Southern Florida
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Positives
- Great north swell exposure
- Florida’s biggest waves
- Warmest water in USA
- Miami night life
Negatives
- Inconsistent mushy waves
- Crowded city line-ups
- Parking hassles
- Fairly expensive
Southern Florida surf travel guide
Southern Florida or more specifically Palm Beach County may be a playground for the rich and famous, but there’s plenty of natural wealth here too on the southern side of the “Treasure Coast.” There are many jewels to be found in this area where the Gulf Stream rubs against the continent, and her tropical warmth caresses the beaches. The surf here can be overhead when barely 60 miles to the north it is 1ft slop. Palm Beach County catches swell that other states, or even other parts of Florida, don’t get a sniff of. This is because Palm Beach County is the most easterly point of the USA mainland south of the Outer Banks, making it well-situated to receive swells from the north. The Gulf Stream current also seems to be a swell corridor, even though it flows against swells coming out of the north.
Surf spots in Southern Florida
Research the 20 surf breaks in Southern Florida and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 20 breaks in Southern Florida.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Southern Florida
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 21,480,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- USD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +1
- Dialing out
- 011
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- English, Spanish
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Due to Covid there are special restrictions so it is essential to check the latest news before booking any trip.
Normally most Europeans, Aussies, Kiwis and Japanese are part of the Visa waiver program so do not need a visa to enter the USA for up to 90 days, but they do need to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) which costs US$14.
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta.
Other nationalities need to check as the rules are constantly being adjusted.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_the_United_States
Getting There
Most international flights will land in Miami, 2h away. Nationals will favour Orlando, 1hr away. It’s easy to get cheap flights from all over the Americas or Europe. It’ll take 24h to drive to New York and 12h to the Outer Banks.
Getting Around
Public transport sucks but car rentals are super cheap, starting ±$160/w but as low as $50 for a local rent-a-wreck. The road network is fantastic, the A1A being the ultimate surfroad. Many private property areas have prohibited beach access above the high tide mark.
Accommodation
Every type of accommodation option available under the sun. Miami and Palm Beach County are both full of good restaurants. Cuban, Haitian, Creole and many Caribbean fusion foods are local staples.
Activities
Take a trip down the Florida Keys for extraordinary natural beauty, or the bright lights of the big city in Miami.
Hazards & hassles
The sharks can be seen from the beach during a baitfish run where the Gulf Stream touches the coast. Swarms of man-o-war in summer and tropical storms bring lightning. Access to the sand is nigh on impossible near some of the most expensive coastal real estate in the USA. Be prepared for some localism at the better spots.
Handy Hints
Surf shops scattered throughout the region with plenty of cheap equipment. Be prepared for expensive meter parking or a long walk.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.