Best Surfing Beaches in Florida

The best beaches in Florida for surfing, bodyboarding, and catching waves. From the Atlantic swells to Gulf Coast breaks.

All Beaches | Best Surfing Beaches in Florida

Florida might not be Hawaii, but the Sunshine State has a thriving surf culture and surprisingly consistent waves — especially on the Atlantic Coast. From the legendary breaks of New Smyrna Beach to the Space Coast surf scene at Cocoa Beach, here are the best spots to paddle out.

20 Beaches selected

Quick Comparison

# Beach Crowds
1 Amelia Island 👨‍👩‍👧 Quiet
2 Cocoa Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Moderate
3 Daytona Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Popular
4 Delray Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Moderate
5 Fort Lauderdale Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Moderate
6 Grayton Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Moderate
7 Henderson Beach State Park 👨‍👩‍👧 Moderate
8 Hollywood Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Moderate
9 Jacksonville Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Moderate
10 Jupiter Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Quiet
11 Mexico Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Quiet
12 Navarre Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Quiet
13 New Smyrna Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Quiet
14 Pensacola Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Moderate
15 Santa Rosa Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Moderate
16 Seaside Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Moderate
17 Smathers Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Popular
18 South Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Popular
19 St. Augustine Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Moderate
20 Vero Beach 👨‍👩‍👧 Quiet

Our Rankings

1

Amelia Island

Atlantic Coast

Amelia Island stands out for 13 miles of uncrowded, pristine beaches. It offers a peaceful escape with few crowds. Free parking is a bonus.

Uncrowded and peaceful Great for families with kids No lifeguards — swim at your own risk
Full beach guide
2

Cocoa Beach

Atlantic Coast

Cocoa Beach stands out for best surfing on florida's atlantic coast. It offers a good balance of activity and space. Free parking is a bonus.

Great for families with kids Dogs welcome on the beach Limited natural shade — bring an umbrella
Full beach guide
3

Daytona Beach

Atlantic Coast

Daytona Beach stands out for only beach in florida where you can drive on the sand. It offers a popular destination, so arrive early for the best spot. Parking runs $20 daily beach driving pass; regular parking $10-15.

Great for families with kids Dogs welcome on the beach Can get very crowded on weekends and holidays
Full beach guide
4

Delray Beach

Atlantic Coast

Delray Beach stands out for vibrant atlantic avenue dining and entertainment district. It offers a good balance of activity and space. Free parking is a bonus.

Great for families with kids Dogs welcome on the beach Limited natural shade — bring an umbrella
Full beach guide
5

Fort Lauderdale Beach stands out for wave-lined oceanfront promenade perfect for biking and rollerblading. It offers a good balance of activity and space. Parking runs $2 per hour metered, garages $15-20 daily.

Great for families with kids Crystal-clear water No pets allowed on the beach
Full beach guide
6

Grayton Beach

Panhandle

Grayton Beach stands out for grayton beach state park with untouched dunes. It offers a good balance of activity and space. Parking runs $6 per vehicle at state park.

Great for families with kids Dogs welcome on the beach No lifeguards — swim at your own risk
Full beach guide
7

Henderson Beach State Park stands out for over 6,000 feet of protected gulf beachfront. It offers a good balance of activity and space. Parking runs $6 per vehicle (2-8 people).

Great for families with kids Dogs welcome on the beach No lifeguards — swim at your own risk
Full beach guide
8

Hollywood Beach

Atlantic Coast

Hollywood Beach stands out for historic 2.5-mile broadwalk promenade. It offers a good balance of activity and space. Parking runs $1.50-2.50 per hour; garages $10-15 daily.

Great for families with kids Historic 2.5-mile Broadwalk promenade No pets allowed on the beach
Full beach guide
9

Jacksonville Beach

Atlantic Coast

Jacksonville Beach stands out for 22 miles of wide, sandy atlantic coastline. It offers a good balance of activity and space. Parking runs $1.50-2 per hour metered; lots $5-10 daily.

Great for families with kids Dogs welcome on the beach Limited natural shade — bring an umbrella
Full beach guide
10

Jupiter Beach

Atlantic Coast

Jupiter Beach stands out for historic red jupiter lighthouse and museum. It offers a peaceful escape with few crowds. Parking runs $2 per hour metered; park lots $15-20 daily.

Uncrowded and peaceful Great for families with kids Limited natural shade — bring an umbrella
Full beach guide
11

Mexico Beach

Panhandle

Mexico Beach stands out for rebuilt and resilient beach community. It offers a peaceful escape with few crowds. Free parking is a bonus.

Uncrowded and peaceful Great for families with kids Limited natural shade — bring an umbrella
Full beach guide
12

Navarre Beach

Panhandle

Navarre Beach stands out for longest fishing pier in florida (1,545 feet). It offers a peaceful escape with few crowds. Free parking is a bonus.

Uncrowded and peaceful Great for families with kids Limited natural shade — bring an umbrella
Full beach guide
13

New Smyrna Beach

Atlantic Coast

New Smyrna Beach stands out for surfing capital of florida with excellent wave conditions. It offers a peaceful escape with few crowds. Free parking is a bonus.

Uncrowded and peaceful Great for families with kids Limited natural shade — bring an umbrella
Full beach guide
14

Pensacola Beach stands out for crystal-clear emerald gulf waters. It offers a good balance of activity and space. Parking runs $2-5 per hour in peak season.

Great for families with kids Crystal-clear water No pets allowed on the beach
Full beach guide
15

Santa Rosa Beach stands out for central location on famous highway 30a. It offers a good balance of activity and space. Free parking is a bonus.

Great for families with kids Dogs welcome on the beach No lifeguards — swim at your own risk
Full beach guide
16

Seaside Beach

Panhandle

Seaside Beach stands out for famous filming location for the truman show. It offers a good balance of activity and space. Parking runs $10-15 per day in peak season.

Great for families with kids Famous filming location for The Truman Show No pets allowed on the beach
Full beach guide
17

Smathers Beach

Florida Keys

Smathers Beach stands out for half-mile stretch of soft imported sand. It offers a popular destination, so arrive early for the best spot. Free parking is a bonus.

Great for families with kids Half-mile stretch of soft imported sand Can get very crowded on weekends and holidays
Full beach guide
18

South Beach

Atlantic Coast

South Beach stands out for iconic art deco historic district with pastel-colored buildings. It offers a popular destination, so arrive early for the best spot. Parking runs $2-4 per hour, garages $15-30 daily.

Great for families with kids Crystal-clear water Can get very crowded on weekends and holidays
Full beach guide
19

St. Augustine Beach

Atlantic Coast

St. Augustine Beach stands out for excellent surfing conditions year-round. It offers a good balance of activity and space. Free parking is a bonus.

Great for families with kids Dogs welcome on the beach Limited natural shade — bring an umbrella
Full beach guide
20

Vero Beach

Atlantic Coast

Vero Beach stands out for 26 miles of pristine, uncrowded atlantic beaches. It offers a peaceful escape with few crowds. Free parking is a bonus.

Uncrowded and peaceful Great for families with kids Limited natural shade — bring an umbrella
Full beach guide

Browse All 20 Beaches

Amelia Island
Quiet

Atlantic Coast

Amelia Island

Amelia Island combines 13 miles of pristine beaches with Victorian charm in historic Fernandina Beach, offering an upscale yet laid-back barrier island escape. This northernmost barrier island on Florida's Atlantic coast delivers natural beauty, rich history, and Southern hospitality.

Families Quiet
Cocoa Beach
Moderate

Atlantic Coast

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is Florida's premier surfing destination and gateway to the Space Coast, combining excellent waves with rocket launch viewing opportunities. This laid-back beach town centers around the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop and offers authentic surf culture.

Families Snorkeling
Daytona Beach
Popular

Atlantic Coast

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is famous for its hard-packed sand that allows cars to drive right onto the beach, combined with a rich NASCAR heritage and 23 miles of wide, beautiful shoreline. This iconic destination blends motorsports history with classic Florida beach fun.

Families Surfing
Delray Beach
Moderate

Atlantic Coast

Delray Beach

Delray Beach combines small-town charm with sophisticated dining and nightlife along its famous Atlantic Avenue. This award-winning 'Most Fun Small Town in America' offers two miles of pristine beach and a vibrant downtown just steps from the ocean.

Families Snorkeling
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Moderate

Atlantic Coast

Fort Lauderdale Beach

Fort Lauderdale Beach offers seven miles of golden sand along the famous beach strip, combining family-friendly amenities with vibrant dining and nightlife. Known as the 'Venice of America,' this beach destination balances spring break energy with year-round sophistication.

Families Snorkeling
Grayton Beach
Moderate

Panhandle

Grayton Beach

Discover the artistic soul of 30A at this bohemian beach community where Grayton Beach State Park's pristine dunes meet a charming village of galleries, local eateries, and creative spirit.

Families Snorkeling
Henderson Beach State Park
Moderate

Panhandle

Henderson Beach State Park

Discover protected pristine dunes and sugar-white sands at this award-winning state park in Destin, offering natural beauty and full amenities just minutes from resort development.

Families Snorkeling
Hollywood Beach
Moderate

Atlantic Coast

Hollywood Beach

Hollywood Beach features the iconic 2.5-mile Broadwalk, where vintage Florida charm meets modern beach resort amenities. This family-friendly destination offers a nostalgic beach town atmosphere with pristine sand and endless ocean views.

Families Surfing
Jacksonville Beach
Moderate

Atlantic Coast

Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville Beach offers 22 miles of wide sandy beaches with a casual, surf-friendly atmosphere and vibrant pier district. This accessible beach town combines excellent waves, family amenities, and a thriving local restaurant scene just minutes from Jacksonville's urban center.

Families Surfing
Jupiter Beach
Quiet

Atlantic Coast

Jupiter Beach

Jupiter Beach offers pristine natural beauty with the iconic red Jupiter Lighthouse standing guard over turquoise waters and white sand beaches. This upscale yet relaxed beach community is renowned for sea turtle nesting and excellent diving opportunities.

Families Quiet
Mexico Beach
Quiet

Panhandle

Mexico Beach

Experience the resilient spirit of this rebuilt beach town offering uncrowded shores, excellent fishing, and authentic small-town charm following its remarkable recovery from Hurricane Michael.

Families Quiet
Navarre Beach
Quiet

Panhandle

Navarre Beach

Escape to "Florida's Most Relaxing Place" where pristine white sands, the longest fishing pier in Florida, and uncrowded beaches create the perfect tranquil getaway.

Families Quiet
New Smyrna Beach
Quiet

Atlantic Coast

New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach is known as the surfing capital of Florida, offering consistent waves and a charming small-town atmosphere. This artistic coastal community combines world-class surf breaks with a historic downtown and pristine 13 miles of beach.

Families Quiet
Pensacola Beach
Moderate

Panhandle

Pensacola Beach

Experience sugar-white sands and emerald waters on Santa Rosa Island, home to the legendary Blue Angels and family-friendly Quietwater Beach Boardwalk.

Families Clear Water
Santa Rosa Beach
Moderate

Panhandle

Santa Rosa Beach

Explore the heart of the 30A corridor where rare coastal dune lakes meet pristine beaches, surrounded by boutique communities, farm-to-table dining, and authentic Panhandle charm.

Families Snorkeling
Seaside Beach
Moderate

Panhandle

Seaside Beach

Step into the iconic New Urbanist town made famous by The Truman Show, where pastel cottages, white picket fences, and pristine beaches create a picture-perfect coastal experience.

Families Snorkeling
Smathers Beach
Popular

Florida Keys

Smathers Beach

Key West's largest and most popular public beach stretches along South Roosevelt Boulevard with soft sand, swaying palm trees, and endless water sports. This vibrant beach offers the quintessential tropical island experience with plenty of amenities and activities.

Families Snorkeling
South Beach
Popular

Atlantic Coast

South Beach

Miami's world-famous South Beach combines stunning Art Deco architecture with vibrant nightlife and pristine white sand beaches. This iconic destination offers the perfect blend of culture, entertainment, and ocean paradise.

Families Snorkeling
St. Augustine Beach
Moderate

Atlantic Coast

St. Augustine Beach

St. Augustine Beach offers pristine Atlantic coastline just minutes from America's oldest city, combining historic charm with excellent surfing and family-friendly amenities. This laid-back beach community provides the perfect complement to exploring St. Augustine's colonial heritage.

Families Shelling
Vero Beach
Quiet

Atlantic Coast

Vero Beach

Vero Beach epitomizes the Treasure Coast's upscale yet relaxed character with pristine beaches, excellent shopping and dining, and a thriving arts scene. This sophisticated coastal town offers natural beauty and cultural amenities in an uncrowded, Old Florida setting.

Families Quiet

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best beach for surfing in Florida?
Amelia Island is widely considered one of the best beaches for surfing in Florida. Located on the Atlantic Coast, it offers 13 miles of uncrowded, pristine beaches and historic fernandina beach victorian downtown.
How many Florida beaches are great for surfing?
We've identified 20 standout beaches across Florida that are especially well-suited for surfing. These span the Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, Panhandle, and Florida Keys regions.
What's the best time of year to visit Florida's surfing beaches?
Most Florida beaches are enjoyable year-round, but the best conditions are typically from March through May when the weather is warm, humidity is lower, and summer crowds haven't arrived yet. Winter months (December-February) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors.
Are these beaches free to visit?
Most Florida beaches offer free public access. Some may charge for parking ($5-20/day is typical) or have entrance fees if they're within state parks. We include parking details on each individual beach page.