Best Florida Surf Spots – Where To Surf In Florida
Lauren September 29th, 2023 Posted In: Articles Tags: Surfing
The Top 5 Best Surf Spots in Florida
We’ve been outfitting surfers since 2002 — and I’ve been surfing myself. In the process of working with customers and exploring on my own, I’ve figured out that while California and Hawaii steal the spotlight as surfing meccas, Florida is home to many terrific places to ride the waves. Here’s a list of the top five best Florida surf spots, no matter your surfing skills and experience:
1. Cocoa Beach
If you’re puzzling over where to surf in Florida, Cocoa Beach’s famed pier should top your list. The pier catches many different types of swell, which has made it a place for many historic surfing competitions. Ocean temperatures here get as low as 68 in February and rise to an average of 86 in late July. This beach is just south of Cape Canaveral, the site for many a famous rocket launch, so drop by the Kennedy Space Center for a tour when you’re done riding the waves.
2. New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach ranks highly on any list of Florida surf spots. The surfers here are famously hardcore, and many sandbars — like the famous Shark Shallows near Ponce Inlet — create quality waves year-round. Expect ocean temperatures as low as 66 in mid-February or as high as 86 in late July.
3. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is maybe best known for NASCAR, but it’s a classic surfing town, too, and draws many visitors for Spring Break. The beach has a soft sandy bottom that makes it great for beginners, and its regular swells offer plenty of practice. There are a ton of instructors, too, so even novices are welcome here. Water temperatures here get as low as 59 degrees in February and work their way up to 80 all summer long.
4. Jacksonville Beach
Jacksonville Beach is actually a set of related beaches, each with their own appeal. Atlantic Beach, for instance, offers smaller right and left waves at its many beach breaks, while Huguenot Park serves up punchy waves that crest as high as 2 feet overhead. Ocean temperatures will vary from anywhere between 60 and 65 degrees in winter, when the waves are best. Alternately, wait until summer, when the water will get as warm as 83 degrees.
5. St. Augustine Beach
There aren’t many top-notch surfing spots on the Gulf Coast. But the beaches near St. Augustine, a historic Spanish colony, deliver. The town’s renowned for having a friendly, down-to-earth surfing culture that’s sure to make you feel welcome, no matter your experience or skill. The sea temperature here dips down to 62 in January and February and rises to nearly 84 degrees in August.
Figuring out what wetsuit in certain water temperatures can be tricky, so check out this water temperature chart to guide you in the right direction: Wetsuit Wearhouse: Water Temperatures
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Surf Spots
Still wondering where to find the best Florida surf spots or what to expect when you paddle out? Here are some quick answers to the most common questions surfers ask before hitting the waves.
1. What part of Florida is best for surfing?
Florida’s East Coast is the best place for surfing, especially along the Atlantic side. Areas like Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Jacksonville Beach consistently get the most reliable swell, making them some of the best Florida surf spots for all skill levels!
2. Is there good surfing in Florida?
For sure! Florida has surprisingly good surf, especially when conditions line up. While it may not have the massive waves of California or Hawaii, Florida offers consistent, rideable waves year-round, making it a great place for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
3. Which side of Florida is better for surfing?
The Atlantic (East) Coast is significantly better for surfing than the Gulf Coast. The East Coast picks up more swell from the open ocean, while the Gulf tends to have smaller, less consistent waves with fewer quality surf breaks.
4. What are the best Florida surf spots for beginners?
Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach are two of the best Florida surf spots for beginner surfers. Both offer sandy bottoms, manageable waves, and plenty of surf schools and instructors, making them ideal places to learn and build confidence in the water.
5. When is the best time to surf in Florida?
The best time to surf in Florida is typically during the fall and winter months (snow bunny, anyone?), when stronger swells and cold fronts create better wave conditions. However, you can still find fun, smaller waves during the summer, making it perfect for beginners or casual sessions.
6. Are Florida surf spots good for experienced surfers?
Yes! While Florida is known for being beginner-friendly, spots like New Smyrna Beach and certain breaks around Jacksonville can offer more powerful and technical waves when conditions are right, making them great for more experienced surfers.
Editor’s Note
This blog post was originally published in 2017 and has since been reviewed and updated. (4/26)
