Amelia Island is a barrier island in the far northeast corner of Florida, just south of the Georgia line, with thirteen miles of wide, quiet beaches and a historic seaport town, Fernandina Beach. The town's Centre Street runs eight blocks from Victorian storefronts down to a harbor where shrimp boats still dock, and in December the street is trimmed in garlands and lights. The first day stays on foot downtown.
Centre Street on foot
Where to eat: Coffee and a pastry at Amelia Island Coffee on Centre Street.
Start at the top of Centre Street and walk slowly toward the water. The historic district holds about fifty blocks of 1800s buildings, from brick storefronts with iron trim to colorful Victorian homes with deep porches. Browse the bookshops, galleries and boutiques, stop at Fantastic Fudge for a sample, and look for the 1878 Nassau County Courthouse a block off the main street.
The Amelia Island Museum of History
Walk a few blocks to the Amelia Island Museum of History, housed in the old county jail. It tells the story of the island under eight flags, from the Timucua people and the Spanish missions to the French, British, Patriots, Mexican rebels, Confederates and the United States. The small galleries are clear and easy to follow, and an hour here makes the rest of the town richer.
The Palace Saloon and the harbor
Where to eat: A fried shrimp basket at Timoti's Seafood Shak.
Stop at the Palace Saloon on Centre Street, which has served drinks since 1903 and is a Florida bar with a long history, with a long mahogany bar and murals. Then walk to the harbor at the foot of the street, where shrimp boats tie up beside the marina. Fernandina is called the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, and the boats with their tall nets frame the river.
Sunset on the Amelia River
Where to eat: Shrimp and grits at Salty Pelican on the riverfront.
The harbor faces west over the Amelia River, so the sunset is right in front of you. Find a seat on the waterfront as the sky turns orange over the marsh and the shrimp boats go dark against it. Then walk back up Centre Street as the holiday lights come on in the shop windows and the old street lamps glow. Dinner can be on the water or a few blocks up the street.
Where to eat and stop
- Breakfast · Amelia Island Coffee — Centre Street Why here: A friendly corner cafe in the historic district.
- Lunch · Timoti's Seafood Shak — Centre Street Why here: Local shrimp in a casual courtyard spot.
- Dinner · Salty Pelican Bar and Grill — Front Street on the riverfront Why here: A deck over the river for the sunset.
- Quick stop (treat): Fantastic Fudge — Centre Street Why here: A sweet stop on the main street.
Fernandina Beach is about thirty-five minutes northeast of Jacksonville International Airport. Park once near Centre Street and walk the historic district, the museum, the Palace Saloon and the harbor without moving the car again.
Where to stay
- An inn or bed and breakfast in the historic district — Victorian bed and breakfasts and small inns sit on the quiet streets around Centre Street in Fernandina Beach, walkable to dinner, the harbor and the shops.
- A beachfront hotel or condo — Hotels and condos line the Atlantic side of the island along Fletcher Avenue, a short drive from downtown, with balconies over the dunes and the surf.
Dinner: Shrimp and grits at Salty Pelican on the riverfront.
Tomorrow: Spend the day at Fort Clinch State Park, then walk the beach and climb toward the Amelia Island Lighthouse view.
Bad-weather plan
On a rainy day, spend longer in the museum, browse Centre Street bookshops and settle into the Palace Saloon or a cafe until the rain passes.
Centre Street · History museum · Palace Saloon · Harbor sunset
Good to know: Winter evenings by the water can be cool and breezy; bring a warm layer for the sunset and the walk back.
