The Isle of Eight Flags


Fernandina Beach is situated on Amelia Island and is the northernmost city along Florida's Atlantic coast. Amelia Island is historically known as "The Isle of Eight Flags," having been governed by eight different flags throughout its history. These flags represent various European powers and rebellious factions that claimed control over the island, including the French, Spanish, British, and different American-backed groups such as the Patriots of Amelia Island and the Confederate States.


Fernandina Beach is a charming and cozy slice of American history. The buildings exude old Southern charm, and the downtown area is filled with green walkways and trees. The town is very welcoming to tourists and pets, with many businesses providing bowls of water for dogs.


My wife and I ate at The Patio at 5th and Ash Restaurant for lunch, and it was really good food and exceptionally dog-friendly (They just walked us right through the restaurant to our outside table). Lots of shops and ice cream stores and Old Towne Americana is here.


Important Parking Notice: If you have a large van, trailer, or Class B, or smaller Class C RVs, you can park in the City Hall Parking lot (170 Ash St.) or the extended marina parking lot just over the tracks about 500 feet away (251 S Front St.). Both were free.

Google Street View of a white government building with palm trees in Florida coastal town.

Fernandina Beach City Hall is down close to the water at the west end of the city

Tree-lined downtown street with shops and palm trees in a charming Florida coastal city.

The view along Centre Street, north of City Hall

The Patio restaurant exterior with outdoor seating under oak trees on a rainy Florida street.

The Patio on 5th and Ash

Camp Location: Fort Clinch State park

📍2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

☎ +1 (904) 277-7274

🌐https://www.floridastateparks.org/FortClinch



While visiting Fernandina Beach, we stayed at the Fort Clinch State Park campground. Fort Clinch State Park offers two unique camping experiences that cater to different preferences: the Atlantic Beach Campground and the Amelia River Campground.

  • Atlantic Beach Campground is ideal for campers who want immediate access to the beach and enjoy the sound of the ocean. The area is exceptionally clean and well-maintained, but it’s important to note that it has minimal tree cover, offering little natural shade or shelter. Campsites are closely spaced, which may affect privacy, and dogs are not permitted on the beach in this section—something pet owners should plan around.
  • In contrast, the Amelia River Campground provides a more secluded and shaded experience, nestled among mature trees with generous spacing between sites. This makes it a favorite for those seeking a quieter, more forested atmosphere and a bit more privacy. It’s also more accommodating for campers with pets.

For those planning a visit, campground designations and what you can expact can be found on the Florida RV Trade Association website, which offers helpful insights into site layouts and amenities.


As a personal note, if you stay at the river campground, try to book spot #40. It's the closest to the beach access, and you can watch the sunset from your campsite. Here's a link from the Street view on Google Maps of the spot. It's absolutely glorious!

Google Street View of a suburban Florida intersection with red brick wall and palm trees.

Entrance to Fort Clinch State Park

Van parked at a dark wooded campsite illuminated by bright lights at night in Florida.

Our Spot with the van

A canopy of moss-draped oak trees arches over a shaded road in a lush Southern forest.

The canopy of trees on the way into the campgrounds

A vibrant orange sunset reflects over calm coastal waters with sea grass silhouetted in the foreground.

Watching the sunset from the campground (iphone shot)

A brick building with a flat roof and landscaped entrance sits in a sunny Fernandina Beach parking lot.

Fort Clinch Visitors Center and Museum - you can buy supplies here

Panoramic view of historic Fort Clinch fortification with brick walls and cannon mounts under cloudy skies.

Inside Fort Clinch