Victorian Vibes: Historic Fernandina Beach, Florida

If you wish to explore the less commercialized, small-town Florida reminiscent of simpler days past, visit the downtown historic district of Fernandina Beach.

New microbrewery & distillery coming to downtown Fernandina Beach.
Centre Street, Fernandina Beach.
Explore small-town Florida reminiscent of simpler days past by heading to the Sunshine State’s northeast coast.

Located near the Florida-Georgia border, Amelia Island is the farthest northeast coastal area in the state of Florida. Besides 13 miles of Atlantic coast beaches, check out the Victorian vibes of the downtown historic district of Fernandina.

The heart of Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, was chosen by Southern Living magazine as one of the South’s “Best Small-Town Getaways” — a town that makes one “feel welcome for a weekend or a lifetime.” Fernandina was also selected by Coastal Living magazine as a “Best Little Beach Town.”

Fernandina’s Centre Street and surrounding 55-plus block historic district is a must-see when visiting Amelia Island. It’s a southern town on the riverfront with wonderful Victorian-era architecture (dating back to the mid-to-late 1800s and early 1900s). Enjoy fine dining restaurants, pubs, boutiques, art galleries, and antiques, anchored by the Fernandina Harbor Marina on the Amelia River. (Folks gather at the riverfront in the early evening, one of the best spots to watch a beautiful sunset.)

Popular downtown venues and activities include Fernandina Fantastic Fudge, the Palace Saloon (Florida’s oldest continually-operated drinking establishment), the Florida House Inn (Florida’s oldest surviving hotel), historic tours led by Amelia Island Museum docents, ghost tours, horse-drawn carriage tours, trolley tours, and boat tours (nature and sunset cruises on the river).

See more highlights and images of Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. Connect with Amelia Island Living on FACEBOOK.