1. Thirteen miles of beaches. Our favorite: old-fashioned Main Beach with a boardwalk, picnic tables, playground, and lifeguards. Other top beaches include those at Fort Clinch State Park and Amelia Island Plantation.

2. The Victorian architecture. Fernandina's historic district includes brick walkways, colorful gingerbread-style homes, and tall, waving palms.

3. Down Under Restaurant. Highly recommended by locals. Don't miss the house specialty here--seafood. We also loved the rustic dining room, set under a bridge on the Intracoastal Waterway. Reservations (and directions) suggested; (904) 261-1001.

4. Great family accommodations. The recreation package at Amelia Island Plantation includes everything from access to 23 pools to bikes, nature tours, golf, and kids' programs. Nightly summer rates begin at $259 for a hotel room and $482 for a two-bedroom villa; (800) 874-6878. Rates at the Hampton Inn begin at $124 for a hotel room and $169 for a suite, including breakfast; (800) HAMPTON. Beachfront campsites or river sites under stately live oaks are available at Fort Clinch (see #8); summer rates begin at $20.67 per night; (904) 277-7274.

5. Sunset Bike Hikes through the naturalist program at Amelia Island Plantation. The 1 1/2- to 2-hour tours loop down tree-lined trails and include a short boardwalk hike into the marsh; $7.50 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4 to 12; bike rentals, $5 extra per adult, $2.50 per kid; for reservations, call (800) 874-6878.

6. Island Falls Adventure Golf. Rock mountains, rushing streams, a 20-foot waterfall, and tropical vegetation make this a great place for miniature golf; (904) 261-7881.

7. Fort Clinch State Park. Walk along the ramparts, peer through gun holes, and talk with Sergeant Berninger. Park admission is $3.25 per car; daytime fort tours are $2, candlelight tours, $3; kids age 5 and under, free; (904) 277-7274.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.