Publication names Fernandina Beach a 'Happiest Seaside Town'

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. — Fernandina Beach was named one of “America’s Happiest Seaside Towns” by readers of Coastal Living magazine.

The city placed fourth on the Top 10 list, which included Hilton Head, South Carolina; Cape May, New Jersey; Carmel-by-the-Sea, California; and Sarasota, Florida.

“Year after year, Fernandina Beach’s storied past, historic downtown, quiet beaches and quaint, coastal culture continue to charm visitors,” said Gil Langley, president and CEO of the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The 2017 finalists were selected by Coastal Living editors based on past inclusion in magazines, as well as nominations garnered through social media.

The criteria included the town’s rank on the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, percentage of clear and sunny days, healthiness of beaches, commute times, walkability, crime ratings, standard of living and financial well-being of the locals, geographic diversity and Coastal Living editors’ assessment of each town’s overall “coastal vibe.”

The winning town will also be featured in the May 2017 print issue of Coastal Living.

Cox Media Group