Fernandina Beach, Florida, is set on the northern part of the state’s Atlantic Coast in the Amelia Island area, near the Georgia border. This well-preserved Victorian seaside town offers a selection of hotels in the heart of the historic district, many set in restored buildings from the 19th century. Fernandina boasts fine sandy beaches, walking tours of the historic district are available, and visitors can take a cruise along the coast from Fernandina’s harbor.
Overlooking the harbor, the 122 rooms of the Hampton Inn & Suites Amelia Island are housed in a building decorated in a variety of pastel hues and featuring the Art Deco styling so typical of Florida. There’s a gym, and the outdoor pool is set on the second floor of the hotel’s internal courtyard. The hotel serves complimentary breakfast and for other meals guest can try the Crab Trap, specializing in locally-caught seafood; or Le Clos, offering French food from the Provencale region.
Six blocks back from the harbor front in downtown Fernandino Beach, Fairbanks House is set in an 1885 Italianate mansion with many original features. The house, which appears in the National Register of Historic Places, is surrounded by landscaped gardens. The eight rooms and the separate cottage are decorated in authentic Victorian style. Eat breakfast at the hotel then sample local eateries such as Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q or the Beech Street Grill, which serves a fine-dining seafood menu.
Set in the heart of Fernandina Beach’s historic district, the Addison on Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast, a 14-room boutique inn, has a main building from 1876 with two modern annexes added in 1996 and designed to complement the original building. The hotel’s internal courtyard is filled with greenery, including three mature oaks, and features a fountain. The 15 guest rooms all have individual 19th-century styling and many come with four-poster beds. Complimentary breakfast includes daily baked scones and muffins, fresh fruit smoothies and a choice of hot items.
The Hoyt House on Atlantic Street in Fernandina Beach is an eight-minute walk from the seafront and three blocks from Central Park, which includes tennis courts and a children’s playground. The property is a timber mansion from 1905 with columned porches and balconies, and the surrounding gardens include a pool overlooked by a gazebo. Rates for the 10 rooms include breakfast, in-room snacks and cookies, and a daily cocktail hour. Nearby restaurants for lunch and dinner include the Bonito Grill & Sushi, and the Espana, which serves dishes from Spain and a selection of tapas.
