Fernandina Beach one-night stay (Hampton: hotels, home, live)

[mtnhops]

We (2 adults, no kids) would like to stay in Fernandina Beach for one night on our return trip from Disney back home to Asheville, NC. We would like to stay at a place, probably hotel/motel in the $100 to $150 range, on the beach or at least near enough to easily walk to the beach. Of course, it would be nice to be within walking distance of restaurants and shops too, but not necessary. What is the best seafood restaurant in town? We don't mind spending $$$s if the food is really good! Thanks.

[BlueWillowPlate]

Hampton Inn (downtown) ranges from $120-$150 plus tax. Have heard good things about them.
Elizabeth Pointe Lodge is right *on* the beach but you are looking at $200+.

For fancier restaurants, I like PLAE on the south end of the island, and my husband ate at Thyme which he said was very expensive but good.

Downtown,for fancier fare I like the Beech St Grill and Espana.

For good seafood in a less fancy setting, there is 29 South and Karibo (both downtown) and also the very casual T-Ray's. 29 South is kinda yuppie, Karibo is kinda hippie.

There is also the SandDollar restaurant (Ft. George Island just north of the Mayport Ferry). Indoor or outdoor dining right on the intracoastal waterway with live music entertainment on the weekends. Wide variety of seafood, grilled, blackened or fried. While off the island, it is a beautiful drive through Big & Little Talbot State Parks. The music can be kind of loud, I liked it but my husband was less than thrilled.

[mtnhops]

How far a walk is it to the beach from the Hampton Inn? How far to 29 South and Karibo?

[BlueWillowPlate]

There are two different Hampton Inns.
The Downtown one is close to everything downtown, but it's at the marina, not the beach. It's within easy walking distance of Karibo and 29 South.
The Sadler one is just down the street from the beach, you definitely can walk, but it's a ten minute drive to downtown. (It's close to other restaurants and shopping, but not the historic downtown.)

[mtnhops]

Thanks for the info!

[BlueWillowPlate]

There are quite a few bed-and-breakfasts too, I already mentioned the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge that is right on the beach. The others are downtown, but they are probably more than you want to pay.
Also: Comfort Suites one block from the beach.

[mtnhops]

Thanks again for the suggestions and information. I think we might stay at the Hampton or on the beach at the Sea Side Amelia, or maybe Comfort Suites. Probably eat at 29 South or Espana.
We are really looking forward to the quick visit. My family always went to Fernandina beach for a 2 week stay in the summers...that was about 35 years ago :-)

[BlueWillowPlate]

Not sure if it is still how you remember it, but it's still a fairly low key place.
I've enjoyed my meals at both 29 South and Espana.
I hope you have a nice time.