Downtown Fernandina Beach

The heart of Amelia Island

Downtown Fernandina Beach is the historic core of Amelia Island and one of the best-preserved Victorian seaport districts in the Southeast. Spread across roughly 50 blocks and more than 400 historic structures, the district is centered on Centre Street, which runs from the Amelia River waterfront and marina up the hill past independent boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, coffee houses, restaurants and Florida's oldest bar.

Fernandina Beach is the only city on Amelia Island, at Florida's northeastern tip in Nassau County, about 30 miles north of Jacksonville. Its downtown grew up around the deep-water port in the 1800s, and today the same brick-and-clapboard storefronts house locally owned businesses. The district is managed in partnership with Fernandina Beach Main Street, a nonprofit in Florida's Main Street program, and stays busy year-round with concerts, festivals, a Saturday farmers market and holiday traditions. Best of all, walking Centre Street — and parking near it — is free.

Things to Do in Downtown Fernandina Beach

Stroll Centre Street. The main drag is compact and flat — an easy walk from the marina at the foot of the street up to 8th Street, lined with more than 100 shops, restaurants and galleries in restored 19th-century buildings.

Have a drink at the Palace Saloon. At 117 Centre Street, the Palace has poured since 1903 and is recognized as Florida's oldest continuously operating bar. Read more on our Palace Saloon guide.

Learn the island's story. The Amelia Island Museum of History, in the former county jail on South 3rd Street, tells 4,000 years of island history and runs docent-led "8 Flags" tours.

Take a walking or carriage tour. Self-guided walking tours reveal Victorian architecture and historic churches; horse-drawn carriage tours depart from downtown. For the full historic-district story, see our Historic Downtown guide.

Watch the sunset at the marina. The Fernandina Harbor Marina at the west end of Centre Street looks out over the Amelia River — the best free sunset spot downtown.

Fernandina Beach Farmers Market

The Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers market runs every Saturday morning, year-round, on North 7th Street near Centre Street at the edge of downtown. Expect local produce, just-off-the-boat shrimp and seafood, plants and flowers, baked goods, honey, and handmade crafts, plus live music and a dog-friendly, family-friendly crowd. It's an easy add-on to a downtown morning — grab coffee on Centre Street, then walk over. Hours run roughly 9am to 1pm; arrive early in peak season for the best parking and produce.

Parking & Getting Around Downtown

Downtown Fernandina Beach is easy and inexpensive to park in — a genuine perk compared with many Florida beach towns:

• Free on-street parking is available along Centre Street and the side streets, with a 2-hour limit in the busiest blocks.
• Free municipal lots sit a block or two off Centre Street — including near the marina and around the historic post office — with no time limit, ideal if you're staying for dinner or an event.
• Best times: arrive before late morning on weekends and during festivals; spaces on Centre Street fill up fastest.
• On foot: the whole district is walkable and mostly flat. From the marina to 8th Street is about a 10-minute stroll.
• Getting here: downtown is about 30 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) via I-95 and A1A. See our getting here notes for directions.

During large events such as the Shrimp Festival, some streets close to traffic and event parking or shuttles may be used — check the specific event listing for details.