Guidebook for Fernandina Beach
Drinks & Nightlife
Sliders has live music many evenings and a great outdoor balcony. They serve breakfast, lunch & dinner. There is a beach bar with a playground for the kids. Food is ok. It's one of the few beach front places & very convenient to the rental
76 locals raden deze aan
Sliders Seaside Grill
1998 S Fletcher AveSliders has live music many evenings and a great outdoor balcony. They serve breakfast, lunch & dinner. There is a beach bar with a playground for the kids. Food is ok. It's one of the few beach front places & very convenient to the rental
For a good game of pool every now and then. It is a biker bar not suitable for anyone under 21 (no food). It is often loud and smoky so go early. We've never been but have friends who play pool there.
12 locals raden deze aan
Hammerhead Beach Bar
2045 S Fletcher AveFor a good game of pool every now and then. It is a biker bar not suitable for anyone under 21 (no food). It is often loud and smoky so go early. We've never been but have friends who play pool there.
Green Turtle Tavern
14 S 3rd StNightly music, pool tables
Great bar that has the wine vending machines, they offer a few desserts & charcuterie but not much else.
32 locals raden deze aan
The Decantery
117 Centre StGreat bar that has the wine vending machines, they offer a few desserts & charcuterie but not much else.
Entertainment & Activities
DQ is on the way to & from the beach. The young folk in my life love it. You know what to expect. Enjoy.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
2784 Sadler RdDQ is on the way to & from the beach. The young folk in my life love it. You know what to expect. Enjoy.
If you at all interested in kayaking there is a nice variety of choices from guided tours, drop-off and pickup, to sea kayaking. Have fun!
Kayak Amelia's Gifts and Booking Office
4 N 2nd StIf you at all interested in kayaking there is a nice variety of choices from guided tours, drop-off and pickup, to sea kayaking. Have fun!
Fun & interactive activities. Great for kids & families
32 locals raden deze aan
Amelia Island Museum of History
233 S 3rd StFun & interactive activities. Great for kids & families
Duck Pinz
27 North 3rd StreetNext door to Cafe Karibo. Duck Pin bowling & cocktails
This is an interesting spot. Lots of history & artifacts to see. Limited hours & there's a small fee to get in.
The Maritime Museum of Amelia Island
115 S 2nd StThis is an interesting spot. Lots of history & artifacts to see. Limited hours & there's a small fee to get in.
Food Scene
I only recommend this for convenience as it's steps away from the rental. We have never been.
Cedar River Seafood
2728 Sadler RdI only recommend this for convenience as it's steps away from the rental. We have never been.
We are from NJ so there's no pizza anywhere in Florida that I recommend. Moon River Pizza is considered among the best by our friends & neighbors. Their pies are available with a wide choice of toppings & styles.
15 locals raden deze aan
Moon River Pizza
925 S 14th StWe are from NJ so there's no pizza anywhere in Florida that I recommend. Moon River Pizza is considered among the best by our friends & neighbors. Their pies are available with a wide choice of toppings & styles.
Arte Pizza
109 N 3rd StWood fired thin crust artisan pizzas
You can easily walk to DeNucci's. It feels like you've worked off a few of the delicious calories you will consume, on the way to and fro. It's a nice step up from the Dairy Queen.
13 locals raden deze aan
DeNucci's Soft Serve
2210 Sadler RdYou can easily walk to DeNucci's. It feels like you've worked off a few of the delicious calories you will consume, on the way to and fro. It's a nice step up from the Dairy Queen.
This place screams of fresh seafood. It is a dockside fish market with a modest up-charge for preparing your food. Call ahead to make sure the restaurant is open. This require a ferry ride from the dock on Heckscher Drive. Check the ferry schedule so you don't get stranded!
63 locals raden deze aan
Safe Harbor Wholesale
4378 Ocean StThis place screams of fresh seafood. It is a dockside fish market with a modest up-charge for preparing your food. Call ahead to make sure the restaurant is open. This require a ferry ride from the dock on Heckscher Drive. Check the ferry schedule so you don't get stranded!
It took us 20 years to try this gas station dining spot! So many of our friends raved about it. Considered the best fried shrimp on the island and I've heard the burgers are great as well. After finally trying it, I agree with the shrimp claims. It was fabulous! They give you a lot of light battered (think tempura) large shrimp. The hours are odd so plan accordingly. They close at 2:00 M-F, 1 on Saturday and are closed on Sunday. The Saturday local shrimp platters are spectacular.
24 locals raden deze aan
T-Rays Burger Station
202 S 8th StIt took us 20 years to try this gas station dining spot! So many of our friends raved about it. Considered the best fried shrimp on the island and I've heard the burgers are great as well. After finally trying it, I agree with the shrimp claims. It was fabulous! They give you a lot of light battered (think tempura) large shrimp. The hours are odd so plan accordingly. They close at 2:00 M-F, 1 on Saturday and are closed on Sunday. The Saturday local shrimp platters are spectacular.
Enjoy the micro-brew beers made on site at the cafe & there's a full bar. The food is fine with a lot of choices, many of our friends absolutely love it. There is little doubt that something will strike your fancy. They have really nice outdoor seating on both sides of the restaurant and a new "duck pin" bowling alley/bar opened right next door & is the same owners.
56 locals raden deze aan
Cafe Karibo
27 N 3rd StEnjoy the micro-brew beers made on site at the cafe & there's a full bar. The food is fine with a lot of choices, many of our friends absolutely love it. There is little doubt that something will strike your fancy. They have really nice outdoor seating on both sides of the restaurant and a new "duck pin" bowling alley/bar opened right next door & is the same owners.
Absolutely incredible Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. Super atmosphere. A lot of celebrity visitors like this place (The Rolling Stones ate there several times). The outdoor garden is gorgeous but personally the inside is in desperate need of a renovation!
33 locals raden deze aan
España Restaurant & Tapas
22 S 4th StAbsolutely incredible Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. Super atmosphere. A lot of celebrity visitors like this place (The Rolling Stones ate there several times). The outdoor garden is gorgeous but personally the inside is in desperate need of a renovation!
It is the largest farmers market, but if you are in town on a Saturday check out the one downtown on N 7th before about 1 pm.
11 locals raden deze aan
Jacksonville Farmers Market
1810 W Beaver StIt is the largest farmers market, but if you are in town on a Saturday check out the one downtown on N 7th before about 1 pm.
On the south end. Located in the Harris Teeter parking lot. Great drinks, nice menu, fairly newly built from the ground up, (so no musty smells). Reservations highly suggested but you can sit & eat at the bar.
13 locals raden deze aan
Lagniappe
4810 1st Coast HwyOn the south end. Located in the Harris Teeter parking lot. Great drinks, nice menu, fairly newly built from the ground up, (so no musty smells). Reservations highly suggested but you can sit & eat at the bar.
I almost hate to recommend this place so that I can keep it to myself. It's a typical locals "shore type" place under the Shave bridge on the water (you're not lost, go past Schuckers, and continue down the bumpy dirt road). Large dining room & nice outside area. Great seafood! I LOVE the salmon BLT
29 locals raden deze aan
Down Under Restaurant
96106 Wade's PlI almost hate to recommend this place so that I can keep it to myself. It's a typical locals "shore type" place under the Shave bridge on the water (you're not lost, go past Schuckers, and continue down the bumpy dirt road). Large dining room & nice outside area. Great seafood! I LOVE the salmon BLT
Fabulous French bistro. Small inside, with fabulous & gorgeous garden dining. Outstanding food, only wine & beer, fantastic service. A favorite of ours. Try the Escargot, believe me, you'll be glad you finally tried it, they make it like no one else! Reservations strongly suggested
15 locals raden deze aan
Le Clos
20 S 2nd StFabulous French bistro. Small inside, with fabulous & gorgeous garden dining. Outstanding food, only wine & beer, fantastic service. A favorite of ours. Try the Escargot, believe me, you'll be glad you finally tried it, they make it like no one else! Reservations strongly suggested
Really great place. Great outdoor space as well as indoor. Try the Fernandina Mac & Cheese - OUTSTANDING! Great drinks too. Reservations strongly suggested
10 locals raden deze aan
Joe's 2nd Street Bistro
14 S 2nd StReally great place. Great outdoor space as well as indoor. Try the Fernandina Mac & Cheese - OUTSTANDING! Great drinks too. Reservations strongly suggested
The owner, Luca, makes everyone feel as though they've been a friend forever. This Italian eatery is pretty good & they have a full bar. No outside dining
16 locals raden deze aan
Ciao Italian Bistro
614 Centre StreetThe owner, Luca, makes everyone feel as though they've been a friend forever. This Italian eatery is pretty good & they have a full bar. No outside dining
Across the street from the beach. Mostly outdoor dining. The food is passable & the drinks are probably watered down, but there's entertainment & it's beachy
16 locals raden deze aan
The Surf Restaurant & Bar
3199 S Fletcher AveAcross the street from the beach. Mostly outdoor dining. The food is passable & the drinks are probably watered down, but there's entertainment & it's beachy
This is on the north end of the island at Main Beach. There's something for everyone, (sushi, fish, salads, burgers, etc) but it's all mediocre and the drinks seem to be watered down. Great view, indoor & outdoor seating and there's usually entertainment (music).
88 locals raden deze aan
Salt Life Food Shack
1018 3rd Street NorthThis is on the north end of the island at Main Beach. There's something for everyone, (sushi, fish, salads, burgers, etc) but it's all mediocre and the drinks seem to be watered down. Great view, indoor & outdoor seating and there's usually entertainment (music).
Love this place, I think we order takeout from here once a week! A great selection, fresh & very good. (they moved into the previous, 29 South restaurant location). Has indoor & outdoor seating
7 locals raden deze aan
Akari Sushi
29 South 3rd StreetLove this place, I think we order takeout from here once a week! A great selection, fresh & very good. (they moved into the previous, 29 South restaurant location). Has indoor & outdoor seating
The Lobby Lounge for sushi. Very pricey but the service is outstanding, the drinks are expensive but potent and the sushi is fresh, fresh, fresh! There are other things you can order and they do their best to make everyone happy. Don't be intimidated, this Ritz is laid back & friendly. The valet parking is free when you aren't staying there, weird, but true. Great for people watching & on weekends, there's a DJ and dancing.
43 locals raden deze aan
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
4750 Amelia Island PkwyThe Lobby Lounge for sushi. Very pricey but the service is outstanding, the drinks are expensive but potent and the sushi is fresh, fresh, fresh! There are other things you can order and they do their best to make everyone happy. Don't be intimidated, this Ritz is laid back & friendly. The valet parking is free when you aren't staying there, weird, but true. Great for people watching & on weekends, there's a DJ and dancing.
downtown on the marina. Eat inside or outside on the porch. Decent food & drinks. We love the "cafe chips". Great for sunsets
21 locals raden deze aan
Brett's Waterway Cafe
1 S Front Stdowntown on the marina. Eat inside or outside on the porch. Decent food & drinks. We love the "cafe chips". Great for sunsets
Across from the marina. Always crowded, so be prepared to wait. Sit upstairs for great sunset views. Typical "beachy" type place with seafood & burgers, etc.
56 locals raden deze aan
Salty Pelican Bar & Grill
12 North Front StreetAcross from the marina. Always crowded, so be prepared to wait. Sit upstairs for great sunset views. Typical "beachy" type place with seafood & burgers, etc.
On the south end of the island, sister restaurant to Bar Zin. Good Italian style food & drinks, inside & outside dining. Make reservations!
30 locals raden deze aan
Cucina South
4828 1st Coast HwyOn the south end of the island, sister restaurant to Bar Zin. Good Italian style food & drinks, inside & outside dining. Make reservations!
The sister restaurant to Cucina South (on the south end). Tapas style menu, full bar, lots of wines, make reservations
39 locals raden deze aan
Bar Zin
4924 1st Coast HwyThe sister restaurant to Cucina South (on the south end). Tapas style menu, full bar, lots of wines, make reservations
This restaurant has opened & closed at least 3 times since we've lived here. We're hoping that latest opening sticks. There's indoor & outdoor seating and it's quite large inside, so even though I'd suggest reservations, it's possible to be seated without. Good food, good service & good drinks.
Beech Street Grill
801 Beech StreetThis restaurant has opened & closed at least 3 times since we've lived here. We're hoping that latest opening sticks. There's indoor & outdoor seating and it's quite large inside, so even though I'd suggest reservations, it's possible to be seated without. Good food, good service & good drinks.
A lot of outdoor seating here & live music. We've only eaten here once, but we weren't impressed. Probably harsh of me because it's relatively new (totally new construction) and maybe hadn't worked out the kinks yet. Our service was quite poor & the food was mediocre at best and that was for a just a burger! We will probably give it another try and I'll update my recommendation if I feel it deserves to be tried by our guests.
9 locals raden deze aan
The Boathouse Restaurant
30 South 2nd StreetA lot of outdoor seating here & live music. We've only eaten here once, but we weren't impressed. Probably harsh of me because it's relatively new (totally new construction) and maybe hadn't worked out the kinks yet. Our service was quite poor & the food was mediocre at best and that was for a just a burger! We will probably give it another try and I'll update my recommendation if I feel it deserves to be tried by our guests.
Brewery with pizza & other eats. Not much atmosphere and there's outdoor dining in a parking lot. Bruce likes it a lot, as do many of our friends, but I'm not a beer drinker, so it's not my favorite. (they do have wine too)
First Love Brew Pub
22 South 8th StreetBrewery with pizza & other eats. Not much atmosphere and there's outdoor dining in a parking lot. Bruce likes it a lot, as do many of our friends, but I'm not a beer drinker, so it's not my favorite. (they do have wine too)
They make their own beers, but have a full bar too. Decent food & service. Great for lunch. Indoor & outdoor dining. No reservations needed
20 locals raden deze aan
Amelia Tavern Restaurant & Brewpub
318 Centre StThey make their own beers, but have a full bar too. Decent food & service. Great for lunch. Indoor & outdoor dining. No reservations needed
On the south end. Very good food & drinks. Indoor & outdoor dining. Reservations are highly recommended. Lovely space both inside & outside.
19 locals raden deze aan
Pogo's Kitchen
1408 Lewis StOn the south end. Very good food & drinks. Indoor & outdoor dining. Reservations are highly recommended. Lovely space both inside & outside.
DON'T BOTHER! On the ocean, north end. Horrible service & food but a lot of people love it. NOT US!
19 locals raden deze aan
The Sandbar & Kitchen
2910 Atlantic AveDON'T BOTHER! On the ocean, north end. Horrible service & food but a lot of people love it. NOT US!
Walking distance from our rental, this place is famous for their huge breakfasts & their homemade gigantic cakes. If you're going for breakfast beware, they stop serving it at 11:00 am sharp!. We've only been there once, several years ago and we found it to be too dirty for us to want to return, but hey, that's just us, and possibly they've cleaned up their act, but I doubt it cuz the cobwebs hanging from the lights had to be there for YEARS.
10 locals raden deze aan
Ms. Carolyn's Restaurant
2120 Sadler RdWalking distance from our rental, this place is famous for their huge breakfasts & their homemade gigantic cakes. If you're going for breakfast beware, they stop serving it at 11:00 am sharp!. We've only been there once, several years ago and we found it to be too dirty for us to want to return, but hey, that's just us, and possibly they've cleaned up their act, but I doubt it cuz the cobwebs hanging from the lights had to be there for YEARS.
Shopping
These folks offer a nice selection of soft surf board, sea kayaks and bikes for rent as well as accessories for rent or purchase. Their equipment is well maintained and the staff easy to deal with.
8 locals raden deze aan
Beach Rentals And More
2021 S Fletcher AveThese folks offer a nice selection of soft surf board, sea kayaks and bikes for rent as well as accessories for rent or purchase. Their equipment is well maintained and the staff easy to deal with.
The previous owners of our "villa" say "This is by far the absolute best local fish market on the Island", personally we find it to be gross & filthy. You will have to get there reasonably early as the catch is local and fresh and often goes quick!
Atlantic Seafood
10 Ash StThe previous owners of our "villa" say "This is by far the absolute best local fish market on the Island", personally we find it to be gross & filthy. You will have to get there reasonably early as the catch is local and fresh and often goes quick!
Great stop for olive oils & balsamic vinegars. Lots of interesting choices. Bring home useful gifts for your friends & loved ones.
Olive Amelia
206 Centre StreetGreat stop for olive oils & balsamic vinegars. Lots of interesting choices. Bring home useful gifts for your friends & loved ones.
Sightseeing
This is must see for families or just those who would like catch a bit of history (hourly cannon firing on weekend) or even a great stroll on a fantastic beach and pier. The best sharks teeth hunting!
9 locals raden deze aan
Fort Clinch Amelia River Campground
2601 Atlantic AveThis is must see for families or just those who would like catch a bit of history (hourly cannon firing on weekend) or even a great stroll on a fantastic beach and pier. The best sharks teeth hunting!
Amelia Island as a wonderful string of Florida State Parks offering fantastic sandy beaches stretching toward the horizon. Big Talbot has a shaded picnic area at the north end. Watch the tides!
21 locals raden deze aan
Talbot Island
Amelia Island as a wonderful string of Florida State Parks offering fantastic sandy beaches stretching toward the horizon. Big Talbot has a shaded picnic area at the north end. Watch the tides!
We didn't take any guided tours just walked the grounds and read the info boards. It was well worth the short stop. This is a gripping glimpse into the majesty and horror of a slave enabled lifestyle.
7 locals raden deze aan
Fort George Island Cultural State Park
12241 Fort George RdWe didn't take any guided tours just walked the grounds and read the info boards. It was well worth the short stop. This is a gripping glimpse into the majesty and horror of a slave enabled lifestyle.
This place is real gem. If possible take a guided tour to get a glimpse at the rich and dynamic history of our little island.
32 locals raden deze aan
Amelia Island Museum of History
233 S 3rd StThis place is real gem. If possible take a guided tour to get a glimpse at the rich and dynamic history of our little island.
enjoy the beauty of this unspoiled southern tip of Amelia Island.
26 locals raden deze aan
Amelia Island State Park
Florida A1Aenjoy the beauty of this unspoiled southern tip of Amelia Island.
History! Very interesting & informative. There are tours & it's a state park too. Great for shark tooth hunting
73 locals raden deze aan
Fort Clinch State Park
2601 Atlantic AveHistory! Very interesting & informative. There are tours & it's a state park too. Great for shark tooth hunting
Arts & Culture
Check it out if your into Art Galleries. Look for the Blue Door Artists entrance.
Casey Matthews Fine Art
813 S 8th StCheck it out if your into Art Galleries. Look for the Blue Door Artists entrance.
Island Art Association
18 N 2nd StPaintings, photography, reproductions, pottery, stained glass
Everything Else
Amelia River Cruises & Charters
1 N Front Sthighly recommend
They make vodka, rum & other liquors here. There are tastings & they sell the alcohol. Makes great gifts.
10 locals raden deze aan
Marlin & Barrel Distillery
232 S 8th StThey make vodka, rum & other liquors here. There are tastings & they sell the alcohol. Makes great gifts.
There's shopping on the property of The Plantation/Omni resort. It's open to the public. The Shops at Omni Amelia Island features a wide selection of one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants and souvenir stores for your shopping pleasure. Located within walking distance of the hotel, this quaint, pedestrian and pet-friendly shopping village offers something for everyone–from fine art to delicious ice cream. There's the Mercantile offering men & women's clothes, shoes & accessories, a Chico's,
MARCHÉ BURETTE offers breakfast, lunch & dinner, inside & outside, gifts, candy, wine, desserts & ice cream. There's
Natural Slice Pizza which also is a "surf shop", THE SPA BOUTIQUE is also in that space, a wonderful NATURE CENTER with activities & tours. The Plantation is a wonderful complex with many parks & places to discover
8 locals raden deze aan
Omni Amelia Island Resort
39 Beach Lagoon RdThere's shopping on the property of The Plantation/Omni resort. It's open to the public. The Shops at Omni Amelia Island features a wide selection of one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants and souvenir stores for your shopping pleasure. Located within walking distance of the hotel, this quaint, pedestrian and pet-friendly shopping village offers something for everyone–from fine art to delicious ice cream. There's the Mercantile offering men & women's clothes, shoes & accessories, a Chico's,
MARCHÉ BURETTE offers breakfast, lunch & dinner, inside & outside, gifts, candy, wine, desserts & ice cream. There's
Natural Slice Pizza which also is a "surf shop", THE SPA BOUTIQUE is also in that space, a wonderful NATURE CENTER with activities & tours. The Plantation is a wonderful complex with many parks & places to discover