By Isabel Prontes
Fernandina
beach is a city in northeastern Florida, in Nassau County. It is on Amelia Island. Fernandina Beach is a popular tourist destination in Florida because of its rich history. If you are planning to visit Fernandina Beach, there is no shortage of exciting things to do and see while you are there.
Fort Clinch State Park
Fort Clinch State Park has many trails, paved and unpaved, for hiking. It is good for hiking because it has a vast, six mile, clear hiking trail. Fort Clinch is a fascinating historical site and the peninsula locale of the park provides exquisite natural scenery, which makes the hiking experience even more exciting. One particularly notable place to go hiking and exploring is Willow Pond Hiking Trail. Fort Clinch State Park is also a good place to go cycling. The beaches along the Cumberland Sound are also good spots to go hiking and cycling. The trails can be very steep (because of ancient dunes) and in many cases heavily forested, making them challenging and often rigorous. Admission to the park is free.
2601 Atlantic Avenue
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Tel: (904) 277-7274
Kayaking
A company called "Kayak Amelia" puts on detailed guided tours of Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. The tour will you put you practically arm's length away from a diverse array of local wildlife, including egrets and herons. Renting a single kayak is $30 for up to four hours. For more time, the cost is $45.
13030 Heckscher Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32226
Tel: (904) 251-0016
River Cruises
The waterways of the the Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island area are breathtaking, and there are tours of them every day by guides who talk in detail about local history. Often, the tour guides are nature experts. The river cruise goes along the lovely Amelia River, allowing visitors to explore nature while learning about history. Admission for adults is $26. For senior citizens, it costs $24, and for children under 20 years old, $20.
One North Front Street
Fernandina Beach,
Amelia Island, FL 32034
Tel: (904) 261-9972
Amelia Island Carriages
You can explore both Amelia Island and the historic area of Fernandina Beach in an Amelia Island Carriage. The carriage guides are knowledgeable and friendly, and the horses are majestic and well trained. The carriages take you along the downtown's Victorian landmarks. Standard tours cost $15 for adults, and $7.50 for children (under 13 years of age). Babies under 2 ride for free.
110 W. Ash St
Fernandina Beach,
Amelia Island, FL 32034
Tel: (904) 556-2662
Buccaneer Trail
The Buccaneer Trail details many significant sites of early explorers and pirates from the New World. The trail winds past many beautiful areas, including Little Talbot Island State Park, which highlights the natural geography. There are more than eight miles of clear hiking trails to explore. Another place to go hiking is by the eroding sand cliffs, known as "The Bluffs." Access to the trail is free.
2601 Atlantic Avenue
Fernandina Beach, FL 32084
Tel: (904) 249 3868
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
