Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, Nassau Sound, Cumberland Sound and Amelia River, and is in close proximity to the Jacksonville metro area. Real estate options consist of single-family detached homes, condominiums, townhouses, villas, and estates. The scenic Amelia River sweeps through magnificent salt marshes and the historic waterfront of Fernandina Beach while forested dunes offer refuge to native birds. Fernandina Beach is the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, which is still thriving today. Sightseeing cruises set sail from the Fernandina Harbor Marina at the end of Centre Street in historic Downtown Fernandina Beach to the delight of tourists and locals alike. An eclectic influence of France, Spain, Great Britain and Mexico is still visible throughout the 50 block historic district. A fantastic mix of classic Victorian architecture and reclaimed warehouses provide the perfect setting for a variety of bistros, galleries, boutiques, novelty and book shops, and the many bed and breakfast venues. The island’s most notable residential resort community is Amelia Island Plantation, featuring a Ritz Carlton Hotel, golf, tennis and one of the most advanced health spas in the Southeast. Across the Intracoastal Waterway is the lovely small town of Yulee with an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Course in North Hampton and easy access to the River City Marketplace. Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach host numerous art, music and cultural festivals and boast great schools and a wide range of real estate options.