Best Places to Surf in Florida
Are you wondering about surfing in Florida? While Florida may not be known as a surf destination, it has produced world-class surfers. If you know where to look, Florida surfing may surprise you, and you can travel a bit. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best places to surf in Florida where to catch Florida waves and all you need to know about surfing. Then you can decide which Florida surf spots will be best for you.
Cocoa Beach | Ideal for Beginners
If you are new to surfing in Florida, start with Cocoa Beach as this spot is a great place for beginners. Cocoa Beach is along Hwy A1A, Cocoa Beach, Florida. The beach is the hometown of surf legend Kelly Slater. It has easy-going waves and a rich surf culture, making it a great surfing destination for longboarders and beginners.
The wave type of Cocoa Beach is smooth, small, and rolling at a slow pace, which is ideal for learning. If you don’t like crowds, try early morning sessions. You’ll find Ron Jon Surf Shop, which offers gear, lessons, and local advice. The annual Easter Suft Fest draws surfers from all over the USA. So spring is a lively time to visit. Also, you’ll find restaurants and great nightlife along the beach.
Sebastian Intel – Advanced Surfing
Sebastian Intel is at 9700 S Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, Florida. It’s famous for its powerful and consistent waves. It’s considered the “East Coast Pipeline”. The wave structure makes it one of the greatest surf palaces on Florida’s east coast. Professionals love this place for its challenging surfing. If you are a beginner, you shouldn’t surf in this spot. This spot is best for experienced surfers.
Sebastian Inlet’s wave type is hollow, fast, and powerful with barrels during strong swells. You will find the best conditions in winter months with northeast swells. August to November (hurricane season) can bring epic waves. Before heading out, you should check the wind forecast, as the offshore wind can produce the cleanest waves here.
Try to arrive early during peak season, as parking can fill up quickly. You will get rentals for repairs near surf shops. Also, the beach has a fishing pier and picnic areas, making it one of the best places to surf in Florida.
New Smyrna Beach – Consistent Waves
The New Smyrna Beach is at 170 Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The beach is famous for its consistent waves. This beach is a hotspot for surfers of all levels. New Smyrna Beach is Florida’s most reliable surf spot, offering waves every day of the year.
New Smyrna Beach is best for all levels of surfers, but mostly for intermediate surfers. The beach works best during winter and fall, with east swells or norteast. The area has many shark sightings, so stay alert and always surf with others. There you will find many surf shops. The local surf community is friendly. Also, find some waterfront restaurants here for post-surf dining.
Juno Beach Pier – Great Surf in Florida
The Juno Beach Pier is at 14775 US-1, Juno Beach, Florida. The beach offers clean and long waves that are great for shortborders. Advanced surfers are looking for more challenging waves, but the pier creates great conditions for intermediate.
Juno Beach Pier is best for advanced surfers and beginners because of its clean, long-breaking waves with the occasional barrel. You will find the best condition at Juno Beach Pier in winter with northeast swells to the east.
Try to surf on the north side of the pier for the best experience. Be careful of pier fishermen to avoid dropping in near them. The beach area is serene and scenic with several local parks and restaurants to enjoy post-surf. Also, the pier provides great viewing for spectators.
Ponce Intel – Powerful Waves
It’s located at Ponce Inlet Jetty, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. Ponce Intel is just south of Daytona Beach. It is popular for its powerful, fast beach breaks. It’s a favorite among local prog and experienced surfers for its challenging waves. But here, the intermediate can also surf.
The wave type is fast and powerful with frequent barrels. The month for surfing in Ponce Intel is winter, with a strong northeast swell. The palace can get crowded on big swell days. So try to arrive early. For regular footers, the jetty provides a great setup. The Ponce Intel is quieter than the nearby Daytona Beach, so you’ll find here a more relaced surfing atmosphere. Parking is available near the jetty, and it’s easy to find.
Palm Beach (Reef Road) – Big Waves
Palm Beach is at 2460 N Ocean Blvd, Florida. The beach is popular for its largest waves. The waves can reach up to 15 feet during a winter swell. It attracts big-wave surfers. This beach is best for expert and advanced surfers.
The wave type of the brace is big, reef breaks with fast, long rides. You’ll find the best conditions during strong winter cold or hurricane season with northeast swell or north. Here, you see protective local surfers, so be respectful and patient. The pristine waters and upscale surroundings have an exclusive, luxurious feel.
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park – Natural Setting
It’s located at 905 Shorewinds Dr, Fort Pierce, Florida. The Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is famous for its surf with fewer crowds. It offers long rideable waves in a natural and unspoiled setting—the surfing spot for all skill levels and it depends on the swell size.
The wave type is consistent beach breaks that occasionally form hollow waves. The best time for surfing in Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is after storms and winter, with northeast swells. Here, you will find a lot of parking. Also, you can park in a lunch. This park is more than surf. There are picnic areas and hiking trails, so it’s a spendable place to enjoy a whole day in nature.
Jupiter Inlet – Fast, Funchy Waves
Jupiter Inlet is at 800 S Beach Road, Jupiter, Florida. It provides powerful and fast waves, especially when tides and winds align. It’s a must-visit spot for people looking for punchy and quick rides. The Jupiter Inlet is best for advanced surfers but beginners can enjoy it.
The wave type is hollow and punchy waves which are ideal for shortboarders. Winter swells are the best conditions for surfing here. Don’t miss to watch the tides closely, as they impact the quality of the waves. The area is scenic with a historical lighthouse nearby. There are many local beachside cafes and restaurants.
Delray Beach – Relaxed Surfing
The Delray Beach is at 400 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach, Florida. It offers a laid-back vibe and mellow waves, making it great for longboarders and beginners. There is also a lively surf town with an artsy and fun vibe. The wave type is slow-moving and smooth.
The condition is best with a low to mid-tide and southeast swell. Avoid peak hours for quieter waves, especially on weekends. There you can also explore galleries and boutiques. The beach is famous for its vibrant nightlife and lively downtown. So it’s a great spot for weekends or full-day getaways.
Boynton Beach Inlet – Fast Waves
The Inlet is at 6990 N Pceam B;vd, Boynton Beach, Florida. Boynton Beach Inlet has powerful waves, especially after cold fronts and storms. The break of waves is hollow and fast, making it more attractive for advanced surfers. The wave type is punchy and fast from near the inlet.
With a northeast swell, you will find the best conditions after hurricanes and cold fronts. You must be patient and aware of other surfers as the inlet can be crowded. Don’t forget to use caution as the currents can be strong. The area offers boating and fishing activities. After serf, visit the waterfront restaurants for fresh seafood.
Deerfield Beach Pier – Consistent Surf
Deerfield Beach Pier is at 200 NE 21st Avenue, Deerfield Beach, Florida. The beach pier offers consistent surf with waves that break right and left. It’s a popular beach for surfers of all levels but especially for intermediates looking for quality waves near shore. But beginners and advanced surfers also can enjoy it on larger and smaller swells.
The waves of Deerfield Beach Pier are well-shaped, offering long tides. On weekends, the pier can get crowded, so don’t forget to hit the water early. Be mindful of fishermen when paddling out. It is for grabbing a snack from nearby cafes or sightseeing. JB’s on the Beach is famous for dining with views.
South Beach (Miami) – Fun Waves
It’s located at Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, Florida. The beach is unique for its lively atmosphere. But South Beach also offers decent waves when the conditions are right. After a good winter front, you can catch some fun rides. As the waves are generally smaller, so it’s an ideal place for learning surfing.
The wave type is gentle, rolling beach breaks. Win and hurricane season are the best conditions for surfing. It works best at low to mid-tide. To get less crowded, you should get there early in the morning. After surfing, take a stroll along Ocean Drive for a taste of Miami’s Art Deco architecture. The place is full of cafes, restaurants, and nightlife options. So don’t forget to add South Beach to your list of the best places to surf in Florida.
Fort Lauderdale Beach – Smooth Waves
The Fort Lauderdale Beach is at 1100 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The spot is famous for its scenic, sandy shores, and relaxed vibe. Its smaller size makes it a great option for beginners. The city’s popular beach strip offers many things to do after your surf.
The wave type is soft and rolling waves, perfect for cruising. Wind can be a factor, so check conditions before visiting this spot. There are many famous tourist areas near this spot, so the place can be crowded. Because of this try heading to less crowded sections. Without also enjoy cycling, walking, or grabbing food while surfing.
Hauloner Beach, Miami – Less Crowded
Hauloner Beach is at 10800 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida. It’s one of the best beaches for surfing in Miami. The beach is less crowded than South Beach. Waves can get fast and fun here. So you can enjoy solid rides during the right conditions.
The Haulover Beach is best for advanced to intermediate surfers. You will find the best conditions during winter with northeast swells. There you will find a lot of parking. Haulover Park is also famous for its kiteboarding scene and picnic areas. Don’t forget to visit nearby Bal Harbour Shops for upscale shopping. All over this, it’s one of the best places to surf in Florida.
South Pointe Park – Punchy Waves
The South Pointe Park is at 1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida. It offers a solid break when the conditions line up. This park is less crowded than other Miami Beach Spots. The waves can be quite fun during a strong swell. It’s best for intermediate surfers.
The wave type is a beach break with both rights and lefts. It can produce punchy waves when the swell is right. You will find the best condition during the winter with a northeast swell. Before you go there check the conditions as the surf can be missed or hit. Parking isn’t easy there, so try to arrive early. You can also enjoy walking paths, views of Fisher Island, and a picnic area.
Virginia Key Beach, Miami – Clam Surf
The Virginia Key Beach is at 4020 Virginia Beach Dr, Miami, Florida. This beach isn’t a much-known spot for surfing so you can enjoy the peaceful surf experience. The small waves make it a must-visit beach for beginners and longboarders.
The wave type is soft rolling with easy breaks. It’s perfect for casual and long rides. You will find the best conditions during the winter months. But it can be fun year-round. It’s a peaceful alternative for it’s less crowded than Maimi Beach. As it can be wind-sensitive, so be mindful of wind conditions. Before or after surfing, you can enjoy the Miami Seaquarium, biking, and walking trails. So don’t forget to include this place on your list of the best places to surf in Florida.
Pensacola Beach – Gulf Coast Surfing
Pensacola Beach is a famous surfing spot on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The beach offers soft white sand and consistent surf for this side of the state. You can get clean, powerful waves during winter months and hurricane season making it one of the most reliable breaks in the Gulf Coast. The beach is ideal for beginners to experience surfers when the swell is big.
Pensacola Beach is on the Gulf Coast, so it depends on storms for good waves. If you need, you can rent gear from local surf shops. Also, the beach boardwalk is a great spot for grabbing a meal or shopping. Don’t forget to visit nearby Fort Pickens for a bit of history.
Playalinda Beach – Peaceful Surt
The beach is at Canaveral National Seashore, Plalinda Beach Road, Titusville, Florida. Playalinda Beach is a part of CNS (Canaveral National Seashore. It offers a natural and pristine surf experience. The waves are consistent, especially when the winter swells roll in. This spot has fewer crowds, making it peaceful in the water.
Because of inconsistent access and stronger currents, Playalinda Beach is best for advanced to intermediate surfers. The wave type is beach breaks that offer punchy and fast waves during winter swells. There is an entrance fee as the beach is located within a national park. For an incredible space experience, don’t forget to visit the Kennedy Space Center nearby. Also, you can explore trails and opportunities in the surrounding national park.
Grayton Beach – Hidden Gem
The Grayton Beach is at 357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It’s a hidden gem for surfers in the Florida Panhandle. The beach offers sand and decent waves during the right conditions. It’s a great place to enjoy the beauty of surf and the Gulf but not as consistent as some Atlantic coast spots.
This beach is best for intermediates to beginners. If you want a relaxed surf session, you should surf in Grayton Beach. You will find the best conditions during winter months or hurricane season. The beach is perfect for a day trip or surf retreat because of its scenic, quiet area. Apart from surfing, you can also go hiking, fishing, or camping in Graton Beach State Park.
Navarre Beach – Quiet Surfing
Navarre Beach is at 8543 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, Florida. It’s another Gulf Coast gem. The beach is often quieter than Pensacola Beach with great waves during the right swell. For people who want a less crowded experience, it’s a perfect and laid-back spot for them. During storm swells, the waves can be rideable and fun.
The wave type is rolling and soft. You will find the best conditions during winter and hurricane season. Here you will find easy parking. Also, it’s a great spot for a fishing pier and natural trails. All over it’s one of the best places to surf in Florida.
Florida Surfing Tips
Seasonality: Late Summer through winter, especially from August to November (hurricane season).
East Coast vs. Gulf Coast: The East Coast offers reliable waves year-round and the Gulf Coast can produce great surf, especially after storms.
Water Temperatures: The water in Florida stays warm, but from December to February temperatures can drop into the 60s.
Shark Awareness: There is a need for Shark awareness in some surf spots, especially around New Smyrna Beach.
Local Surf Culture: Florida’s surf culture is rooted.
Ideal Surf Condition of Florida For Surfing
Swell Directions: The best direction is east to northeast swells.
Tides: Low to mid-tide
Winds: Clean and more groomed.
I hope you read through this article about the 20 best places to surf in Florida and it will help you to choose your next surfing destination. Join our free newsletter for more updates. Share your experience with us by using our Contact Us form.
