Fernandina Beach is a city located in Northeast Florida. It is the county seat of Nassau County and the northernmost city along Florida’s Atlantic coast. Located on Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach is a part of the Jacksonville metropolitan area. Historically, the area was inhabited by the Timucuan Indian people. Now, the city is home to many museums, attractions, and parks.
Historic Fort Clinch State Park
The 1400-acre, Civil War-era fort that was once a civilian prison is now a state park in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Visitors can enjoy the pristine beaches and live oak-lined hiking trails while exploring the history of the fort. You can even watch a Civil War reenactment and participate in living history programs.
The history of Fort Clinch is fascinating. It was occupied by both Union and Confederate troops without any combat during the Civil War. Fort Clinch is now a state park, where visitors can tour the prison, barracks, kitchens, blacksmith shop, and more. The park also has a museum, with artifacts and an informational video about the fort’s history.
While at the park, you can also see a live demonstration of black powder artillery, a flag-raising ceremony, and blacksmith demonstrations. These are all offered during Fort Clinch’s public hours, which are usually 9am-5pm. There is a jetty where you can try your luck fishing.
Fort Clinch was built in 1847 and was named after the Confederate General Duncan Lamont Clinch. Although it was completed just a decade before the Civil War, it was still a major supply base for the Confederacy. It became under Confederate control during the war, and the Confederate army eventually established fortifications on Amelia Island.
The park is surrounded by historic homes. The Captain’s House, located at 212 Estrada Street, was featured in the 1988 film “Pippi Longstocking”. The Captain’s House was built in 1888 and served as the parade ground for the Spanish Fort San Carlos, the original location of Fernandina Beach. The area was used by native peoples before European explorers arrived.
Fort Clinch State Park has 61 campsites. The Amelia River campground is shaded by oak trees, while the Atlantic Campground is more open, and overlooks the St. Mary’s inlet. The Atlantic Campground is closer to the Atlantic Ocean beachfront than the river campground.
The fort, built in the late 19th century, is one of Florida’s premier historical sites. The fort was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The site is open to the public year-round from 8 a.m. to dusk.
The Palace Saloon
The Palace Saloon in FernandinA Beach offers classic cocktails, eclectic décor, and live music most nights. This historic 1903 bar features vintage murals and mosaic floors. The menu features fresh seafood, and local brews are made with locally sourced ingredients.
The Palace Saloon was once a men’s shop, but was turned into a bar in 1903. Its design was inspired by maritime culture and had a 40-foot curved mahogany bar. It was also known as the “ship captain’s bar.”
The Palace Saloon in Fernandinia Beach features mosaic floors, embossed tin ceilings, and gas lamp fixtures. It draws year-round crowds. Once a meeting place for captains, the saloon is now a gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. It also hosts live music on Monday nights and Thursday ladies’ night.
Located on Centre Street in Fernandina Beach, Florida, The Palace Saloon is one of the oldest bars in the state. Its history goes back to 1903 and has survived Prohibition, a major fire, and an ongoing ghost haunting. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Irish pub or a hip dive, you’re sure to find a place to enjoy your evening at The Palace Saloon.
The Palace Saloon in Fernandinia Beach is part of a 50-block historic district on Centre Street. Its history makes it a fascinating location to visit. In addition to being a historic building, it is a popular haunt for ghost hunters and tourists alike.
The Palace Saloon is an iconic Fernandina Beach pub that first opened its doors in 1903. The palace is home to a unique collection of memorabilia. The bar’s interior features vintage murals and mosaic floors, as well as live music most nights. It also hosts Thursday pub crawls.
The Maritime Museum of Amelia Island
The Maritime Museum of Amelia Island in the town of Fernandina Beach is a great place to visit if you enjoy maritime history. There are displays of pirate and shipwreck artifacts, as well as treasure recovered from shipwrecks.
Located downtown, the Maritime Museum of Amelia Island is a fun place to explore the history of Amelia Island. Originally an ice house, this museum offers interactive displays of the island’s maritime past. Artifacts on display include Spanish and French treasure, weaponry, and more.
The museum is operated as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. You can make tax-deductible donations to help keep the museum running. It is a veteran-owned nonprofit and is run by US veterans. The museum’s website was designed by SnappyClam Website Design, which is considered one of Florida’s best design firms.
While visiting the Maritime Museum of Amelia Island, you may also want to visit the American Beach Museum. This museum was founded five years ago. It commemorates the American Beach, a beach that was African-American during Jim Crow laws. It was home to famous musicians, including Hank Aaron and Ray Charles. Abraham Lincoln Lewis, the man who created the American Beach, was also the first African-American millionaire in Florida.
The museum is in need of funds and may move to a new building. You can donate to it by joining the museum’s sustaining membership program. This program allows you to contribute $200 monthly and will give you a tax-deductible gift certificate. The museum also accepts donations of boats, cars, and other items.
The Arts Market
The Arts Market in Fernandina Beach is a unique and exciting way to support local artists and local businesses. Held on the fourth Saturday of every month on North 7th Street, the market features over 30 local artists and crafters selling their handmade products. The market is open rain or shine and is open to the public.
The Fernandina Beach Arts Market is open the second and fourth Saturday of the month, and is adjacent to the North Seventh Street farmers market. The market is open to the public and is free of charge. The best time to visit the market is between 10 and noon, when it is busiest. Visitors are welcome to bring their well-behaved pets.