Walk the Fernandina Plaza

a sign reading fernandina plaza historic state park stands in a grassy field by a river

In one of the oldest neighborhoods in North Florida you can discover the smallest state park. Measuring in at about 0.8 acres, Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park is a grassy lot atop a bluff overlooking the Amelia River.

a grassy field with a cannon, signs, and trees overlooking a river.

Now a place of amazing sunsets and quiet contemplation, the former parade field of the Spanish Fort San Carlos offers an area to have a picnic and watch the shrimp boats head out for the day’s catch. Visiting this park can be an imaginative experience, standing on a piece of land that has supported settlements dating back more than 2,000 years.

Face the river and feel the same breeze the French explorers felt in 1562. Take a deep breath and smell the aroma of the salt marsh just like the British of 1702 who used this area as a hideout. Listen to the rustling of the trees and the call of the birds, the same sounds the Spanish heard in 1811. Finally, look to the sky, and feel the heat of the same sun that warmed the earth when the children of the town of Fernandina played a pick-up football game in the 1980s.

a gray and still river with trees on the near and far banks.

Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park is truly what you make of it. Whether it’s sitting on the bench, reading the plaques or taking a sensory tour through the years, this small park shouldn’t be missed. It’s easy to find, free to enter, and provides the perfect end to a day spent at its sister park, Fort Clinch State Park. Make sure you get your official stamp for your Florida passport book for the smallest state park at the Fort Clinch ranger station.