Best Surfing Spots
Florida offers a rich variety of surf destinations for both beginners and seasoned surfers, with its warm waters, consistent waves, and vibrant surf culture. Whether you’re looking for laid-back beach vibes or challenging breaks, Florida has it all. Below is a detailed guide to the best places for surfing across the Sunshine State.
1. Sebastian Inlet State Park – The Crown Jewel of Florida Surfing
- Location: East Coast, between Melbourne and Vero Beach
- Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers
- Wave Type: Fast, hollow, and powerful beach break
- Season: Best in fall and winter (October to March) when swells from hurricanes or cold fronts create larger, more consistent waves.
Sebastian Inlet is renowned as one of the premier surf spots in Florida and even on the entire East Coast. This location is home to some of the state’s best surfers, and the waves are known for their fast, barreling nature. The First Peak is the most famous spot here, offering clean, powerful waves that can be challenging during big swells. It’s ideal for those looking to push their limits or catch some of the longest rides in the state. Sebastian Inlet also hosts several surfing competitions, so you’ll be surrounded by a vibrant surf culture.
2. Cocoa Beach – The Surfing Capital of Florida
- Location: Just south of Cape Canaveral
- Best for: Beginners to intermediate surfers
- Wave Type: Mellow, long, and forgiving beach break
- Season: Consistent surf year-round, but better during winter swells.
Cocoa Beach, home to surfing legend Kelly Slater, is the most iconic surf spot in Florida. The waves here are generally smaller and slower, making it perfect for beginners or those just looking to cruise on a longboard. The area also boasts several surf schools and shops, like the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop, which makes it easy for first-timers to get started. The beach is known for being accessible and family-friendly, with plenty of places to eat and shop after a day in the water. During larger winter swells, even intermediate surfers will find plenty of fun waves to ride.
3. New Smyrna Beach – Shark Bite Capital with Consistent Waves
- Location: North of Daytona Beach
- Best for: All skill levels
- Wave Type: Fun and consistent beach break
- Season: Year-round, with the best swells in winter and during hurricane season.
New Smyrna Beach is infamous for its frequent shark sightings, but it’s also beloved for its consistent waves, which break nearly every day of the year. The waves here are versatile, offering something for everyone from beginners to pros. While the shark factor may scare some, it’s also one of the reasons the waves are less crowded than at other Florida spots. The consistency of the surf here is unmatched, making it a favorite destination for local and visiting surfers alike. The inlet area often has the best conditions, with fun, punchy waves that are great for aerials and fast maneuvers.
4. Jupiter Inlet – A Local Favorite on the Treasure Coast
- Location: East Coast, near Palm Beach
- Best for: Intermediate surfers
- Wave Type: Beach break with fast, punchy waves
- Season: Best during winter months when cold fronts generate swells.
Jupiter Inlet is a lesser-known surf spot that offers excellent conditions for those looking to escape the crowds. The waves here are fast and punchy, providing thrilling rides, especially during winter swells. While it’s not as consistent as some of the more famous spots, when conditions are right, Jupiter Inlet can serve up some of the best waves in South Florida. The surrounding beaches and laid-back vibe of the town make it a great stop on any surfer’s Florida itinerary.
5. Ponce Inlet – A Thriving Surf Community with Reliable Waves
- Location: North of New Smyrna Beach
- Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers
- Wave Type: Powerful, hollow waves with jetties that help shape the surf
- Season: Fall and winter are best for bigger swells.
Ponce Inlet is another treasure on Florida’s East Coast, known for its consistent, powerful surf that works well during hurricane season and winter cold fronts. The jetties here help to shape the waves into long, peeling lefts and rights, perfect for intermediate and advanced surfers. It’s a bit more secluded than New Smyrna, offering a peaceful, scenic backdrop with a tight-knit surf community. This spot is a great alternative for those looking for quality waves without as much crowd pressure.
6. Reef Road – The Big Wave Spot of South Florida
- Location: Palm Beach
- Best for: Advanced surfers
- Wave Type: Heavy reef break, the closest to a Hawaiian-style wave in Florida
- Season: Winter months, especially during major cold fronts and hurricane season.
Reef Road is famous for having the biggest waves in Florida, sometimes reaching heights of 10-15 feet on rare days. The reef break offers heavy, fast waves that can challenge even the most experienced surfers. It’s also one of the few places in Florida where you can experience a “big wave” day, so it’s worth a visit if you’re up for an adrenaline-pumping session. Because of the challenging conditions, it’s recommended for advanced surfers only.
7. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park – Less Crowded with High-Quality Waves
- Location: East Coast, near Vero Beach
- Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers
- Wave Type: Consistent beach break with powerful, hollow waves
- Season: Best from fall through winter.
Fort Pierce Inlet offers consistent, high-quality surf with less crowding than some of the more popular spots. The waves can get punchy and hollow, especially during strong winter swells, providing excellent conditions for more experienced surfers. With the scenic beauty of the park surrounding the beach, it’s a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle of more touristy areas.
8. Panama City Beach – Gulf Coast’s Premier Surf Spot
- Location: Florida Panhandle
- Best for: Beginners to intermediate surfers
- Wave Type: Soft, beach break waves
- Season: Best in late summer and fall, particularly during hurricane season.
While the Gulf Coast of Florida isn’t known for big waves, Panama City Beach is one of the best spots in the area for surfing. The waves here are generally smaller and softer, making it ideal for beginners or longboarders. On the rare occasion when a strong swell hits, it can offer some surprisingly fun surf. Panama City Beach is a fantastic place to enjoy surfing along with the classic white sand beaches and vibrant vacation atmosphere.
Surfing Seasons in Florida
Florida offers year-round surfing, but different seasons bring different wave conditions:
- Winter: The best surfing season, especially from December through March, as cold fronts push in bigger, more consistent swells, particularly on the East Coast.
- Hurricane Season (June-November): Provides some of the most powerful swells, though it can be unpredictable and dangerous. Always monitor weather conditions.
- Summer: Waves tend to be smaller, but consistent surf can still be found, especially in places like Cocoa Beach and New Smyrna Beach.
Tips for Surfing in Florida
- Board Choice: A funboard or longboard is often best for Florida’s smaller, summer waves. During hurricane season and winter swells, a shorter, more maneuverable board will be helpful.
- Shark Awareness: Especially in areas like New Smyrna Beach, be mindful of sharks. Most encounters are harmless, but it’s important to stay aware and avoid surfing at dawn or dusk when sharks are most active.
- Crowds: Popular spots like Cocoa Beach can get crowded, especially during weekends or holidays. Visit during the early morning hours to avoid crowds.
Florida’s surf scene is diverse and welcoming, with something for every type of surfer. Whether you’re catching your first wave or tackling a big winter swell, the Sunshine State’s surf spots will leave you wanting more.
