After nearly 70 years, a landmark Fernandina Beach restaurant, bar and motel "will close its doors for good" — citing competition, changing consumer habits and economic factors.
The Surf Restaurant, Bar and Beach Motel will close Sept. 20 at 3199 S Fletcher Ave., its owners announced on social media.
Although the restaurant and bar will shut its doors, the motel will remain open for an undetermined while longer, The Surf employees told the Times-Union on Monday, Sept. 14.
Closing wasn't a decision that was made lightly given "the local significance of and the many great memories that have been made at The Surf," according to its Aug. 12 Facebook post.
"However,
The Surf has not been able to overcome heavy competition, soft consumer spending, cost inflation and its own performance," the post read.
FLANSOUTH LLC of Fernandina Beach bought the property for $1,662,000 on Nov. 2, 2016, according to Nassau County property and court records.
The owners couldn't be reached for comment.
The Surf on its website said it was envisioned as "a place where locals and visitors could gather to enjoy fresh seafood, good company, and breathtaking views of the East Coast" — becoming a staple of Amelia Island.
Over the years, it's hosted multiple generations of guests who "celebrated milestones, watched sunsets and shared unforgettable meals, The Surf noted on the website.
Dating back to 1957, The Surf is directly across Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, just one block from the beach. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood — especially shrimp salad — and hospitality as well as live music on the weekends. The motel has about 15 rooms, employees said.
The Surf in its Facebook post thanked its dedicated employees and loyal customers for their support over the years.
By mid-day Monday, Sept. 14, a total of 450 people, including new and longtime customers, locals and tourists, had responded to the closure post — sharing memories, offering well wishes and voicing dismay at the upcoming closure.
![The outside dining area at the Surf Restaurant, Bar & Beach Motel, Monday, September 14, 2026. The restaurant and hotel opened in 1957. They will be closing Sunday September 20, 2026 but the hotel will keep operating for an undetermined amount of time in Fernandina Beach, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2026/09/14/NFTU/91759983007-the-surf-restaurant-bar-beach-motel-004.JPG)
"Came to Amelia for our honeymoon 41 years ago and have been back many times bringing our children and now our granddaughter. Enjoyed eating there on our visits, sad to see it go," one customer posted.
Another recalled: "First enjoyed the Surf in the 70’s with my grandparents and we’ve taken our kids every year for the past 20 yrs. Thanks for the memories. You’ll be missed."
Until it closes, The Surf restaurant hours are listed as 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Doug Engle of the Times-Union contributed to this report.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
If you're a subscriber, thank you. If not, become a subscriber to get the latest dining coverage.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: After almost 70 years, Fernandina Beach restaurant, motel to close
