"First port in Florida, Fernandina Beach" Top 5 Page for this destination Fernandina Beach by grandmaR

We've been to Fernandina seven times - we've come here on each trip up and down the ICW.

The first visit was December 6, 2000 after a disasterous attempt to go offshore for the first time.

The second visit was coming north March 22, 2001.

Town Hall (dusk, noon and dawn) and water tower

We really enjoy this town when we've stopped and Bob thinks it is a good example of what a small town can do to attract tourists. Except for one thing ....

The third visit was at Thanksgiving of 2001. Everything closes on Thanksgiving day - none of the restaurants near the marina are open. We had to eat Thanksgiving dinner at the church with the rest of the homeless and boat people. I understand the restaurants also close on Mother's Day.

Fort Clinch from the channel

Our fourth visit was March 21, 2002 just 28 sm farther on from Jacksonville where we stayed for 2 days to wait out some weather. On the last night we ate at Florida House which is a hotel where they serve family style.

Next we went to Jekyll Island.

The fifth visit was this past fall in November 2003. Most of the narrative for this trip is under Amelia Island.

On our sixth visit, we came through by car in February 2005. We took a photo of the lighthouse, and ate lunch here on our way to Hilton Head Island.

Our last visit we stayed two nights, and visited Fort Clinch before going to Waycross GA via St. Simon's Island.

• Pros:small walkable town, friendly people
• Cons:Somewhat yuppie place and can be expensive