Historic downtown Fernandina Beach is known as Amelia Island’s most charming corner, decorated with ornate homes from the Gilded Age and more quaint boutiques and shops than anyone can count. This is one piece of the island that you won’t want to miss. Here are our favorite ways to spend a day moseying the town and soaking up every drop of the city’s charm.
Find plenty more vacation inspiration in our complimentary Amelia Island Travel Guide. Discover our favorite places to eat, drink, and play to make the most of your time on the island!
The Best Ways to Spend a Day in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach
Fine Dining
Dining is one area where Fernandina Beach excels. You’ll never go hungry, and you’ll savor every bite no matter where you dine. Amelia Island is known as the birthplace of the modern shrimp industry, so you can expect an abundance of fresh seafood and plenty of other cuisines. Head over to the Amelia Island Restaurants blog to see a few of our top recommendations for guests.
Amelia Island Museum of History
We always recommend guests visiting the Amelia Island Museum of History. As you walk through Fernandina’s beautiful streets, you’ll be eager to dive into its history. You’ll learn all about how our Victorian seaport village began as a bustling hub for a booming shrimping industry, wealthy businessmen, bootleggers, and even pirates. It’s every history buff’s dream!
Shopping
You can shop ’til you drop any day here in Fernandina! It’s not hard to spot eclectic and charming boutiques to pop in along Centre Street and the surrounding area. You’ll find everything from clothing and accessories to souvenirs and décor to take home with you.
Stroll the Streets
Our beach town is so beautiful that even walking the streets can be quite the event. Admire streets peppered with elaborate Victorian-style homes by foot or grab a couple of bikes to peruse the town.
Amelia Island’s Most Charming Accommodations
Did you know you can stay just minutes away from all of this? One of the most wonderful parts of staying at The Addison on Amelia Island is its proximity to everything we’ve mentioned. After all, being in downtown Fernandina has its perks! You’ll be in ideal walking distance to all the area’s best shops, restaurants, and offerings. Browse our variety of guestrooms overlooking the inn’s stunning courtyard until you find one that suits your needs. Then, book your stay with us and get started planning your Fernandina Beach vacation!