Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida's northernmost Atlantic barrier island, holds the distinction as the last Spanish city platted in the Western Hemisphere when Governor Enrique White of Spanish East Florida named it for King Ferdinand VII on January 1, 1811. Native Americans associated with the Timucuan mound-building culture settled on Napoyca island around 1000 CE before European contact began with French Huguenots claiming the territory in 1562. Governor James Oglethorpe renamed the island "Amelia" in 1735 honoring Princess Amelia, daughter of King George II. The island earned the nickname "Isle of Eight Flags" having been governed by eight different nations through succession of captures by renegades and privateers, including Patriots of Amelia Island who seized it March 13, 1812. U.S. Senator David Yulee relocated the town a half-mile downriver in the 1850s to accommodate Florida's first cross-state railroad, promising to make Fernandina Beach the Western world's spotlight. The early 20th century saw Amelia Island become the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, with nearly 80 percent of Florida's sweet Atlantic white shrimp harvested in Amelia's waters today.
Fernandina Beach offers pristine Atlantic Ocean shoreline with wide sandy beaches ideal for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beachcombing. The historic downtown Centre Street district features Victorian-era architecture, boutiques, galleries, and over 100 distinctive restaurants making Amelia Island a Florida culinary destination. Fort Clinch State Park at the island's northern tip provides Civil War-era fort tours, nature trails, fishing piers, and additional beach access. The Amelia Island Trail System offers miles of paved paths for cycling and walking. Shelling attracts collectors searching for unique Atlantic specimens along the shoreline. Wildlife viewing includes opportunities to observe dolphins, sea turtles during nesting season, shorebirds, and manatees in surrounding waters. Amelia River cruises showcase maritime history and natural beauty. The waterfront marina district provides boat charters for fishing and dolphin watching. Cultural attractions include museums, theaters, and annual festivals celebrating the island's eight-flag heritage. The combination of natural beaches, historic preservation, and vibrant community creates authentic coastal experiences on Florida's northernmost Atlantic barrier island.
Dining in Fernandina Beach centers around Centre Street's acclaimed restaurant corridor and waterfront establishments showcasing fresh seafood. Brett's Waterway Café at Centre Street's westernmost tip overlooks the marina serving top-rated fresh Southern favorites and delectable seafood with stunning harbor views. Luca's On Centre at 614 Centre Street features seafood including raw bar selections, plus Italian, French, and Mediterranean dishes. The Salty Pelican in downtown's heart serves seafood to chicken wings with great harbor views and stunning sunsets. Down Under beneath the bridge to Amelia Island ranks among Fernandina Beach's best seafood spots, offering oysters, crab dip, shrimp, and fresh fish with waterfront views. Timoti's Seafood Shak at 21 N 3rd Street prepares seafood fried, grilled, or blackened in tacos, po'boys, salads, and bowls. Ciao Italian Eatery at 614 Centre Street serves pasta, pizza, salads, seafood, veal, chicken, pork, and ribeye steaks. The diverse culinary scene reflects Amelia Island's evolution into a recognized Florida food destination with over 100 restaurants.
