Where To Go Surfing?

The best place to go surfing in Miami is in South Beach (at 1st Street, next to the jetty). The surf conditions are flat almost every day of the year, but when a swell does happen, you will find a classic beach break, with powerful, A-Frame waves. North swells are rare, but when its good the waves are fast and hollow. South Beach also picks up knee-to-head-high wind swells from a N-S wind direction.

Miami surf characteristics

• Wave quality: sloppy
• Frequency: breaks best from July to November
• Type: beach-break
• Direction: right and left
• Normal length: under 75ft
• Bottom: sandy
• Swell size: starts working at 1ft and holds up to 10ft
• Swell direction: North, Northeast
• Wind: Northwest, West, Southwest

Haulover Inlet (10800 Collins Avenue) is another surf spot, when the waves hit. Haulover is about 10 miles north of Miami Beach.

Knowing what the beach conditions are like can help you plan your visit, but with the waves being so inconsistent- don’t get your hopes up to do much surfing on you vacation.

Related Links:

• Going To the Beach Like A Local
• Winter swell (2010)
• Hurricane Frances swell (2004)

About the Author: Gus Moore heads up Miami Beach 411 as site administrator. You can reach him at 1-305-754-2206. See more articles by Gus.

Was This Post Helpful? Please Share It With Others!

You Deserve More Than an Ordinary Vacation. Travel with Miami Beach 411 Today! Over 10 years of excellent service guiding tours. Awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. Large fleet of new motor coaches, tour buses, and luxury vans. Technology you won't find anywhere. Highly skilled, professional drivers and guides. From people who love what they do. The Miami Beach 411 Travel Store is Open 24/7. Search for Tours & Transportation

Updated for 2024. Get the surf report at the Dade County Surf Forecast.