Fernandina Plaza Cannon View

Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park

site of a historic Spanish Fort, this grassy park offers stunning river views in a charming coastal village

Hours

8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year

Fees

No fee required

Location

Estrada Street
Fernandina Beach FL 32034

Get directions

Contact Info

904-277-7274

Welcome to Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park

Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park sits atop a bluff along the Amelia River in the town of Fernandina, on the northern end of Amelia Island. 

It is the historic site of Fort San Carlos, a Spanish fort dating back to the early 1800s. 

The property is now managed by Fort Clinch State Park as part of the Florida Park Service and has been a state managed property since 1941.

Plan Your Visit

Heath Alboher, Park Manager
Learn

Manager's Message

Fernandina Plaza’s history dates back 2,000 years as a Native American campsite, and later became the northernmost military post of Spanish Florida.
a sign reading fernandina plaza historic state park stands in a grassy field by a river
Learn

Walk the Fernandina Plaza

In one of the oldest neighborhoods in North Florida you can discover the smallest state park. Measuring in at about 0.8 acres, the Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park is a grassy lot on a bluff overlooking the Amelia River.
Annual Pass displayed over water and sky.
Learn

Florida State Parks Annual Pass

Annual entrance passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year.

Experiences

Picnicking
Picnicking
Weddings
Weddings

Amenities

Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit

Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park Photo Gallery

Fernandina Plaza
Fernandina Plaza
an old cannon on a wooden base with wheels sits in the grass
a historical marker titled "fort san carlos"
a white car is parked at a grassy plaza with the Amelia River and setting sun in the background
Drawing of a map titled "Plans of Fort San Carlos"
a wooden bench with "Bicentennial 1811-2011" carved in the seat sits in front of a river.
a gray river behind brush and small trees
open mouth of a cannon on a grassy lot with houses behind.
Learn

History of Fernandina Plaza

On a site high above the Amelia River sits the parade field once known as Plaza San Carlos, today known as Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park or simply the Plaza.
Rivers and Lakes
Learn

Rivers & Lakes at Florida State Parks

Florida is truly a place where land and water interweaves to form a diverse and dynamic natural fabric. Numerous rivers course through the landscape, and lakes of varying sizes can be found in all regions.

People Make the Parks

Jackie McGowan

Staff Spotlight, jackie McGowan

Jackie is a Fernandina Beach native, and Fort Clinch was always in his backyard. He remembers the first time he saw Fort Clinch close-up.
a man and woman hug each other and smile next to a sign for "Old Town Fernandina's Bicentennial"

Volunteer Spotlight

Like many of the volunteers working with the Florida Park Service, Jennifer and Mike Harrison didn’t grow up anywhere near the park they are working in.
Friends of Fort Clinch State Park

Friends of Fort Clinch State Park

The Friends of Fort Clinch State Park's mission is the preserving of natural and cultural resources, and providing recreational and educational opportunities.

This Park is Recognized by:

National Historic Landmark

Park Map

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