12 Popular Surfing Spots in Florida

12 Popular Surfing Spots in Florida

It’s no surprise surfing is popular in Florida with 1,350 miles of coastline and warm weather most of the year. Here are a dozen popular surfing spots you may want to visit on future trips to America’s sunshine state. We capped our number at 12, but there are many more good locations for surfing in Florida. Also, the actual number of stops is closer to 20 when you consider some of the destinations feature multiple side by side beaches with excellent surfing.

Florida’s surfing season generally runs from September until May, but the conditions vary depending on the weather and related water and wind conditions. Offshore storms can stir up larger waves for peak periods. Florida surfers pay close attention to the weather with occasional storms hitting the state from various directions. We include a link with each stop so you can learn more. 

The best surfing in Florida is on the east side facing the Atlantic Ocean. Water and wind conditions are more modest on the west side facing the Gulf Coast, but that doesn’t stop surfers from enjoying their local beaches. We’ll begin our list in the Palm Beach area before heading north to Jacksonville, west to the Panhandle, and south along the Gulf Coast.

Boynton Beach Inlet

South of West Palm Beach is Boynton Beach Inlet. One of the best spots for longer breaks is a sandbar about a quarter of a mile off the beach. The area itself is low key and that can be off-putting or appealing depending on what you’re looking for. You may want to combine a visit here with a stop at the busier Palm Beach and Melbourne Beach surfing spots. Learn More

Palm Beach’s Reef Road

Palm Beach’s Reef Road offers the best surfing in Florida with larger than normal waves during the winter months and hurricane season. Waves can exceed 12-15 feet, which is why some surfers regard this spot as the best surfing in Florida. West Palm Beach itself is a high rent district with lots of fine dining, boutique shops, museums, and more. In other words, don’t forget your credit card. Learn More

Jupiter Beach

Hard to beat this area for almost any water sport with its location connecting the Atlantic with the Intracoastal Waterway and the Loxahatchee River. Some of the popular breaks in the south include Juno Beach Pier, Ocean Reef Park, and Pump House. To the north you’ll find Xanadu Ocean Walk, Carlin Park and Civic Center. One of the nice features of this spot is the water is a comfortable 78 degrees thanks to the Gulf Stream flowing nearby. Jupiter Beach has been named one of the Top 10 Happiest Seaside Towns in the USA by Coastal Living magazine. Learn More

Sebastian Inlet

Located in Melbourne Beach, Sebastian Inlet has about three miles of great surf with the biggest breaks at Monster Hole thanks to a manmade sandbar generating 8-10 foot waves. The Inlet is a rocky jetty with two sides. The north side is better at low tide if you are relatively new to surfing. Sebastian Inlet is one of the first beaches to feature aerial surfing. Other popular breaks include First Peak, Second Peak and Third Peak. Learn More

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach east of Orlando is one of the state’s most popular beaches for surfing. Especially for beginners and long boarders. The busiest spot is next to the Cocoa Beach pier. Cocoa Beach itself is a classic beach town with plenty of spots to eat, shop and enjoy a cold beverage. Learn More

New Smyrna Beach Inlet

New Smyrna Beach south of Daytona features 13-miles of sandy white beaches with consistent waves and favorable surfing at high tide. The waves are well suited for trick riding. By the way, the local New Smyrna Museum of History has an exhibit dedicated to surfing. Learn More

Daytona Beach and Ponce Inlet 

This is another great spot for less experienced surfers because the waves are modest and yet consistent. It can get very busy, but you’ll also have plenty of options for classes and rental services. Some of the favorite surf breaks include the Main Street and Sunglow Piers in Daytona Beach as well as nearby Ponce Inlet. Learn More

Flagler Beach / St. Augustine Beach

We’re combining two beach areas here because of their proximity near St. Augustine north of Daytona. A lot of surfers in Florida head here when a cold front is closing in because of the enhanced wave activity. You’ll find more than six miles of fairly open beaches in this immediate area. The natural beauty of this area is inspiring. The biggest waves at St. Augustine Beach are just north of Blowhole and The Middles. The historic St. Augustine is well worth a full day or two of exploring. It’s one of the oldest towns in America with a rich history including an impressive fort and cemetery.  Learn More

Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville Beach is one of a chain of connected beaches including Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach. Most of the surfing is near the pier. Local surfers have their own names to match familiar landmarks. They include Officer’s Club, Lighthouse, Hanna Park (camping spot) and Mayport Poles. Learn More

Destin Beach

Located near Ft. Walton Beach in Florida’s northern panhandle is Destin Beach. The area is quite beautiful like many other beaches in Florida. This area of Florida is also known as Florida’s Emerald Coast, and you won’t be the first visitor to see the resemblance to the water and coastline in the Caribbean. An added feature is the prospect of good fishing. Learn More

Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach is a popular destination for visitors from neighboring states and the Midwest. The water is clear, the sand is sugar-white, and you’ll find consistent waves and plenty to see and do in the area. You can also find crowded and more secluded spots to surf. The best surfing is at the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier and The Wall. Learn More

Venice Beach 

The Venice Beach Jetty is one of the most popular surfing stops on the Gulf Coast side of Florida near Sarasota. The waves are smaller compared to the beaches along the eastern side of Florida, but the consistent swells attract beginners and experienced surfers. Many locals are quick to hit the water during storm season when the waves are larger and breaking more frequently. Learn More

Photo Credits (in order of appearance within the article):

Palm Beach – GetWetWatersports.com 

Cocoa Beach – VisitSpaceCoast.com

Jacksonville Beach – Traveler.Marriott.com 

Venice Beach Jetty – VeniceJetty.com