beachfront road. The Amelia Island Trail offers six scenic miles of paved path, perfect for riders of all ages and experience levels. Whether you're a casual cruiser or serious cyclist, the views and the peace of the trail make it an easy favorite.

Starting near Peters Point Beachfront Park, the trail runs south alongside A1A, eventually linking to the Talbot Islands for those wanting an extended ride. Along the way, you’ll pass shady hammocks, coastal wildlife, and quiet pockets of nature where herons wade, turtles cross, and the rustle of palms becomes your soundtrack. It’s a breath of fresh air—literally.

Don’t have a bike? No problem. Rentals are widely available and many places offer e-bikes if you're looking for a little boost. Morning rides are ideal for cooler temps and softer light, but even an afternoon pedal feels like a moving meditation with salt air in your lungs and the ocean just over your shoulder.

7. Explore the Waters with Sailing Charters

📍 Location: Fernandina Harbor Marina, 1 Front St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

There’s no better way to understand Amelia Island than from the water. Sailing charters offer a front-row seat to the island’s natural beauty—sunset skies, salty breezes, and the gentle slap of waves against the hull. Whether you’re out for a romantic evening sail, a family wildlife tour, or just a few quiet hours under open sky, the perspective from the deck is unforgettable.

Charters leave from Fernandina Harbor Marina, and options range from private luxury sails to group eco-tours that highlight local history and marine life. You might sail past historic Old Town, glimpse the wild horses of Cumberland Island in the distance, or hear stories of pirate ships and smuggling routes that once ruled these waters. There’s something timeless about it all.

Experienced captains make the experience effortless, and you don’t need any sailing knowledge to enjoy the ride. Just bring your camera, a light jacket, and a sense of wonder—you’ll probably leave with more than just a few good photos.

8. Visit The Spa at Amelia Island

📍 Location: 39 Beach Lagoon Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (inside Omni Amelia Island Resort)

When it’s time to slow down and recharge, The Spa at Amelia Island offers more than just pampering—it delivers a full sensory reset. Tucked inside the Omni Resort, this serene retreat offers everything from deep tissue massages to hydrating facials and body scrubs inspired by the sea and the surrounding landscape.

What sets this spa apart is the attention to detail: organic, island-inspired products; warm, welcoming staff; and a layout that encourages you to linger. Before or after your treatment, you can slip into the private relaxation areas, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or head straight to the quiet stretch of beach just steps away. It’s as much a sanctuary as it is a spa.

Whether you’re recovering from a long bike ride or just craving stillness, this is the place to melt away tension and leave feeling renewed. Appointments fill quickly—especially on weekends—so plan ahead if you want to make self-care part of your island escape.

9. Visit the Amelia Island Museum of History

📍 Location: 233 S 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Set inside a brick building with barred windows and a colorful past, the Amelia Island Museum of History isn’t your average local museum. Here, history is told through personal stories, pirate lore, and hands-on exhibits that span thousands of years—from the ancient Timucua to the modern-day islanders who still call Fernandina home.

The centerpiece is the "Eight Flags" exhibit, which tells the tale of Amelia Island’s unique distinction as the only U.S. location to have flown under eight different national flags. There’s plenty of swashbuckling drama—pirates, smugglers, and Civil War soldiers all make an appearance—but the museum also dives deep into the lives of Native peoples, African American communities, and early settlers.

Docent-led tours add extra depth, and the storytelling here is top-notch—engaging without being dry, informative without losing its heart. If you want to understand the layers of culture and history that shape this island, this is your starting point.

10. Savor Local Seafood at Timoti’s Seafood Shak

📍 Location: 21 N 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

In a town known for its coastal charm, Timoti’s Seafood Shak stands out as the kind of place you wish you had back home. Casual, consistent, and full of flavor, this local favorite dishes out responsibly sourced seafood with zero fuss and maximum taste. It’s everything you want after a beach day or afternoon exploring the Historic District.

Grab a shaded picnic table outside and dig into a classic shrimp basket or blackened mahi tacos, served with crispy fries and slaw. Looking for something lighter? Their poke bowls are packed with fresh greens, avocado, and perfectly seasoned fish. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming—kids playing in the outdoor space, couples sharing beers, and locals grabbing lunch on their break.

It’s not trying to be fancy—and that’s exactly why it works. Great food, breezy setting, and prices that won’t break your vacation budget. Timoti’s is the go-to when you want to eat well without slowing down your day.

11. Explore Egan’s Creek Greenway

📍 Location: Trailheads at Atlantic Ave (near Rec Center) & Jasmine St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Tucked between neighborhoods and marshland, Egan’s Creek Greenway is one of Amelia Island’s most peaceful—and underrated—natural escapes. The network of trails winds through salt marshes, grasslands, and shady hammocks, making it a favorite for walkers, runners, cyclists, and nature photographers.

You don’t need to go far before spotting wildlife. Great egrets and herons glide across the water, turtles sun themselves on logs, and if you’re lucky (or cautious), you might even spot an alligator lounging near the creek’s edge. The terrain is flat and well-marked, ideal for beginners or families looking to introduce kids to Florida’s wilder side—without venturing too far from town.

Bring binoculars, wear sunscreen, and go in the early morning or late afternoon for the most active wildlife and cooler temps. Whether you're seeking solitude or just want to move your body after a hearty lunch, Egan’s Creek is where Fernandina slows down and nature takes center stage.

12. Enjoy Golfing at Amelia Island Plantation

📍 Location: 39 Beach Lagoon Rd, Amelia Island, FL 32034

Few golf destinations blend natural beauty and challenging design as effortlessly as Amelia Island Plantation. With views of marshes, dunes, and ocean breezes drifting across the fairways, every round here feels like a walk through a nature preserve—with a few sand traps to keep things interesting.

Golfers can choose from multiple championship courses, including the legendary Oak Marsh, known for its tight fairways and tidal marsh views, and Long Point, a private course with rolling dunes and seaside holes that are as scenic as they are demanding. Each course offers its own rhythm and personality, making the resort ideal for repeat visits or multi-day golf getaways.

Even if you’re not chasing a birdie, the club’s pro shop, restaurants, and practice facilities make it worth a visit. Whether you’re here for the game, the views, or just some quiet time on manicured greens, Amelia Island Plantation offers a world-class coastal golf experience.

13. Shop for Local Art and Antiques

📍 Location: Centre Street & surrounding Historic District, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

For a shopping experience with heart, wander the charming storefronts of Fernandina Beach’s Historic District. Here, shopping isn’t just retail therapy—it’s storytelling. You’ll find antique shops, art galleries, and handmade treasures that reflect the island’s layered history and vibrant creative spirit.

Start with Eight Flags Antique Market, a labyrinth of vintage finds where you might stumble across maritime maps, retro jewelry, or rare Florida memorabilia. Then visit Blue Door Artists, a collective gallery that showcases local painters, potters, and photographers working right on site. You can chat with the artists, watch them work, or even commission a custom piece.

And of course, no shopping day is complete without a sweet reward. Step into Fernandina’s Fantastic Fudge, where the scent of melted chocolate and butter pulls you in before you’ve even seen the counter. One bite of their old-fashioned fudge and you’ll understand why this place is a must-stop.

14. Attend the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival (Seasonal)

📍 Location: Centre Street & Downtown Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

If you’re lucky enough to visit in early May, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival is a can’t-miss event that transforms the entire downtown into a seafood-loving street party. What started as a small celebration of local shrimpers has grown into one of the Southeast’s most beloved festivals, drawing thousands of visitors and uniting locals in one massive coastal celebration.

Parades, pirate invasions, vintage car shows, and hundreds of craft vendors bring energy to every corner of Centre Street. But let’s be honest—it’s all about the shrimp. Grilled, fried, skewered, dipped, or tossed in tacos, the variety of seafood is endless, and the quality is unmatched. From dock-to-plate, it’s some of the freshest you’ll taste anywhere.

Conclusion

Fernandina Beach is more than just a scenic stop on Florida’s Atlantic coast—it’s a living storybook of maritime heritage, local artistry, and natural beauty. From biking under canopies of moss-draped oaks to sailing past wild dolphins, every moment feels like part of a slower, sweeter rhythm that the rest of the world has forgotten.

Whether you’re devouring fresh shrimp at a street festival, browsing antique treasures downtown, or hiking through a peaceful greenway at dawn, Fernandina invites you to savor the details. It’s a place where history whispers from old jailhouse walls, the breeze smells faintly of salt and jasmine, and the sunset always seems to know when to show up at just the right time.

You’ll leave with sandy shoes, a few new favorite stories, and the quiet conviction that this charming island town won’t be a one-time visit. Because Fernandina Beach isn’t just somewhere you go. It’s somewhere you return to—again and again.

If you are looking to visit the beach, Karta has some amazing deals on Fernandina Beach vacation rentals for you.

FAQ

1. How far is Fernandina Beach from Jacksonville?

Fernandina Beach is located about 35 miles from Jacksonville, Florida, which is roughly a 45-minute drive. It’s an easy and scenic drive along the coast, making Fernandina Beach a perfect day trip or weekend getaway from the city.

2. What is Fernandina Beach known for?

Fernandina Beach is known for its rich history, particularly its pirate and Civil War past, as well as its Victorian-era architecture. It’s also famous for its beautiful beaches, shrimping industry, and annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival.

3. Is Fernandina Beach worth visiting?

Absolutely! Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing by the ocean, Fernandina Beach offers something for everyone. Its laid-back atmosphere and mix of activities make it a great destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

4. When is the best time to visit Fernandina Beach?

The best time to visit Fernandina Beach is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer can be hot and humid, but it’s still a great time for beach lovers. Avoid the peak hurricane season from August to October for the best experience.

5. What’s the weather like in Fernandina Beach?

Fernandina Beach enjoys a temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. In the summer, temperatures can reach the upper 80s to low 90s, while winter temperatures typically stay in the 50s and 60s, making it a great year-round destination.

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