Whether you’re looking for a cozy and calm Florida winter vacation or an exciting summer beach trip, look no further than Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island!
Amelia Island is the northernmost barrier island off Florida’s east coast 30 miles northeast of Jacksonville. My husband’s birthday is in January, and with having a rather stressful 2024 we wanted to plan a cozy and relaxing Florida vacation that wasn’t too far of a drive from where we live in St. Pete.
What drew us to Amelia Island were the area’s charm, rich history, laidback nature, natural beauty, and cozy bed and breakfasts. When I came across the quaint and historic Hoyt House Luxury B&B I was sold (more info below)!
So keep reading to learn the details of our quaint stay and uncover the best things to do in Fernandina Beach!
The Star of Our Fernandina Beach Vacation: Hoyt House Bed & Breakfast
Because the B&B we stayed at became the highlight of our trip, it’s only fitting that we start here. ‘
Hoyt House Bed & Breakfast was charming, cozy, and historic—it couldn’t be more perfect for couples!
The historic Victorian-style home is in downtown Fernandina Beach, making walking or biking easy. We took advantage of all its luxuries; my favorites were the porch swing, hot tub, and reading nook.
Here’s a full list of Hoyt House’s Amenities:
- Outdoor Hot Tub & Pool – A cozy way to unwind in cool weather.
- Wrap-Around Porch & Swing – Ideal for sipping morning coffee or wine.
- Cozy Library with Books & Games – A perfect indoor retreat.
- Complimentary Bikes – An easy and fun way to explore the area.
- Delicious Breakfast – Freshly prepared and worth looking forward to (the Creme Brulee French Toast was our favorite!).
As you can see, this Amelia Island B&B has a lot to offer—don’t get me started on the property’s gorgeous oak trees. It’s understandable why they have an almost perfect 5-star rating on Booking.com.
If you’re looking for coziness and charm I wouldn’t hesitate to book Hoyt House B&B, I’m convinced it’s one of the best places to stay on Amelia Island!
Fun Things to Do in Amelia Island & Fernandina Beach
There are enough things to do in Amelia Island that’ll keep you busy, but not too many where you’ll be overwhelmed. This made our stay in Fernandina Beach stress-free because we weren’t tempted to create a rigid itinerary just to fit everything in it.
We found that most of the main attractions in Amelia Island are in Fernandina Beach. From relaxing to active, here’s a look at the best things to do in Fernandina Beach during your Florida vacation:
1. Strolling Downtown
You can beat a stroll around a town as charming and rich in history as Fernandina Beach! With connections to the French, British, and Spanish, from its historic old town to the sandy shores, the city showcases its diverse past. Thanks to the Golden Age of tourism in the 1800s, we can still enjoy its beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings.
There are plenty of local boutiques selling everything from clothes to souvenirs. It’s easy to be drawn in for an ice cream cone or a drink at a pub. Before you leave, be sure to check out the scenic waterfront and learn some history lessons from the monuments.
Fun Fact: Amelia Island was named in honor of Princess Amelia, the daughter of King George II of England.
2. Try Local Restaurants & Coffee Shops
Looking back, we felt the Fernandina Beach dining scene was satisfactory. Downtown Fernandina Beach had a great mix of cuisines and a few cafes and coffee shops to enjoy.
With only 2 days to spare we only had a taste, but we really enjoyed all the places we tried.
Here’s an overview of the Fernandina Beach restaurants we ate at:
- Tasty’s Fresh Burgers: We could smell the intoxicating scent of burgers from the patio of our B&B and breakfast so checking this spot out was inevitable and it delivered! As a sauce lover, their Tasty’s sauce was a great touch.
- Ciao Italian Eatery: We enjoyed authentic Italian dishes homemade by a father and son team. Our wine and apps were delicious and the pasta dishes satisfied our cravings. This place was busy so be sure to make reservations.
- Amelia Island Coffee: Before driving home we fueled up with a bagel sandwich and breakfast burrito and lattes made with locally roasted beans from down the street.
- Pepper’s Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar: We stopped in for Margarita’s to watch the playoffs and ended up ordering a delicious trio of guac, queso, and salsa with chips.
- 1928 Cuban Bistro: A fast-casual joint serving authentic Cuban sandwiches, empanads, pastries, and coffee.
- Mezcal Spirit of Oaxaca: The one place we planned on eating at but didn’t have time for. We are definitely keeping it bookmarked for next time!
Bars:
- The Principal’s Office Bar – We’re not big drinkers but the concept of a bar being inside of the Amelia Island Schoolhouse was too intriguing to pass up. We ordered their discounted batched cocktail of the week. Make sure to dare someone in your group to sit at the desk and wear the dunce cap.
3. Rent Bikes
As approved by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bicycle Friendly Community, Amelia Island is the perfect place to go for a bike ride! Because there are so many beautiful oak and Spanish moss trees on the island, evening a casual ride through residential neighborhoods is picturesque.
We used the complimentary bikes Hoyt House provided for us, however, there are several bike rental places on the island you can book from.
We chose to take a short and sweet ride to the Amelia Island Lighthouse and Fernandina Beach. If you’re looking for something more adventurous Amelia Island does have several trails to enjoy including the low-key Egan’s Creek Greenway, 7-mile Amelia Island Trail, 3-mile River to Sea Trail, or the more advanced 6-miles of mountain bike trails that run through Fort Clinch State Park.
4. Hit the Beaches
Amelia Island has over 13 miles of beautiful sandy beaches to explore—it’s safe to say there’s no shortage of options!
We chose Fernandina Beach Main Beach Park because it was a straight shot from our bed and breakfast.
Because we vacationed to Amelia Island in January, it wasn’t warm enough to have a beach day, but as we walked on the sand, bracing the chilly winds coming off the water, we dreamed about how nice it would be in the summer.
Hot Tip: Did you know you can go beach Horseback Riding on Amelia Island?
5. Uncover the History at Fort Clinch
- Location: 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL
- Hours: Park open 8 am to sunset, daily. Fort open 9 am to 5 pm daily. Visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 pm daily.
- Fee: $6 per car
Time travel back to the 19th century at Fort Clinch State Park. Its historical significance during the Civil War, natural landscapes, and campgrounds make it a place that everyone can enjoy.
Embark on a self-guided trail to learn about the fort’s history or go for a hike on one of the park’s maritime trails. The row of cannons lining the St Mary’s River are just steps from the ocean so comb the beach and see if you can find any unique shells or shark teeth.
6. Amelia Island Lighthouse
- Location: 215 O Hagan Ln, Fernandina Beach, FL
- Hours: Only open on Saturdays between 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Fee: Free
This small lighthouse happens to be the oldest existing lighthouse in the State of Florida. Unfortunately, because their visiting hours are so limited we only saw the lighthouse from behind the gate.
You likely won’t need more than 10 minutes here, as there are no extra amenities inside the gate—just a few benches where you can sit and enjoy the view. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend planning your itinerary around the lighthouse’s hours of operation.
To gain access inside the Lighthouse you would need to register for a tour by calling 904-310-3350 or by visiting the Atlantic Recreation Center at 2500 Atlantic Avenue.
7. Go Golfing on one of Northeast Florida’s Finest Courses
Amelia Island has been recognized as being one of the best islands in the entire world for its stunning golf courses, some of which have been designed by famous architects like Dye, Fazio, and Palmer.
My husband and I are not golfers so I can’t give you many suggestions in this department. However, I recommend checking out this guide to discover the best public golf courses on Amelia Island.
8. Get Out on the Water on a CraigCat Boat
Ever heard of a CraigCat Boat? Neither had I until now! These tiny low-rider boats are essentially go-karts for the water!
If you want to experience this unique adventure you can book this highly rated 2.5-hour CraigCat Boat Tour which departs from Fernandina Beach. You’ll be the captain of your boat and follow a guide through the waterways in search of manatees, dolphins, and birds roaming the shoreline.
FAQs About Visiting Fernandina Beach & Amelia Island
Why Plan an Amelia Island Vacation to Fernandina Beach?
Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island is a hidden gem, blending Old Florida charm with modern comforts. This picturesque town on Florida’s northeast coast offers rich history, natural beauty, and a laid-back coastal vibe.
Even in the off-season, there’s plenty to enjoy beyond the beach—cozy up in a romantic B&B, explore charming streets, take some bikes for a spin, and soak in the island’s relaxed atmosphere.
As a Floridian, this was one of my most unforgettable trips within the state! Our Fernandina Beach getaway was the restorative, romantic escape we needed.
I hope this guide inspires you to plan your own Amelia Island vacation—let me know in the comments what excites you most!
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