Fernandina Beach is a small but historic city perched on a barrier island in northeast Florida. The city is a part of Amelia Island, a 4-mile wide stretch of land between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean; most locals affectionately refer to the city and surrounding communities as Amelia Island. Locals can only access the water-bound city by bridge or boat. The coastline is an open invitation to explore miles of beachfront, dock at marinas or visit fishing charters to catch sea trout and redrum. "Fernandina Beach is a small town with a slow pace and friendly smiles," says John Cagle, a resident and Real Estate Advisor with Florida Homes Realty. "People move here because of the people, and that's why they end up staying. It's really a hidden gem."
Also known as the Isle of 8 Flags, the island was governed by eight rulers between the 1500s and 1800s. Fernandina Beach still maintains two historic districts, military fortresses and an old lighthouse that guides boats into the harbor. Old Town dates back to the area's Spanish occupation in 1811 and still contains architecture of the time. In Downtown Historic District, palm trees dot brick and cobblestone sidewalks lined with over 400 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fernandina Beach began pre-celebrating its 1825 bicentennial throughout 2024, culminating in a citywide party on January 1, 2025.
The area has been a tourist destination since the early 1900s. The island is famous for the quartz sands on American Beach to the south. Amelia City, previously known as Franklintown, was Florida's first all-Black beach resort. The city played a vital role in the shrimping industry in the early 20th century. Although tourism is the city's main economic driver, the past is still honored in an annual shrimp festival.
Amelia Island is a popular holiday destination known for its luxury resorts and sandy beaches.
Discover stunning beachfront homes in Fernandina Beach, offering luxury and ocean views.
Residents of Fernandina Beach can easily drive their cars right up to the scenic coastline.
Fernandina Beach is the northernmost city on Florida's Atlantic coast,situated on Amelia Island.
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Beach houses and condos on Amelia Island
Close to downtown are early 20th-century cottages and late Victorian homes with wrap-around porches. Waterside residences come in a range of build dates, from 1930s concrete homes and midcentury beach houses to more recent condos. Buyers won't find large-scale developments since much of the city is already built out. Many older homes in Fernandina Beach were leveled to make room for new traditional styles from the last 10 years. In this diverse housing market, buyers can find a midcentury fixer-upper just a few miles away from a luxury condo or a multimillion dollar beachfront home.
The median listing price for residences in Fernandina Beach is around $650,000, twice as much as most inland Jacksonville neighborhoods but comparable to coastal towns like Atlantic and Jacksonville Beaches. Waterfront properties and homes on the island's southern end, especially in Amelia Island Plantation, are often valued higher. Typically, condos and townhouses leave the market between $350,000 and $1.6 million, depending on location and square footage. Single-family houses often range from $500,000 to over $2.5 million.
Fernandina Beach boasts a variety of stunning 21st-century homes.
A row of charming, classically inspired Southern homes in Fernandina Beach.
A stunning multimillion-dollar beachfront home in Fernandina Beach with oceanfront views.
Colonial-style homes are a charming feature throughout Fernandina Beach.
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Nassau County Public Schools receive high marks from Niche
Local kids attend Nassau County Public Schools (NCPS), earning an A-minus grade by Niche. In 2024, NCPS was designated as one of the state's highest-performing school districts by the Florida Department of Education. Fernandina Beach High and Fernandina Beach Middle are considered the top schools in the county, according to Niche.
Fernandina Beach Middle School is located on Amelia Island.
The Southside Elementary School
is minutes away from Fernandina Beach.
Fernandina Beach High School is a highly rated public school.
St Michael's Academy: Faith-based learning and growth in Fernandina Beach.
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Fernandina Beach parks and the Egans Creek Greenway
There are more than 20 recreational spaces spread across over 400 acres of beachfront and parks. Beachgoers walk to over 30 access points along State Route A1A. The Egans Creek Greenway spans over 300 acres with a walking and biking path in view of a marshy creek. To the north awaits Fort Clinch State Park, an expansive 1400-acre space with a namesake, Civil War-era fortress next to lush mangroves. Those visiting Amelia Island State Park surf, paddleboard or comb the white sand for shark teeth. George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier, also at the state park, is a repurposed footbridge reaching over a mile for fishing along the Intracoastal.
Tourists flock to the historic, stunning Fort at Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach.
Fishermen often cast their lines from the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier.
Explore nature trails, wildlife, and scenic views at Egan's Creek Park in Fernandina Beach.
Enjoy nature, wildlife, and beautiful beaches at Amelia Island State Park in Fernandina Beac
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Shopping and dining in Downtown Fernandina Beach
The downtown district has sidewalks lined with local boutiques, shops and restaurants. As a resort community, the dining scene offers upscale yet modern experiences at Burlingame as well as David's Restaurant and Lounge. The area is known for its freshly caught seafood, which are heavily featured at top restaurants like Salty Pelican and Bar, or Sliders Seaside Grill. The city has a handful of national grocery stores, with most on the island's northern end. Amelia City and American Beach, to the south, have smaller retail spaces with restaurants for locals and vacationing tourists. The Fernandina Beach Farmers Market is open every Saturday, while the Arts Market hosts vendors every other Saturday. "If you want to go out, there's always someone playing music downtown," Cagle says. He recommends hotspots like Green Turtle Tavern and Palace Saloon.
Browse fresh produce, local goods, and crafts at the Fernandina Beach Farmers Market.
Explore unique art, crafts, and local creations at the Fernandina Beach Arts Market.
Palace Salon in Fernandina Beach offers exquisite dining with an elegant atmosphere.
Shop for fresh groceries, deli items, and more at the convenient Publix in Fernandina Beach.
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Annual events in Downtown Historic District
Most festivals and annual events are held on the busy streets of historic downtown. At Sounds on Centre, a Friday-night concert series, residents sit on lawn chairs and listen to music as the sun sets. In early May, locals and visitors celebrate the community's shrimping history at the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. The beach town also hosts car-themed events; The Amelia is an auction for uncommon and vintage automobiles held in the spring, and the 8-Flags Car Show happens in October. During the wintertime, the city becomes a Victorian village inspired by the holiday tale, "A Christmas Carol." Called the Dickens on Centre Festival, characters dress up to perform while residents shop at the Victorian Christmas Market.
Join the excitement of the annual turtle release in Fernandina Beach, celebrating wildlife.
Enjoy seafood and local art at the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach.
Groove to live tunes at Sounds on Centre in the heart of Fernandina Beach.
Celebrate the season with the festive Dickens Illuminated Procession in Fernandina Beach.
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A walkable city with less traffic than neighboring cities
Most locals drive to get around; Fernandina's main road, State Route A1A, passes through the northern side of the island, down the scenic beachfront, and leads to the city's southern end. St Peter's Episcopal Church is a Gothic-Revival landmark that has been a part of the area since the late 1800s. To leave the island, commuters take the Thomas J. Shave Jr. Bridge to the north or the George Crady Bridge to the south. Locals also arrive by boat at local marinas, such as Fernandina Beach Harbor and Amelia Island Marina. Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport is about two miles from the city's beaches, but most fly in and out of Jacksonville International Airport, about 27 miles away. Baptist Medical Center – Nassau is the only major hospital on Amelia Island. Interstate 95, about 15 miles west, brings commuters through downtown Jacksonville, around 35 miles away.
Crime, safety and flood risks in Fernandina Beach
In 2022, the Fernandina Beach Police Department reported significantly lower property and violent crime rates than national figures. The city also has lower crime rates than the nearby metro area of Jacksonville.
The island's unique placement allows for colorful views in the evening. "On the east coast, it's hard to find a good sunset, but downtown has beautiful sunsets over the marsh," Cagle says. Fernandina Beach also has several low-lying areas, and proximity to the coast makes some properties vulnerable to flooding and hurricane damage. In addition to home insurance, homeowners are encouraged to purchase flood protection. Property owners in Special Flood Hazard Areas may qualify for a 25% discount on flood insurance rates.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
Photography Contributed By
Gian Lorenzo Ferretti
Video By
Rebecca Askin
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On average, homes in Fernandina Beach, FL sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Fernandina Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $637,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
GORGEOUS Move-In Ready Home in the Prestigious North Hampton Golf Community! Welcome to a residence where timeless elegance meets modern comfort with NEW ROOF 2023, NEW hot water heater 2024, NEW luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout (no carpet), NEW stunning guest bathroom, NEW fixtures & custom closets. The home includes a 1 year home warranty with a split floor plan & many sought-after
Stylish New Construction Just Minutes from Downtown Fernandina Beach. 523 S. 13th Terrace is where modern design meets coastal charm. Built in 2023, this beautifully crafted 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort, efficiency, & location, just a quick golf cart ride to downtown Fernandina Beach, Central Park, & the island’s pristine beaches. Inside, the thoughtful open floor
Marshfront Retreat POOL Home! No HOA & Just Minutes to Amelia Island! Welcome to your dream home, a beautifully updated concrete block home perched on a quiet cul-de-sac with serene marsh and tidal creek views. This solidly built residence offers peaceful living with no HOA restrictions and a location that's just a short drive to Amelia Island, Kings Bay, and Jacksonville. Inside, you'll find a
Downtown Fernandina Townhome with Rooftop Oasis & River Views. Discover the charm of Fernandina Beach living at 217 Beech Street — a beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome that perfectly blends modern comfort with coastal sophistication. Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Fernandina, this Artisan Homes build offers a rare combination of style, convenience, and walkability that
A Nature lover's paradise in prestigious KINGSLEY CREEK! Enter into the foyer with luxury wood-look tile that flows throughout the main level (no carpet), leading you into the open-concept living area with triple stacking slider that opens fully to a large covered lanai with magnificent views of PRIVATE POND. The gourmet chef’s kitchen is the CENTERPIECE OF THE HOME, featuring Cafe brand
GORGEOUS Move-In Ready Home in the Prestigious North Hampton Golf Community! Welcome to a residence where timeless elegance meets modern comfort with NEW ROOF 2023, NEW hot water heater 2024, NEW luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout (no carpet), NEW stunning guest bathroom, NEW fixtures & custom closets. The home includes a 1 year home warranty with a split floor plan & many sought-after
Walk to Downtown Fernandina and the riverfront from this charming property. This home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a detached 2-car garage. The backyard is a private oasis with shade trees, a paver stone patio, and an outdoor shower. Additional features include an oversized carport, a storage shed, and recent upgrades in 2015 including roof, plumbing, electrical, and energy-efficient
3BR / 2.5BA home on a quiet street with a huge backyard. Features include LVP floors, granite counters, stainless appliances, and a spacious primary suite. French doors open to the yard for easy indoor-outdoor living. Great location: 2 miles to boat ramp, 15 minutes to Amelia Island beaches, close to shopping & dining on SR200, and ~30 minutes to JAX Airport. Bring your suitcase and stay awhile.
Welcome to Vintage Amelia Island, your urban destination for modern comfort and style. Located less than an hour from Jacksonville, Vintage Amelia Island bundles chicly appointed one, two, and three bedroom apartments with resort-like community amenities for a totally unique living experience.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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