If your idea of a perfect beach day includes easy access to beach park amenities, then Fernandina Main Beach may be the perfect beach for you.
Fernandina Main Beach is the beach with amenities for lots of fun, food and of course, the beach!
I recently spent my Saturday’s, Sunday’s, and even Memorial Day Holiday here.
This beach did not disappoint.
It’s a bit strange. But Fernandina Main Beach does not get too packed like other beaches.
Even on a holiday weekend.
The Best Part about Fernandina Main Beach
At Fernandina Main Beach, you get the best of both worlds.
The beach and a variety of things to do around the beach.
All activities promote being outside enjoying the coastal breeze and salty air.
Fernandina Beach has 41 beach access points.
This many can make it difficult to know which beach to choose for your perfect beach day.
Fernandina Main Beach is one of the most popular beaches due to its location and on site amenities.
You’ll find everything you need and want for an all day fun beach experience.
Fernandina Beach Main Beach Map
I personally created this Fernandina Main Beach Map to show you exactly what you can expect.
(I’m a content creator by heart 🎨. Lucky you.)
You can see where the beach amenities are in relation to the beach.
With plenty of parking options and lots of space to enjoy on and off the beach, you can see why Fernandina Main Beach is a beach tourist favorite.
How to Get to Fernandina Beach Main Beach
The Main Beach is located in the City of Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Fernandina Beach is located on Amelia Island.
Amelia Island is part of a barrier island located in Northeast Florida on the Atlantic Coast, on the edge of the Florida and Georgia border line.
ℹ️ Interesting fact: Fernandina Beach is the northernmost city on Florida’s Atlantic Coast.
With 13 miles of beaches, Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach were visited by more than 758,000 tourists in 2022.
Fernandina Beach Main Beach Park Address
32 N Fletcher Ave
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
United States
How to get there From Southern Florida
If you are in Florida traveling north, you will take I-95 North to A1A / 200 to Sadler Road. Then pass Seaside Beach and get on South Fletcher Avenue. Stay straight. You’ll drive straight into one of the parking areas for Fernandina Main Beach, at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and North Fletcher Avenue.
How to get there From Southern Georgia
If you are in Georgia traveling south, you can follow these instructions. (For shortcuts to avoid some traffic 🙂 Kingsland to Fernandina Beach.
Best Things to Do in Fernandina Main Beach
The best things to do at Fernandina Main Beach may be a little subjective depending on what you like to do.
But the good news is there is something for everyone at the main beach in Fernandina!
Here’s the variety of things to do at Fernandina Main Beach.
Explore Fernandina Beach
One of the best things about the Fernandina Beach is how wide it is.
The wide beach space provides plenty of room to explore the beach and find collectibles to help you remember your day.
The Atlantic tide brings in thousands of sea shells and other sea things like shark teeth which make your beach exploration time even more fun and exciting.
(I saw plenty of people collecting shark teeth in a little Tupperware container.)
Best Ways to Explore Fernandina Beach
- Shelling: Find and collect shells and shark teeth
- Sunbathing: Sunbathe and relax on the sand
- Building: Build sand castles
- Water: Cool your toes off in the beach waves
- Walking: Go for long walks on the beach
- Playing: Stay and Play all day
Fernandina Beach Park
The Main Beach Park is one if the most popular amenities at the Fernandina Main Beach.
Whatever experience you may fancy that day, you’ll find options for them at the Fernandina Beach Park.
The beachfront park features a range of outdoor recreational activities for you and your family to enjoy all day long.
Whether it’s getting sandy and competitive in game of beach volleyball.
Or getting your kids’ energy out on the playground or playing a simple game of catch on the grass.
Or watching skaters in the skate park.
Or, how about a fun game (or 2) of putt put?
Awesome Amenities You’ll Find at Fernandina Beach Park
- Free Parking
- Beach Boardwalk
- Covered Picnic Tables with Grills
- Restrooms
- Outdoor Showers
- Beach Toy Box
- Playground
- Beach Volleyball Court
- Skate Park
- Multipurpose court
- Grass Park
- Putt Putt Golf
- Bike Racks
- Benches
Free Parking
One of the best things about the main beach at Fernandina is the amount of free parking.
There are at least 300 parking spaces across the 4 different parking lot areas.
All within close walking distance to the beach!
This provides a good amount of free parking for all beach goers.
I can’t guarantee that you’ll find a parking spot every time but I’ve been able to find a close parking spot every time.
Even on Memorial Day Weekend 😮
Just keep driving around until you see someone leaving. (And then wait patiently.)
Wherever you find your parking spot, atleast you don’t have to pay for it.
Who doesn’t love free parking at the beach?!
ℹ️ Get there early to get a parking spot close to beach and find your best “a” parking spot on the beach. We got there by 11 am on a Sunday and found a parking spot near North Fletcher Ave and Atlantic Avenue intersection. The parking lots were pretty full by the time we left around 3 pm.
Beach Boardwalk
Another great thing about Fernandina Beach Main Beach are the amenities.
The Fernandina Beach Boardwalk is one of these awesome amenities.
The Fernandina Main Beach Boardwalk is a wooden walkway that connects many beach access points together.
Making it easy for you to get to the beach and other onsite amenities like the bathrooms.
Take the time to walk and explore the beach boardwalk.
You’ll find resting opportunities with benches to sit and beach views to enjoy.
You’ll also find covered picnic areas for shade to get a break from the sun.
One of the beach accesses even has a Mobi-Mat for ADA accessibility to the beach. Made completely out of recycled plastic bottles. 😍
Things You’ll Find on the Main Beach Boardwalk
- Multiple Beach Access Points
- Covered Picnic Tables
- Wooden Benches
- Signs about Wildlife & Beach Safety
Covered Picnic Tables
The Florida sun can be brutally hot. Especially in the summer.
One of the best ways to catch a break from the sun is at the covered picnic tables.
You’ll find several covered picnic table areas off the beach boardwalk.
You’ll also find grills to use for your ultimate cookout at the beach.
Use these covered picnic tables for a break from the sun and even throw something good to eat on the grill while your there.
Then go back to the beach and the sun for more fun!
Public Restrooms
If you don’t like peeing in the ocean, you’re in luck! There is an official place to relieve yourself.
(We all know people do this, whether they admit this or not haha…)
The restrooms are near the beach right off the beach boardwalk.
Keep in mind the restrooms are not air conditioned. (Most beach restrooms in the South are not…)
But these bathrooms do provide you with a toilet to do your #1 and #2 business.
Because when you gotta go, you gotta GO, right?
You’ll appreciate having a bathroom nearby!
Outdoors Showers
If you don’t like sand or sweaty sunscreen, then don’t go to the beach!
But even beach lovers like the feeling of a good shower rinse after a fun sandy day on the beach.
You’ll find 2 outdoor showers right next to the bathrooms.
If you’re coming from the beach, you’ll get to the showers first, in front of the restrooms building.
Use the showers to rinse off the sand before you get in the car to go home.
Or before you go eat in one of the restaurants nearby.
(Although, the Sandbar Restaurant offers beach front dining with picnic tables in the sand. So don’t bother rinsing off.)
The Beach Toy Box
If you forget beach toys for your kids, no problem!
The Beach Toy Box is a fixture near the bathrooms and the outdoor showers.
It holds a collection of beach toys donated by other beach tourists.
This is a great way to make sure your kids have fun at the beach while keeping the beaches clean from left behind toys.
Use this box to:
- Enjoy a toy
- Leave a toy
- Build sandcastles
- Scoop some sand
So, help keep toys off the beach and have fun by using the Beach Toy Box 🙂
ℹ️ Be sure to knock down all sandcastles and fill in any holes before you leave. This prevents us disturbing the natural wildlife that lives on the beach too. And other hazards like people tripping or falling into your holes.
Playground
Your kids can enjoy the playground as one of the features of the Fernandina Beach Park.
The kids can take a break from the beach and get some energy out.
There’s 2 benches for you to sit down while your kids run, climb and slide on the playground set.
There’s also a picnic type table to provide more seating and a place to eat if desired.
ℹ️ The playground was not covered in some of my earlier pictures. as advertised on some websites. But the cover is back on and your kids have play time in the shade again 😊
Beach Volleyball
Create some fun with your whole family in a game of Beach Volleyball.
You’ll find 2 beach volleyball courts on the beach.
Beach Volleyball is a great way to enjoy the beach and get some exercise at the same time.
Bring your own volleyball, pick a court, and have some fun. Oh, and go for that Ace!
Skate Park
Got a skateboard?
Spend some time outdoors (near the beach) at the Fernandina Beach Skate Park!
Bring your board and try out the variety of skating ramps and obstacles yourself.
Or rent boards and helmets from the tent nearby (in the corner next to the Lifeguard Office.)
Or you can watch the skateboarders do their 180’s and air tricks.
For free. No cost to enter. To skate or watch 🙂
ℹ️ Bring your helmet. Helmets are required to skate in the park. And there are no lights so you cannot skate at night.
Basketball
The Ferandina Beach Park has a multipurpose court.
The multi-purpose court is set up for basketball and inline hockey.
For basketball, you’ll find 4 basketball courts.
Bring your basketball and your family to play a game of horse or around the world.
Or practice your layups!
Inline Hockey
The multipurpose court is also set up for inline hockey games.
For inline hockey, the court is setup for roller hockey.
You’ll find 2 portable hockey goals for the end of each court.
So grab your inline skates, your hockey gear and your family. Then go play a game (or 2) of roller hockey!
Once again, the multi-purpose course is free to use and a play.
ℹ️ Learn how to play or practice your game with these free reserved group games and instruction classes here.
Green Space
Fernandina Beach Park has plenty of green space for you and your family to enjoy.
Take a break from the sand and use the green space to picnic on the grass.
Or play a game of catch or let the kids run and play their cares away.
Whatever you decide to do, enjoy the green space and the grass.
Putt Putt Minature Golf
If all that isn’t enough, you can also have a great time playing putt putt near the beach!
Playing miniature golf near the beach adds a whole new level of fun, excitement and memories that will last a lifetime.
You can choose between 2, 18 hole courses or play all 36 holes.
Some holes will be harder than others!
You’ll also find snacks and beach treats from the outside window of the building.
From hot dogs to Kona ice, you’ve got options to fill up and cool off with.
So grab your family and plan to hit the mini-golf courses off the beach boardwalk!
ℹ️ This is the one park feature that is not free. You have to pay to play. Pricing details here.
Bike Racks
If you end up staying nearby, you can bike your way to the Main beach at Fernandina.
You’ll find bike racks near the front parking lot at N. Fletcher Ave. and Atlantic Ave/A1A.
Benches
Feel like just sitting down and taking in some people watching?
You’ll find benches strategically placed throughout the park with various views.
You can sit and admire the beach. Or you can people watch other people and kids enjoy the park.
Whoo! That was a lot! But there is more.
Now you see why the Main Beach in Fernandina Beach is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Fernandina Main Beach Restaurants
Beach View from the Sandbar Restaurant
Fernandina Main Beach also offers 2 popoular (and tasty) restaurants on site.
Both Fernandina Main Beach restaurants feature beach views, seafood, cocktails and happy hour specials.
This is your go to option if you fancy a drink on the beach, since bringing your own alcohol on the beach is not allowed.
(Yep, you read that right. No alcohol allowed on any beach in Fernandina. More on that below…)
Or for food, if you’re feeling lazy and don’t want to pack food up for the day.
No worries.
Eat out at one or both of these restaurants nearby!
The Sandbar & Kitchen
➡️ Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL
If you’re looking for a great place to eat, liquor up and enjoy a meal beachside, then the Sandbar may be perfect for you.
The Sandbar & Kitchen restaurant in Fernandina Beach is on the beach.
It’s is known for its fried seafood, beachfront location, live music, daily happy hour and a family friendly atmosphere.
You’ll find seating options outside on the beach (in the sand).
Or on the outside patio (just off the sand but still offering beach views).
Or inside (in the A/C) both downstairs and upstairs.
Some of Sandbar’s must eats are the:
- Seafood Pizza
- Coconut Shrimp
- Sandbar Hurricane
Happy Hour offers discounted beer, wine and well drinks here.
So you don’t have to worry about packing up food for the day. (Or doing all that work just to go to the beach!)
Hang out on the beach for a while.
Then pull up to the picnic tables in the sand at The Sandar or go to the beach front bar 🙂
I saw plenty of people just sit down at the beach picnic tables waiting for service.
But I think you are supposed to go inside and get seated. At least that is what we did.
ℹ️ The Sandbar gets busy at times and it may take time for your food and drinks. Be patient with the staff and plan to sit back, relax and enjoy the experience.
Salt Life Food Shack
➡️ North Fletcher Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL
If you’re looking for one of the best ocean views of Fernandina Main Beach, Salt Life Food Shack Fernandina Beach is the place to go.
Although the Salt Life Food Shack is not beachfront, it does offer beach views from it’s upper deck and outdoor patio.
You’ll find it on the corner of North Fletcher Avenue and Trout Street.
You can see it from the beach boardwalk.
It’s known for great vibes, live music and rooftop ocean views.
Some of Salt Life Food Shack’s must eats are the:
- Avocado Fries
- Fried Shrimp
- Hot Blonde
You’ll also find a selection of special priced offerings on select days of the week here.
There are multiple Life Food Shacks in Florida.
The Fernandina Beach location is the one you’ll find off of Fernandina Main Beach.
ℹ️ Same reminder about this restaurant. Be patient, plan to stay a while and enjoy the experience.
Fernandina Main Beach Pros
With all the different beach access points available to you in Fernandina Beach, here’s why Fernandina Main Beach is a beach tourist favorite.
Clean Beach
The Fernandina Main Beach is clean and well maintained. The county and city have programs in place designed to keep the beaches clean, healthy, natural and beautiful.
Great Place for Beach Combing
This beach has lots of shells and debris wash up from the ocean. The tide brings them in and then leaves them behind when the tide goes out. This creates a perfect enviroment for finding collectable sea shells and shark teeth!
Dog friendly
Yep. You can bring your dog! How cool is that?! Now there are rules and dogs must be on leashes at all times. More about the dog rules below.
Beach Park Amenities
Having the beach park amenties as part of the beach creates the possiblity for 101 different experiences and long lasting memories you and your family will never forget.
Wide Beaches
The width of the beaches are surprisingly wide here. This provides plenty of room for people and beach combers and not feeling too crowded.
Easy Beach Access
The Fernandina Beach Park and parking lots make it easy to access the beach. There are multiple beach accesses off the boardwalk. Just follow the sidewalks and the boardwalk to the beach!
Accessibility Friendly
One of the beach accesses off the boardwalk has a Mobi Mat to provide easy beach access for wheelchairs. Different types of beach friendly wheelchairs are available for rent here.
Great for Kids
Between the wide beach for exploring and beach combing and the beach park, there’s something for every kid at this beach. This makes Fernandina Beach Main Beach very family friendly.
Lighter Crowds
Fernandina Main Beach does not get as crowded as other beaches in Florida like Miami or Siesta Key Beach. You can’t expect no one else to be at this beach but even on weekends and holidays, we weren’t packed in like sardines. The beach was still very enjoyable. I did notice the beach got more crowded after noon and throughout the afternoon.
Fernandina Beach Main Beach Cons
Although Fernandina Main Beach is near perfect in the amount of things you can do there, here are some things that may not be as perfect.
Shells Hurt Barefeet
As I sat in my happy “a” in my comfy beach chair, I watched people and kids struggle to walk over the shells. It looked like it hurt! There was a pretty thick band of shells that washed up between the beach and the shoreline. The band was from the tide which was out in the ocean. Although they are pretty to look at and comb through, they are not fun to walk on with your barefeet. You can wear water shoes or carry your flip flops to protect your feet.
Full Parking Lot
Even with 100’s of parking spaces, the parking lots still get full. Let’s face it, you’re not the only one that loves going to the beach. Plan to get there early to find good parking. (We got there around 11 am and had no problem parking near the beach access near the Sandra Restaurant.) Technically, you can be there as early as 5 am. If the main parking lots are full, don’t forget about the parking lot option on Dolphin Avenue at the back of the park.
What to Bring For Your Fernandina Beach Day
- Sunscreen
- Beach Blanket
- Beach Chairs
- Beach Towels
- Beach Cooler
- Beech Tent
- Beach Toys
- Water
- Your Dog
- Dog Leash
- Poop Bags
- Dog Bowl
- Dog Toys
Sunscreen
There is not much shade.
You will find shade under the covered picnic tables along the boardwalk and throughout the Main Beach Park.
Or at the Sandbar or Salt Life restaurants.
So bring sunscreen.
Don’t leave home without it.
You’re going to need it. Or else, become a red lobster in serious pain!
I use this SPF 50 sunscreen.
(Sunscreen that doesn’t use animals to test or make and is reef compliant…)
Beach Blanket
Bring a beach blanket to sit and lay on the sand.
Without getting as much sand up your crack. (All beach goers know what I mean 🙂
We (me and my spouse ) use this perfect beach travel blanket.
Packs up real small. Super light to carry. Easy to Store in the car so you have for any occasion:)
Although, ours has inside pockets to fill with sand, vs. using stakes which is less to carry 🙂
Beach Chairs
Now this is my preferred thing to bring to the beach.
Beach chairs!
We have these chairs here and we love them.
They are comfortable to sit in all day, reasonably priced and have a strap for easy carrying.
We do bring both our chairs and a beach blanket.
Lay the beach blanket down. Then put chairs on the top.
This reduces the sand that ends up on and in everything else.
But I know some people want to squish their toes in the sand.
There’s no right or wrong way here.
Just do whatever makes you happy with your beach experience.
Beach Towels
Beach towels are good to have if you plan on getting wet.
Or if you don’t bring a beach chair or blanket, you can use your beach towel to lay and sit on.
We have both resort style beach towels and super compact microfiber towels.
The microfiber towels will fit in a small backpacks or pouch if you want to travel light.
But we recently purchased these sand free towels.
They are more expensive than our previous towels. But they work really well!
The sand does seems to shake right off.
And they pack up small for easy transport. 👍
Beach Cooler
Now a beach cooler is optional.
It definitely adds more weight and more items to carry.
But if you plan to stay awhile, bring a cooler for water and cold drinks.
If you are feeling lazy, don’t bring the cooler. (Leave it at home).
And get your drinks from The Sandbar & Kitchen.
They do offer clear to go cups for drinks on the go.
But you can’t take alcohol on the beach. (More about this under beach rules below.)
Beach Tent
Hauling a beach tent is also optional.
I see some beach tourists under a tent.
I see other beach tourists with no tent and in the sun for the entire time.
There is no wrong way here.
We used to be those beachers that had no tent. = No shade.
But the sun gets hot.
And we’re more sensitive about skin burning and getting too much sun these days.
So we just bought this tent for our beach trips.
(Our first use was almost a complete disaster.)
Beach Toys
If you’re bringing the kids, then don’t forget the beach toys.
For smaller kids, usually, a plastic bucket and a small shovel to make sand sculptures will do.
Or you can borrow these toys (and put them back afterwards) from The Beach Toy Box near the bathrooms 🙂
For bigger kids, bring beach toys that are for more of a beach game.
Some popular beach toys for games I’ve seen are:
- Frisbees (popular game, I see a lot of frisbee throwing)
- Volleyballs (for beach volleyball courts)
- Footballs (just to throw a ball around)
- Lawn Darts (only saw one family with these but looked cool)
Water
It’s the beach. And it’s Florida.
So it get hot.
Even if it’s north Florida.
You can get dehydrated in the sun.
So don’t forget to bring water.
You can fill up a canteen or yeti to keep in your cooler.
Dogs
Fernandina Main Beach is a dog friendly beach.
So, yes, you can bring your dog 🙂 To the beach.
To be on the beach with you while you play your day away.
They have to be leashed at all times.
But you can bring your 4-legged family to the beach too.
How cool is that?!
Dog Leash
Dogs must be on leash at all times.
You may see some dogs running leash free in and out of the water, but technically, that is not allowed.
You could get fined by Beach Rangers for having your dog off leash if spotted.
Poop Bags
If you bring your dog, then don’t forget your poop bags.
You must pick up your dog’s poop!
Dog Bowl
Don’t forget your dog can get hot too.
If the beach is hot for you, it can be twice as hot for your dog. (With all that hair!)
So bring a bowl for your dog to fill with water and help your dog stay hydrated during it’s beach day too!
Dog Toys
If your dog is into toys, don’t forget a toy or 2 of him/her.
Bonus points if the dog toy floats in the water 🙂
If you need good beach toy ideas, our labs love these.
Know Before You Go
Hopefully by now, you are planning to check out Fernandina Main Beach.
You and your family should have a lot of fun!
Here’s a few things to know before you go.
Fernandina Beach Hours
- Sunrise to sunset
All beach accesses close from midnight to 5 am.
So technically, you can enjoy the beaches as early as 5 am all the way to midnight 🙂
The reason I suggest only daylight hours is so we are all mindful of the turtles and wildlife that live on the beach.
We need to be off the beach so they can be on it.
And friendly reminder, to be sure to pick up your trash and belongings when you leave.
We don’t want to disturb or interfere with Mother Nature.
Fernandina Main Beach Rules
- No alcoholic beverages
- No loud music
- No camping or overnight sleeping
- No beach fires
- Dogs are allowed
- Your dogs must be on leash at all times
- You must scoop your dog’s poop
- Dispose of your trash in the trash cans
- Swim at your own risk
- Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
- Sea Turtle nesting season is May 1 – Oct 31
- Do not approach turtles or nests
- Leave nests and signs undisturbed
- Keep the beach clean and flat
- Pick up litter and remove your belongings
- No lights on the beach after sunset
- Turn off cell phone lights, flashlights and porch lights
- Knock down sandcastles and fill in all holes
- Don’t leave toys on the beach
Fernandina Main Beach is Dog Friendly
Yes! You can bring your dog or dogs.
Your dog can be a part of your beach day and everlasting memories.
You will see other dogs out there enjoying beach time with their families too.
Fernandina Beach Dog Rules
- Dogs are allowed
- Your dogs must be leashed at all times
- No, technically they are not allowed to swim without leash. But I did see some dogs swimming and playing on the beach without their leash.
- But they can get fined by Beach Patrols.
- Worst case scenario, use something like this for dog. We use these for training.
- You must bag your dog’s poop
- You must dispose of your bagged dog poop in the waste bins
No Alcohol
Nope.
If your perfect beach day includes kicking back on the beach while popping open those beer cans throughout the day, then this beach may not be for you.
(The no Alcohol rule applies to all beaches In Fernandina Beach or Amelia Island.)
Now I did see people drinking beer. And not being very discreet about it.
I also saw a lot of “cups”. Who knows what those cups had in them. (Likely alcohol!)
Just don’t flaunt it. (And definitely don’t tell anyone I told you this 🙂
Worst case scenario, you can grab a beer or cocktail from the Sandbar or Salt Life.
You can’t take the alcohol off the premises of the restaurants.
No Cars Allowed
Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island actually allow cars on some beaches.
But cars are not allowed on the Main Beach of Fernandina Beach.
For the beaches that do allow cars, this is restricted to Nassau County residents only. Thumbs down emojis
(I know. The idea of driving your 4×4 on the keep and pulling right up to the beach for no distance to carry your all of your beach gear….sounds cool!)
Here are some cheap properties in the area.
No Smoking
Smoking is banned on Fernandina Beaches public beaches and parks.
You can get a $75 fine for smoking in these public areas.
I’m pretty sure I saw someone smoking in the outside Beach Bar at Sandbar.
But don’t quote me on that.
Lifeguards on Duty
- May – Labor Day
Lifeguards are on duty from May to Labor Day.
In May, Lifeguards are only on duty on the weekends.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Lifeguards are on duty 7 days a week.
Fernandina Main Beach Lifeguard Hours
- Weekdays: 11 am – 5 pm
- Weekends: 10 am – 5 pm
There are 4 Lifeguard stations throughout Fernandina Main Beach.
Fernandina Main Beach Safety Tips
Swim near the Lifeguard Station
There are 4 Lifeguard stations on Fernandina Beach Main Beach. Swim near a lifeguard station to ensure you can be seen if you or family members gets in trouble and needs help.
Swim with a Buddy
Take extra precaution and swim with a buddy. Your buddy can watch out for you and call for help if needed. And vice versa.
Check Current Water Conditions Before You Enter
Know the conditions of the water and the wind before you enter. Look for the color flag flying on the Lifeguards stations. If you need help understanding the what the color means, ask a Lifeguard.