Top 10 Surf Spots In Florida, USA

best surf spots in florida
Nadine
Nadine 
Updated
| 5 min read

With hundreds of miles of beaches, it is no wonder why you can always find great surf spots around Florida. With the urban lifestyle of the area, you will find upscale beach resorts that are convenient, easily accessed, and packed everything you need. Get a refreshing drink and chill by the sands as you watch the pros catch the waves. For the beginners, there are great beaches with softer waves suitable for you while for the pros, there are certain beaches that can bring higher waves. Anyone with any level of experience can definitely find the perfect beach to surf. Take a look at the awesome surf spots in Florida, USA listed here.

1. Pensacola Beach

Pensacola FL Perdido Key SP beach west01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This white sand beach resort is a picturesque area with refreshing blue waters. With lots of establishments like restaurants, shopping areas, and cafés nearby, you can easily take a break from surfing as needed. Since Pensacola beach is an exposed beach break, there are consistent waves good enough for surfing no matter if high or low tide. Also, here rests the longest pier on the Gulf Coast - Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier - so don’t forget to snap some photos!

Pensacola Beach

Address: Pensacola Beach, Gulf Coast barrier island of Santa Rosa, Florida

Website: Pensacola Beach

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2. Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach looking north from pier
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dough4872 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

For upscale living close to the beach, Daytona is the place to go for. With the glamorous city views to see, it will be quite a sight while surfing. For those who brought a car, note that the sand here is hard-packed while some areas are good for a drive. Besides the view, your surf time here will be more enjoyable thanks to events like summer concerts nearby. Rent boards or get surf lessons to surf like a pro! This is the perfect surf spot even for beginners.

Daytona Beach

Address: Daytona Beach, Daytona City, Florida

Website: Daytona Beach

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3. Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville Beach
Source: Photo by user Wilson Bilkovich used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Formerly known as Pablo Beach, Jacksonville Beach is a coastal resort city with many activities to try - swimming, surfing, fishing, volleyball, and a lot more water sports. We have to warn you though - the waves here can get really big. There is no wonder why Jacksonville Beach is a surfing hot spot. During high tide, they say, is the best time to visit. Being great for experienced surfers, the beach will ensure you are going to have an unforgettable experience catching the waves. Check out the videos made by the local pros to have an idea of the waters here. Enjoy the waters and the proximity of commercial establishments nearby.

Jacksonville Beach

Address: Jacksonville Beach, Duval County, Florida

Website: Jacksonville Beach

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4. Indian Rocks Beach

Indian Rocks Beach, Florida United States
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michelle Maria used under CC BY 3.0

To experience more exclusivity and openness in a space that’s solely for water sports enthusiasts, you should make Indian Rocks Beach part of your list. In here, you will see lots of rocks along the shoreline (thus, the name). Being a wonderful venue for surfing on an almost regular basis, both beginners and experts can enjoy the waves here. However, there are no lifeguards in the area so newbies should take caution. Resorts are nearby and you can enjoy the waters and grab a drink from the restaurants afterward.

Indian Rocks Beach

Address: Indian Rocks Beach, Pinellas County, Florida

Website: Indian Rocks Beach

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5. Cocoa Beach

Surfing at the Cocoa Beach Pier (Cocoa Beach, Florida) 003
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Leonard J. DeFran... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Known for its surf breaks, Cocoa Beach is the gateway to some of the most famous spots such as Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Beginning to advanced surfers can be part of the many surf schools in the area. With that, you can see fellow surfers all around. The waves are suitable for all levels. The calm, consistent waves make Cocoa Beach easily a favorite go-to surf hot spot. Unsurprisingly, this is rated as one of the top five beaches with the best waves! Enjoy the Florida sun with the cool waters of Cocoa Beach.

Cocoa Beach

Address: Cocoa Beach, Brevard County, Florida

Website: Cocoa Beach

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6. South Beach

South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Madison L. Pereira used under CC BY-SA 3.0

South Beach brings you the creative scene of ever-so-lively Miami. You can feel the vibe with the blue waters at the beach! Rest by the awesome cafés or restaurants near the shores. Be close to modern museums and just feel the urban atmosphere while taking a surf. On a casual day with friends, it is a great idea to catch the waves because surfers from all levels can enjoy it. Take part in the surf clubs to meet more water sports enthusiasts. The swells will keep you going for more. Enjoy!

South Beach

Address: Miami, South Beach, Florida

Website: South Beach

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7. Flagler Beach

Flagler Beach
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daniel Schwen used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This place has a unique seaside community that adds to your overall surfing experience. Surfing in Flagler Beach is a breeze - uncrowded spots, dining by the beach, and the fabulous Flagler Beach Municipal Pier are some of the best features of the area. To get the best experience in learning how to surf, besides renting a surfboard, you may also opt for the surfing lessons made possible by the pros. Check out the events and clubs to join. There is lots of space to cover so go ahead and get crazy while catching waves! After that, you can easily chill by the sands with all these stores and shacks nearby.

Flagler Beach

Address: Flagler Beach, Florida

Website: Flagler Beach

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8. Jupiter Beach

Jupiter Florida Loxahatchee River photo D Ramey Logan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Don Ramey Logan used under CC BY-SA 4.0

You’ll love the warm, clear waters of Jupiter Beach. So many commercial establishments are just by the shoreline - resorts, hotels, spa, and more. You will also get to see the wonderful views of the lighthouse and the pier! Get surrounded by the natural landscapes enveloped by mangroves. Although the beaches here are great for any kind of water sports, keep in mind you should get to know the status of the water currents, especially where the rips are. There is no need to worry too much since Jupiter Beach is home to many surfers so you can easily find a surf pal to keep you company.

Jupiter Beach

Address: 2050 Florida A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477, United States

Website: Jupiter Beach

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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9. Sebastian Inlet

Sebastian Inlet, Florida 001
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Leonard J. DeFran... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Water sports are ideal to do here because of the spacious water area. Sebastian Inlet is a premier saltwater fishing location too. Check out the annual surf tournaments for both professionals and amateurs. Be warned though, because this area is home to some of Florida’s biggest waves. To be safe, go for seasons that offer gentler waves especially if you are just getting started to surf. This is the most popular beach for surfing among the tourists and the locals alike. Have long rides on the rolling waves! You will definitely have a lot of fun surfing here.

Sebastian Inlet

Address: Sebastian Inlet State Park, Brevard County, Florida

Website: Sebastian Inlet

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10. Boynton Beach

Boynton Beach
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dominic Sherony used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Located at Palm Beach County, Boynton Beach is yet another popular surf point because of the gigantic waves! There is no need to be scared - a lot of surfing schools are nearby so you will find fellow surfers most of the time. The continuous waves will get you on the groove for more surfing so why not be part of the pros and take some lessons? Take advantage of the blue waters and go surfing!

Boynton Beach

Address: Boynton Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida, United States

Website: Boynton Beach

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Ready to catch the waves?

Navarre Beach Florida sand
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user The222 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

As exciting it is to go for that perfect surfing destination you have found on this list, always remember that safety is the topmost priority. The tidal forecasts are your best friends when it comes to this. Opt for seasons with gentler waves if you are still starting or if you are a pro, you may catch the big waves! It is best to keep close to lifeguards for safety purposes. Get thrilled by the awesome waves of Florida and enjoy surfing!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nadine has a passion for film photography, entrepreneurship, and the performing arts. She loves meeting friendly people, trying exotic cuisines, and exploring new places authentically. Her life...Read more

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