Top 10 Things to Do in Fernandina Beach, Florida
Top 10 Things to Do in Fernandina Beach, Florida
If you're looking for a coastal getaway that doesn't feel like every other Florida beach town, Fernandina Beach should be on your list.
Located on Amelia Island in Northeast Florida, Fernandina Beach combines beautiful beaches, historic streets, fishing, wildlife, outdoor adventures and plenty of laid-back coastal charm.
You can spend the morning on the beach, explore a Civil War fort in the afternoon and finish the day walking through historic downtown.
Here are 10 things we think are worth doing in Fernandina Beach.
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1. Spend the Day at the Beach
Let's start with the obvious one.
You're at the coast.
Go to the beach.
Amelia Island has about 13 miles of beaches, giving you plenty of room to find your own stretch of sand.
Swim, walk, look for shells, hunt for shark teeth, build a sandcastle or simply throw down a beach blanket and do absolutely nothing.
Sometimes that's the whole point of a coastal vacation.
2. Explore Fort Clinch State Park
If you only have time for one major attraction, Fort Clinch deserves serious consideration.
The park combines history and nature, with the well-preserved Civil War-era fort surrounded by trails, beaches and coastal scenery.
You can tour the fort, hike, bike, look for shells and shark teeth, swim, watch wildlife or even go surf fishing.
It's one of those places where you can easily spend several hours without realizing how much time has passed.
3. Walk Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach
Downtown Fernandina is one of the biggest reasons people fall in love with the area.
Take your time walking the historic streets and checking out the old buildings, local shops, galleries, restaurants and small businesses.
There's something different about wandering around a historic downtown instead of spending your entire vacation in a resort.
And bring your camera.
This is one of those places where you're going to keep finding things worth photographing.
Historic downtown is also one of the most popular activities among Amelia Island visitors, with 73% of visitors in the first quarter of 2026 reporting that they visited the historic downtown.
4. Go Fishing
Now we're getting into 912 Coastal territory.
Fernandina Beach offers plenty of fishing opportunities, whether you're fishing from shore, working the marshes or heading offshore.
You can target redfish, trout, flounder, whiting, pompano and other species depending on the season and conditions.
The George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier is another option for anglers and stretches across Nassau Sound. The area is known for fishing opportunities targeting species including whiting, trout, flounder and redfish.
If you're visiting Fernandina and you like to fish, bring a rod.
You won't regret it.
5. Explore the Island by Kayak
You don't have to stay on the beach to enjoy Amelia Island.
The island's marshes and waterways offer opportunities to get out on the water by kayak.
Paddling through the salt marsh gives you a completely different perspective of the area.
Instead of looking at the marsh from the road, you're right in the middle of it.
Keep an eye out for birds, fish and other wildlife while enjoying a much quieter side of the island.
6. Visit the Amelia Island Lighthouse
The Amelia Island Lighthouse is another piece of the area's history worth checking out.
The lighthouse dates back to 1820 and is recognized as Florida's oldest lighthouse.
Even if you're not climbing the lighthouse, the surrounding area makes for a great stop while exploring the island.
It's also one of those landmarks that makes for a great vacation photo.
7. Explore Egans Creek Greenway
Want to get away from the crowds for a little while?
Head toward Egans Creek Greenway.
The protected area covers more than 300 acres and provides opportunities for hiking, biking, birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
It's a good reminder that Amelia Island isn't just beaches.
There's a whole natural side to the island that is easy to miss if you spend your entire vacation near the shoreline.
Bring comfortable shoes and take your time.
8. Take a Ride on the Beach
There's something pretty cool about riding a horse along the beach.
Amelia Island is one of the few places on Florida's east coast where horseback riding on the beach is available.
You don't have to be an experienced rider to appreciate the experience.
For visitors looking for something different from the typical beach day, this is definitely one to put on the list.
9. Explore the Island on Two Wheels
Amelia Island is also a great place to explore by bicycle.
There are scenic routes and trails that let you experience the island at a much slower pace than you would from a car.
The Amelia Island Trail and Amelia River to Sea Trail provide opportunities to ride through coastal scenery, natural areas and areas shaded by mature live oaks.
And honestly, there's something about riding a bike through a coastal town that just feels right.
No schedule.
No traffic jams.
Just find a road and explore.
10. Slow Down and Enjoy the Coastal Life
Our final recommendation isn't really one specific attraction.
It's the reason you came in the first place.
Slow down.
Grab breakfast.
Walk the beach.
Explore downtown.
Sit by the water.
Watch the sunset.
Get some ice cream.
Take a fishing trip.
Find a quiet spot and stay there for a while.
Amelia Island is built for that kind of vacation.
The official visitor information describes the island as a place where beaches, small-town charm, history and outdoor adventures are all within easy reach.
You don't have to pack every hour of the day with activities.
Sometimes the best part of a coastal getaway is having nowhere you need to be.
Our 912 Coastal Take
Fernandina Beach is one of those places that gives you a little bit of everything.
Beach? Absolutely.
Fishing? Definitely.
History? Everywhere.
Outdoor adventure? Plenty.
Good food and a walkable downtown? Yep.
And that's why we think Fernandina Beach fits the 912 Coastal lifestyle so well.
You can spend the morning chasing redfish, the afternoon exploring Fort Clinch and the evening walking historic downtown.
Or you can spend the entire day sitting on the beach.
Either way, you're doing coastal living right.
Planning a Fernandina Beach Trip?
Start with these 10 ideas, but don't feel like you have to do all of them.
Pick a few.
Leave some room in the schedule.
And give yourself enough time to discover something that wasn't on your list.
That's usually where the best memories happen.
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