South Florida is defined as any point south of Jupiter, Florida, the northernmost point of Palm Beach County. Unless you're a local, South Florida is not known to be a great place for surfers. Most will head 2+ hours north to renowned surf spots such as Cocoa Beach & New Smyrna Beach. If you're visiting and looking to find some waves or a local who wants to know where the hot spots are, keep reading.
Gear
First, be sure to prepare yourself with surf gear you'll need in Florida.
- Don't forget to surf with a GoPro to capture your rides!
- Winters as we know it are not very cold in South Florida, but sometimes you'll need a wetsuit as the air temperature will often drop down into the 50s.
- And of you course you'll need board shorts or a bikini.
The Bahamas Shadow
Now let's understand why South Florida typically lacks great surf year-round. The map below illustrates what is known as the "Bahamas Shadow". In other words, the lovely Commonwealth of The Bahamas blocks 90% of the natural swell. A southeast swell is nearly impossible unless a storm forms off the coast of Cuba, but South Florida does see good swells come from the northeast after a big storm in New York or North Carolina. Other than that, most of the year South Florida receives what's known as wind swell, which means the waves are wind-driven. You'll notice that the entirety of South Florida is blocked from any swell directly from the east and things open up as you travel north.
The Best Places to Surf in South Florida
Hobe Sound Beach
Where exactly? Hobe Sound Public Beach is the best spot within the Hobe Sound Beach community.
Parking: Free if you can find a spot.
Surf Forecast: Click here
Jupiter Inlet
Where exactly? Between Jupiter Inlet and Juno Beach Pier. Some spots are rocky so be careful!
Parking: Free if you can find a spot.
Surf Forecast: Click here
Palm Beach
Where exactly? Anywhere along the beach has proven to be pretty decent.
Parking: Very little free parking, mostly paid parking with a mobile app.
Surf Forecast: Click here
Boynton Inlet
Where exactly? The northside of the inlet usually catches the best swell. Don't head south of the inlet because the boat traffic is insane and can be dangerous.
Parking: Free parking and plenty of it.
Surf Forecast: Click here
Delray Beach
Where exactly? The area slightly north of the volleyball nets is the best. You'll also have a chance to be on the surf cam!
Parking: No free parking, use the parking apps to pay. Street and lot parking.
Surf Forecast: Click here
Deerfield Beach
Where exactly? At the pier or on the north side.
Parking: Very little free parking, mostly paid parking with a mobile app.
Surf Forecast: Click here
South Pointe Beach
As a Miami resident, South Pointe Beach is a convenient spot without having to drive 1 hour north. The conditions will sometimes surprise you, but the winds are usually at least 15 mph.
Where exactly? South Pointe Pier all the way to 5th street is the best you'll get in Miami-Dade County. To be on the surf cam, surf between 3rd and 1st street.
Parking: No free parking, use the parking apps to pay. Mostly street but a few parking lots are available.
Surf Forecast: Click here