Florida's first beach town: This well-preserved city at the northern end of Amelia Island, Florida's northern-most barrier island, marks the beginning of Florida's "First Coast."
It's storied past is an intact portion of the quickly vanishing "Old Florida," with a 50-square-block area into an ongoing restoration. The section is a designated historic district in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Beaches: The pristine beaches of Fernandina are located a mile from the center of town. Over four miles of beach with more than 20 public access points lie between the northern-most Main Beach south. Main Beach, with its plentiful parking and facilities, grassy playground and lifeguard stands is especially popular with families that have children in tow.
If the Main Beach crowds crowd you out, Peter's Point should be your second choice. It also offers decent facilities.
Directions: Fernandina Beach is located off Highway A1A (Fletcher Avenue).
Parking: Main Beach and Peter's Point offers free parking lots. South Fernandina Beach access has limited free street parking.
Hours: Hours posted 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Facilities: Main Beach and Peter's Point have lifeguards posted seasonally. Additionally, restrooms, showers and picnic tables are available. Main Beach has a nice grassy playground. Other South Fernandina Beaches have no facilities.
