A longtime Florida restaurant that has been part of the Amelia Island dining scene for generations is preparing to serve its final customers. The beachside establishment has become a familiar destination for locals and visitors alike, but its nearly seven-decade run is coming to an end this fall.
The Surf will close in September
The Surf Restaurant & Bar in Fernandina Beach has announced that it will permanently close on September 20, 2026, ending nearly 70 years in business. The restaurant is located at 3199 S. Fletcher Ave. on Amelia Island.
The Surf dates back to 1957 and has long been known for its beachside setting, seafood-focused menu, full bar, and live entertainment. The restaurant’s website describes it as a local favorite that has welcomed generations of guests.
Popular menu items have included shrimp baskets, fish and chips, fish tacos, burgers, and other coastal fare. The property also includes a beach motel, making The Surf more than simply a restaurant for many visitors to Amelia Island.
Rising costs contributed to closure
In its announcement, The Surf said the decision was not made lightly. The restaurant cited heavy competition, soft consumer spending, performance challenges, and rising costs among the factors behind the closure.
The news has prompted disappointment from longtime customers who have memories of dining at the restaurant over the years.
Homes could replace the restaurant
The closure also appears to mark a significant change for the property itself.
A developer is proposing a 13-home residential community for the approximately 1.86-acre site after The Surf closes. The property currently consists of seven structures, with the oldest dating to 1959.
For now, The Surf will remain open through September 20, giving customers one final opportunity to visit the longtime Amelia Island establishment before its doors close permanently.
After nearly seven decades, a piece of Fernandina Beach’s restaurant history will soon be gone.
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