The heart of Fernandina Beach is fifty-five blocks of unique historical buildings. There are over fifteen buildings that are over one hundred years old! On the Fernandina Beach waterfront you can pick up a free walking tour brochure, and enjoy exploring these historic buildings. Visit the Amelia Island Museum of History, where you can take specialized guided walking tours, including one that focuses on the supposed ghosts of the town.
If your feel need a break, you can tour parts of the city in historical horse-drawn carriages. Or consider taking a bike trip through the town. If you are staying in one of the historic bed and breakfasts, you might find that they have bikes you can borrow for free. Most of the bed and breakfasts are located in the Victorian styled houses of yesteryear in Fernandina Beach. If you are into history, consider staying at the Florida Inn, where Ulysses S Grant was once a guest.
Fernandina Beach in Florida is the best place to go for a car-free vacation. Start at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center to get the maps in information that you need. You will be just a few steps from the harbor where pirates used to bring their ships. Start by heading up Centre Street to Third Street, where you will find the old jailhouse, which houses the Amelia Island Museum of History. This museum is dedicated to the history of Amelia Island, where Fernandina Beach is located. Then walk up the street to Beech Street. Take Beech Street to Central Park, and along the way stop to admire the architecture you will be passing. It is truly candy for the eyes. Seventh and Eighth Street are both great places to see 1800s homes. There are several historical churches you can explore. Be sure to see St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and the First Presbyterian Church, which is one of the oldest churches in Florida.
While exploring the architecture of Fernandina Beach, be sure to see the county courthouse and post office, which are both still in operation. The other historic buildings now hold bookshops, jewelry shops, and many local wares.
Take a rest in the Central Park. You can then explore the harbor. If you enjoy walks along the beach, Wolf Park offers one-and-a-half miles of beautiful beaches to explore. Then it is back to exploring the history of Fernandina Beach! Walk up Fourth Street you will find the Romanesque St. Michael’s Catholic Church, which was built in 1872. Grab a bite to eat at the Crab Tree Restaurant, which dates back to 1877. The Palace Saloon is another interesting place to eat, and legend ha it that the building is haunted by a Rockefeller, Carnegie, and a guy named Charlie. There is plenty to do and see if you enjoy history when visiting Fernandina Beach! Plan your Fernandina Beach vacation today! You will not be disappointed!