Explore the Charm of Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island

Photo by Adedoyin Adesanya

VIBE: Relaxed, Family Friendly
Main Beach Park, 32 N Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Have you ever wanted to just sit on the sand and watch the sun come up? The start of a new day is always special at Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. Read on to learn what the locals love to do here.

The sunrise is a favorite pastime of the locals and you can see why. The sky paints a different picture each morning. It is an experience not to be missed by any Florida beach lover. Come see for yourself why visitors come back to this enchanting ocean beach year after year.

Fernandina Beach Sand

The beach is generally flat and slopes gently into the ocean. The photograph shows just how shelly it is on Fernandina Beach. There is a lot of beach to explore and you can walk for miles. The sand contains coral and is a bit darker near the shore. It is thicker and lighter in color up near the dunes. The sand is great for shelling and some people even find shark's teeth here.

Fernandina Beach Water

Do you love jumping ocean waves? The Atlantic Ocean is perfect for wave lovers and surfers. Conditions can be unpredictable so it is always good to check before you head out to the beach. We like Tides4Fishing. There are several beach cameras you can check too. To find out if there is dangerous surf or marine life, send a text to 888777 and type in the message BCHSAFE. Text STOP to end. This alert service, courtesy of the Fire Department, is also available on Facebook.

Fernandina Beach Parking and Amenities

Main Beach Park has great facilities for the entire family. A shaded playground; 2 pavilions; 6 picnic shelters; wooden boardwalk; a Mobi-Mat for ADA accessibility to the beach (like Siesta Key Beach); open green space; outdoor showers; and restrooms. Parking is available at this beach park in two separate parking lots. Unfortunately, Fernandina Beach no longer offers driving on the beach to non-residents. Parking is free in the public lots, so stop by and take your dog for a walk on the beach (leashed of course).

Fernandina Beach Activities

Photo: Happy Trails Walking Horses

It's a fun stop here for skate park viewing, mini golf (for a fee), and take advantage of the bathrooms, park, picnic, beach areas. Salt Life Food Shack is nearby so nobody has to go hungry. Shelling and looking for shark teeth is a great way to spend some time on Fernandina Beach. One of the most popular activities is horseback riding on Fernandina Beach. Happy Trails Walking Horses offers an hour long guided tour. They give you instruction before you head out.  A leisurely ride along the shore provides an experience to remember. The horses are bred for smooth walking so no need to be nervous.

Explore more activities in Fernandina Beach

Away from the beach, if you need a break from sun and fun, there are many things to do. Some of the things you can do in Fernandina Beach include:

• Explore the Historic District: Fernandina Beach has a charming historic district that boasts beautiful architecture, quaint shops, and delicious dining options.
• Go Fishing: Amelia Island is a great place for fishing, and Fernandina Beach offers several options for charters and fishing tours for every age.
• Take a Tour: Fernandina Beach has several guided tours available, including historic tours, ghost tours, and even a pirate tour.
• Visit Fort Clinch State Park: This state park offers camping, hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities, as well as tours of the historic fort. 
  
• Attend Festivals and Events: Fernandina Beach hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Amelia Island Book Festival, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, and the Amelia Island Jazz Festival.

Look Out! This Could Happen...

Visitors USED to be able to drive on the beach, but due to safety issues, the County changed the ordinance. Sadly, you can only drive on Fernandina Beach if you are a resident, a military member or disabled (see this link). A 4X4 is advisable. The sand is thick and depending on the tides and depth of sand, a regular vehicle can get stuck. Read our tips on beach driving and enjoy your day by the ocean. Luckily, the other paved parking areas are free. The largest beach parking access areas are located at Peters Point and Burney Park at American Beach.

What We Really Think About Fernandina Beach

Amelia Island beaches are known for their beauty and cleanliness. The locals rave about living there and being able to walk the beach at sunrise. With white sand dunes, thick sand and miles of beachfront, Fernandina Beach is hard to beat. This is a great beach to bring your dog or ride a horse. You can even bring a small grill to this beach, or use one of the picnic areas. This beach has everything for everyone. Lots to do...or just a little. It is the perfect summertime escape in Florida.

Fernandina Beach Hotels

Courtyard Amelia Island
Seaside Amelia Inn
Springhill Suites Amelia Island

Seaside Amelia Inn

Restaurants Fernandina Beach

The Sandbar & Kitchen
Salt Life Food Shack
David's Restaurant & Lounge
Hola! Cuban Cafe

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