Parking in Fernandina Beach
Downtown is paid. The beaches are free. Here is exactly where to leave the car.
The short version: downtown parking is paid, beach parking is free. That split catches people out, because it changed — downtown parking used to be free with a two-hour limit, and a lot of older guidance still says so. This page is kept current.
Downtown and Centre Street
The City of Fernandina Beach operates a paid parking program covering Centre Street and the surrounding blocks. Pay at a kiosk or by app, and read the posted signs where you park — rates, enforcement hours and which blocks are included are all set by the city and are subject to change.
We deliberately do not publish a per-hour rate here. Rates change, and a stale number on a visitor guide is worse than no number at all. Check the sign at the kiosk, or the City of Fernandina Beach website, before you pay.
The program is under review. A citizen-led ballot initiative to end downtown paid parking went to voters in 2026 — early voting opened that August. Voters who wanted to end the program voted yes, and city commissioners could overturn the result with a supermajority. Confirm the current rules before you visit; we update this page as the situation resolves.
Practical advice for downtown
- Park once. The historic district is flat and walkable end to end in about ten minutes — from the marina to 8th Street. There is no reason to move the car between shops and dinner.
- Come before late morning on weekends and during festivals. Spaces on Centre Street itself fill first.
- Check the lots a block or two off Centre. They are usually easier than the main street, including near the marina and around the historic post office. Signage varies by lot, so read it.
- During large events such as the Shrimp Festival, some streets close entirely and event parking or shuttles are used — check the specific event listing.
Beach parking — still free
The paid program is a downtown measure. The city and county beach parks remain free:
- Main Beach Park — free parking in the lot and along the street. The island's most popular beach, so it fills fastest on summer weekends.
- Peters Point Beachfront Park — free, and generally easier to find a space than Main Beach, though still busy at weekends.
- American Beach — free parking at the public access.
All three are a short drive from downtown; none is realistically walkable from Centre Street. See the map and directions for how the island fits together.
Parks with an entry fee
Fort Clinch State Park charges $6 per vehicle to enter, with touring the fort an additional $2.50 per person. Parking inside the park is covered by that entry fee. Egans Creek Greenway is free and open sunrise to sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking free in downtown Fernandina Beach?
No. The City of Fernandina Beach operates a paid parking program covering Centre Street and the surrounding blocks. Pay at a kiosk or by app and check posted signs — rates and enforcement hours are set by the city. A citizen-led ballot initiative to end the program went to voters in 2026, so the rules may change.
Is parking free at the beaches in Fernandina Beach?
Yes. Main Beach Park and Peters Point Beachfront Park both have free parking, in marked lots and along the street. They fill up on summer weekends, so arrive earlier in the day.
How much does parking cost in Fernandina Beach?
Rates and enforcement hours are set by the City of Fernandina Beach and can change, so we do not publish a figure that might be out of date. Check the posted signs at the kiosk, or the city's website, before you pay.
What about parking at Fort Clinch State Park?
Fort Clinch is a state park with an entry fee rather than a parking charge — $6 per vehicle, with touring the fort itself an additional $2.50 per person. Parking inside the park is included in that entry fee.
Where should I park for the Saturday farmers market?
The Fernandina Beach Market Place runs on North 7th Street near Centre Street, inside the downtown area, so normal downtown paid parking rules apply. Arriving before 10am gets you both the better produce and the easier space.