This Is The Most Hospitable Town In Florida
You won't find a more hospitable town in Florida than Fernandina Beach. And having experienced the Sunshine State’s most northerly community for ourselves, we can also vouch for the fact that there is nowhere else in America quite like it in terms of uniqueness, too.
Located on Amelia Island, the last island in a barrier chain stretching along the Atlantic Coast as far north as South Carolina, Fernandina Beach is considered the unofficial capital of the Isle of 8 Flags, a name bestowed upon the area due to its having changed hands no less than eight times down the centuries.
It all started with the French, who arrived in 1562, followed by the Spanish (twice), the British Empire, insurgents known as the Patriots of Amelia Island, a republic called the Green Cross of Florida, Mexico, the Confederate States of America, and finally the United States.
While each group had an impact on the culture and unique character of Fernandina Beach, it is quite possible that the almost always bloodless takeovers might have had another effect, too: the folks in this lovely small town learned they had to be nice to everyone… just in case.
Fernandina Beach Today
Named after King Ferdinand VII of Spain, what began as a strategic port town has since evolved into a must-visit destination known for its hospitable townsfolk.
Visit the Fernandina Harbor Marina, the birthplace of modern-day shrimping, and you will get a nod and possibly even a chat with local shrimpers. And head to Fernandina Beach Market Place on a Saturday, and awesome vendors from in and around Amelia Island are more than happy to share samples and information about their produce and products.
It is also a delightful place for a stroll. Fernandina Beach Historic District encompasses over 50 blocks of some of the loveliest old architecture you will find in Florida, dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Victorian homes with wrap-around porches and ornate gingerbread trim, while Centre Street, the main commercial corridor, extends from the Amelia River through the very heart of downtown.
Other old-time downtown must-sees include The Palace Saloon, Florida's oldest continuously operating drinking establishment (ok, it’s a bar, albeit an old one!), which has been around since 1903.
Friendly Things To Do in Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach’s hospitable side can also be seen in the many local businesses catering to tourists. One of the friendliest has got to be Captain Scott of Serene River Cruises, an eco-friendly tour experience aboard a cozy electric Duffy boat offering intimate explorations of shallow waters that other large tour boats can’t get to. Scott’s sunset cruises are fun, informative, incredibly quiet (ok, serene, just as he advertises), and highly recommended. Cruises aboard Scott's Twelve Volt Lady depart from nearby Amelia Island Marina.
Apart from walking, another great way to get around this hospitable town is to hop aboard a tourist bus operated by Anchor Trolley & Transport. These old-fashioned trolley tours pass through Fernandina Beach's historic district, and are 90 minutes well spent.
Tours start at the harbor, so be sure to cross the road for a visit to the Amelia Island Welcome Center. Friendly staff are happy to offer tips not just about the better-known spots around town, but also to some hidden gems.
It was here that the recommendation for the awesome PJD’s Craft Beer Bar was offered up. Named after its owner, a local legend for making pyjamas his attire of choice, it is a favorite downtown watering hole for locals and visiting beer fans and is definitely worth a visit.
Another good spot for a drink and great food that is owned by a local legend is Kitchen 251. That legend? Chef Michael McCarroll, whose Louisiana background has resulted in superb comfort food, all made from scratch in-house. And stick around for dessert, all homemade by Ashley McCarroll. You will be glad you did. The Boat House is another fantastic place to dine, especially if the patio is open.
Where to Stay
Fernandina Beach’s super hospitality industry includes superb accommodation options, too. Within easy walking distance of downtown, the Blue Heron Inn Bed and Breakfast occupies a large property built in 1904 with many original features.
Head outside to the attractive garden and patio area, and you will find a private swimming pool that adds a lovely, boutique resort feel. And innkeeper Susan certainly adds a personal touch, especially with her delicious breakfasts.
The Florida House Inn is another great accommodation choice. Just steps away from Centre Street and the Boat House Restaurant, this 3-star hotel has been around since 1857 and holds the distinction of being the state's oldest still-operating hotel. Stop for a night or two, and you will be keeping up with such historical figures as President Ulysses S. Grant, the Carnegies, the Rockefellers, and Henry Ford.
Nearby Towns With Southern Hospitality
St. Marys, Georgia
Just eight miles north of Fernandina Beach across the St. Marys River, the community of St. Marys was founded in 1787 and is one of Georgia's oldest towns. Popular for its proximity to Cumberland Island National Seashore, here you can hop aboard a ferry to the island from the downtown waterfront. Other highlights include St. Marys Submarine Museum, and the Riverview Hotel, built in 1916 and once popular with rich folk like John D. Rockefeller Sr.
Yulee, Florida
Ten miles west of Fernandina Beach, Yulee represents the kind of friendly, small-town atmosphere that once characterized much of rural Florida. Its connections to Amelia Island run deep, with its namesake, Senator David Levy Yulee, being responsible for much of Amelia Island's development thanks to his railroad.
Yes, Fernandina Beach is Definitely Hospitable
Fernandina Beach has certainly earned its title as Florida's most hospitable town. Welcoming visitors for more than a century, its friendly shop and restaurant owners, its knowledgeable tour guides, as well as the gracious hosts at its best accommodations, make it a place where hospitality comes first and foremost.
