Fernandina Beach Historic District
Fernandina Beach Historic District
Fernandina Beach Historic District
4.6
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.6
591 reviews
Excellent
412
Very good
138
Average
36
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Randy W
Bahama, NC178 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
The best part is the whole town has free parking so there is no stress in making sure you will expire! Well maintained and clean. I suggest taking either the Trolley ride or boat ride to get the history with anecdotes. It would be hard to make sense if you only used the well done walking tour booklet we got at the Welcome Center in the old train depot. Plenty of public restrooms in the Comfort Station next to the depot.
Written March 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beaches-Caribbean
Statesboro, GA10 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We enjoyed 2 days on Amelia Island celebrating our 19th Wedding Anniversary - highlights were dinner at Ritz-Carlton Coast Restaurant, shopping downtown Centre Street shops, walking the Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach trails, Sunset off the Pier after a lovely dinner at Brett's! Expensive place but great for a special occasion. The 19th century architecture was eye candy and the History Museum was enlightening. Well worth a visit!
Written October 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FancyFree55
Florida7,537 contributions
Oct 2022
After attending a wedding in Fernandina, we decided to spend Sunday exploring the Amelia Island Historic District. I'd visited only once prior, probably fifteen years earlier, but that windy March day with maximum temps reaching into the high fifties was not conducive to strolling waterfront streets to explore the sights. Fortunately, during my second visit our balmy mid-October setting turned out to be ideal.
I was pleased to learn that the historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2021, so it will always be preserved for future generations to enjoy. The Visitor Center, located in a renovated railroad depot, was closed on Sunday, so we decided to wing it.
Our first stop was Amelia Island Coffee, which offers a good selection of gourmet blends. After enjoying iced coffees we headed toward the riverfront and found the historic site of the Revolutionary War invasion in 1777 as well as the site of Florida's first Atlantic coast to Gulf coast railroad in 1853. The tracks that run parallel to the river are still in place, and we walked them like hobos for a few blocks to check out some old train cars parked there.
I'm always fascinated with our history, so we took time to stop and read about the war and the railroad and the William Bartram Trail, named after a naturalist who spent four years documenting the unique flora and fauna of our state. The street is lined with historic buildings, like the US Post Office & Customs House that opened in 1912 and the Nassau County Courthouse, which opened in 1891 and is one of few remaining courthouses in Florida that were built in the 19th century. I would have loved to tour the Lesesne House, built circa 1860, which might be the only post and beam construction house remaining on the island.
Shopping is especially interesting in the historic district because far more options are available than the typical tourist trinket and clothing boutiques that I'm accustomed to seeing. The Christmas store alone was worth an hour of our time, and the gourmet tea shop is irresistible. Check out Pelindaba Lavender, which sells everything lavender (and nothing else).
Our visit could not have been more perfect. The total area of the historic district heart is only a few blocks long - not one/tenth the size of Saint Augustine's ancient city and not half as old. But it's incredibly charming nonetheless. If this wasn't a 2-hour drive from home, I could make a habit of spending time here.
I was pleased to learn that the historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2021, so it will always be preserved for future generations to enjoy. The Visitor Center, located in a renovated railroad depot, was closed on Sunday, so we decided to wing it.
Our first stop was Amelia Island Coffee, which offers a good selection of gourmet blends. After enjoying iced coffees we headed toward the riverfront and found the historic site of the Revolutionary War invasion in 1777 as well as the site of Florida's first Atlantic coast to Gulf coast railroad in 1853. The tracks that run parallel to the river are still in place, and we walked them like hobos for a few blocks to check out some old train cars parked there.
I'm always fascinated with our history, so we took time to stop and read about the war and the railroad and the William Bartram Trail, named after a naturalist who spent four years documenting the unique flora and fauna of our state. The street is lined with historic buildings, like the US Post Office & Customs House that opened in 1912 and the Nassau County Courthouse, which opened in 1891 and is one of few remaining courthouses in Florida that were built in the 19th century. I would have loved to tour the Lesesne House, built circa 1860, which might be the only post and beam construction house remaining on the island.
Shopping is especially interesting in the historic district because far more options are available than the typical tourist trinket and clothing boutiques that I'm accustomed to seeing. The Christmas store alone was worth an hour of our time, and the gourmet tea shop is irresistible. Check out Pelindaba Lavender, which sells everything lavender (and nothing else).
Our visit could not have been more perfect. The total area of the historic district heart is only a few blocks long - not one/tenth the size of Saint Augustine's ancient city and not half as old. But it's incredibly charming nonetheless. If this wasn't a 2-hour drive from home, I could make a habit of spending time here.
Written October 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crocuslover
Frederick, MD841 contributions
Dec 2021
We were there enjoying dinner at a restaurant on New Year's Eve and decided to walk around the historic district. It was decorated so beautifully with the trees all done in white lights. Everyone was heading down to the water so we followed and enjoyed the New Year countdown to the "shrimp drop" (this was done at 7:00 so that children can enjoy it) where a crane lowers a lit up shrimp and then there is a fireworks show. All super fun! We then walked around the town and enjoyed the few stores that were open. We had a great evening and can't wait to go back and try out some more restaurants and do some shopping!
Written January 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoVols79
Chattanooga, TN4,161 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Our first full day on Amelia Island was rainy and cooler than normal so we skipped the beach and went to explore the historic district. There is a lot of free on street parking so we found a spot and started exploring. This area is very pedestrian friendly and full of shops, restaurants and historic homes and buildings. Amelia Island Coffee, Fantastic Fudge and the Book Loft were a few favorites. It was a great way to spend a few hours on the island.
Written June 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly L
Boca Raton, FL217 contributions
Jun 2021
This wonderful historic downtown was the favorite part of our visit to Amelia Island. Buildings were very interesting (don't forget to stop by the Pippi Longstocking house) and the people were all so friendly. We happened to be there on a first Friday where they had a fun family friendly street party put on by their local pirate club. We loved the quirky Ship's Lantern gift store. We walked over to the local Museum which we enjoyed. Lots of great restaurants and they were all good with friendly service. We could totally move to this wonderful little town!
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather R
Chesterland, OH918 contributions
Feb 2020
We visited Amelia Island for the first time. We did not stay near the downtown area but took a day to enjoy the town. There are many nice shops and restaurants. There is a bar that is the oldest bar - The Palace. We enjoyed a beer there. Some historic items in the bar were really neat. This is just a bar - no food served. The homes and buildings are all well kept and are classic beauty. There is a really nice waterfront area at one end of the historic district with a nice restaurant overlooking the harbor and ocean. I would love to see this town when the flowers are in bloom. It must be stunning. There was even 2 men playing music and singing for all to sit or stroll by and enjoy. We had not problems find parking (free).
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kfadams
Virginia Beach, VA44 contributions
Jul 2021
We visited Amelia Island for the first time, to visit our son, who has been there for 6 months on a job. I've been to many areas of FL over the course of my lifetime, however, this is the first time I've ever visited this area. We absolutely loved the downtown area, which was filled with stores, restaurants, bars, etc. We found some amazing eateries and enjoyed the history of Amelia Island. We were in the new Courtyard by Marriott, which is just across the street from the beach. This particular hotel had a great pool area, but like so many others, it was quite obvious that they were understaffed. I noticed that the visitors primarily seemed to be families with children and senior citizens. There is a chilled vibe to this town and most restaurants seemed to close by 9:00 p.m. There is something for every age, including the Amelia Island National Park (which includes Fort Clinch and access to a more private beach (but swimming is not allowed???). I would highly recommend visiting this town, it's well worth the time it takes to get there!
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexis B
Pittsburgh, PA936 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
It’s such a beautiful area of Amelia Island, with lots of shops, cafés, restaurants and bars. Whether during the day or at night, on rainy or sunny days, it was a place I couldn’t get enough of. I’d recommend into online reviews to select the best ones, mainly those that offer great food and great ambiance.
I was there after New Year and they still had the holiday decorations, which added to the experience. I also stumbled on a Saturday morning market, which made it an even better experience.
I was there after New Year and they still had the holiday decorations, which added to the experience. I also stumbled on a Saturday morning market, which made it an even better experience.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy M
35 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Beautiful downtown with a big variety of shops and restaurants-ice cream to deli to Mexican to Pizza. They have it all! Be Aware that many restaurants are closed on Monday and reservations are recommended at many of the the other dining dining spots. NOTE: They have a “Comfort Station” with wonderful restrooms behind the depot near the railroad tracks. All the shops are very welcoming. Stop at the harbor to watch the sunset.
Written April 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How close is the historic district to the marina area? Walking distance??
Written March 12, 2018
So they didn’t exactly answer that question. The marina is one block from historic district. The district itself is 4 blocks x 8. Worth the stop
Written August 10, 2018
Long walk, suggest you drive. Once there, you can park your car and walk everywhere within four blocks, give or take. Several good casual restaurants in area. Recommendation ... visit the Welcome/information Center, right by the train tracks. Actually, the Center is the old train station. Here you will find out what's happening, and what might be of interest to you and your group. Have fun!
Written December 14, 2016
Can anyone tell me what time shop's stay open on a Sunday night? Thanks
Written July 4, 2015
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