Fernandina Beach Area
At Florida’s northernmost barrier island, Amelia Island sits the quaint and charming town of Fernandina Beach. This makes it Florida’s first beach, often passed over by those racing south. But if you have the time, history and beauty combine to make this a show stopper. The only place in the entire USA to have flown under 8 flags, Fernandina was strategically located and fought over by one and all. There was a burst of prosperity after the Civil War, then more from a cross state railway, giving rise to the lovely and well preserved Victorian architecture. You can stroll through this National Register of Hstoric Places in a buggy ride to recapture Old Florida. Even though you can find a fancy coffee shop here, you will marvel at its low key appeal that locals are working hard to preserve .
It’s easy to get to its wonderful beaches that hug the south Fletcher Avenue area, with over 50 beach accesses, most with free parking. A good family beach, Main Beach, has restrooms, showers, picnic areas and a nice boardwalk. Seaside Park for surfers, and Peter’s Point Beachfront Park, considered by most to be the most attractive with its long beaches, dunes, maritime forests are both great beaches to spend the day.
You’ll find plenty of great food, and local fishermen supply the town with fresh shrimp, so you’ll see the peel’n'eat places to sit down and pig out. Check our guide for our local favorites.
Restaurants:
T-Rays: Huge biscuits with your big breakfasts and the lunches are great too. Darn good down home food!
202 S 8th St, (904) 261-6310
The Surf: Peel ‘n eat shrimp right on the beach. Go and enjoy the food and sunny beach.
3199 S Fletcher Ave, (904) 261-5711
Brett’s Waterway Cafe: Sunset views over the marina with real good steaks & seafood. A bit touristy, but they’ve got a great margarita.
1897 Island Walk Way, (904) 261-2660
Frisky Mermaid: Good upgrade pub grub in the oldest hotel in Florida and “Songwriters’ Central” for the northern Florida music scene. And OMG, you can bring your dog!
22 S 3rd St, (904) 261-3300
Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant: Good solid Mexican fare with good drinks and great fajitas.
12 N 2nd St, (904) 261-0049
Moon River Pizza: Good pies. Best for take out. Been around forever.
925 S 14th St, (904) 321-3400
Loop Pizza Grill: Nice atmosphere to sit down and have a real good pizza.
869 Sadler Rd, (904) 321-0093
Grocer:
Harris Teeter Supermarket: Lucky us! We’ve got a great supermarket in our small beach town.
4800 First Coast Hwy, (904) 491-1213
Watercolor by Peter Bailey