Best Places To Surf In Florida (Updated 2025)
Florida’s Regional Surfing Highlights
Florida is a surfer’s playground, offering consistent waves, laid-back beaches, and coastal charm. From Cocoa Beach to Miami, each region has its own surf personality. Here’s your guide to the best places to surf in Florida — by region — along with local tips and nearby stays.
East Coast: Best Places to Surf in Florida
Cocoa Beach: Florida’s Surfing Capital
Cocoa Beach is a cornerstone of Florida surf culture with consistent waves and a welcoming vibe. It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned surfers. Cocoa Beach has been home to legends like Kelly Slater, and the community still breathes surfing—from local surf schools to the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s largest surf store.
The waves here are consistent, making it a great choice for beginners looking for long rides and soft breaks, while still offering solid swells for more advanced surfers during hurricane season. The sandbars shift often, giving the breaks variety, and the gentle slope of the ocean floor means there’s plenty of room to paddle out without intimidation.
Sebastian Inlet: A Challenge for the Experienced
Sebastian Inlet is famous for powerful, hollow waves and its legendary First Peak break. Best suited for advanced surfers.
New Smyrna Beach: Consistent Waves and Laid-Back Vibes
Known for reliable surf, New Smyrna offers waves for every level. Its surf shops and Flagler Avenue eateries add to the charm.
West Coast: Gulf Coast Gems
Venice Beach: A Peaceful Surfing Escape
Venice Beach is ideal for longboarding or beginners. Its calm Gulf waves make for a relaxed surf day.
Panama City Beach: A Seasonal Delight
Seasonal swells from storms bring fun waves to Panama City Beach. A great mix of surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
North Florida: Hidden Surf Treasures
Jacksonville Beach: Steady Waves and Local Charm
Jacksonville Beach Pier provides reliable sandbar breaks and a friendly surf scene, especially at sunrise.
St. Augustine Beach: A Scenic Surfing Retreat
Sandy-bottom breaks suit beginners, while larger swells offer challenges. The nearby historic town adds charm.
South Florida: Warm Waters and Steady Surf
Deerfield Beach: A Reliable Option for All Levels
The Deerfield Beach Pier offers consistent, clean waves for families and casual surfers.
Miami Beach: Surfing Meets City Life
South Beach offers mellow, approachable waves with warm waters and vibrant city energy.
Additional Hotspots Worth Mentioning
- Fort Pierce Inlet State Park: Powerful waves, scenic setting, best for intermediate to advanced surfers.
- Pensacola Beach: Winter cold fronts bring fun, low-key waves.
- Daytona Beach: Great beginner spot with small, steady surf and surf schools.
Tips for Planning Your Surf Tour
- Timing Matters: East Coast = winter & hurricane season. Gulf Coast = hurricane season.
- Pack Smart: Sunscreen, wetsuit (winter), sturdy board leash.
- Check Surf Reports: Use Surfline or similar apps before heading out.
- Local Rentals: Most areas offer surfboard rentals if you travel light.
- Respect the Lineup: Follow surf etiquette — take turns and give space.
Plan Your Surf Tour Across Florida
Florida’s surf breaks are as diverse as the coastline itself — mellow rides in Venice, legendary barrels at Sebastian, and the easy rhythm of Cocoa Beach. But the best surf trips aren’t just about the waves, they’re about where you stay, who you’re with, and the memories you take home. The Surf’s Up Cocoa Beach Getaway gives you all of it: two nights at Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort, a jet ski tour for two, and a $100 Visa gift card. Spots go quickly, so don’t wait. Call now at 1-800-269-2921 to lock in your beach escape.
