Surfing at St. Augustine Beach in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Beach is a prime destination for surfing on Florida’s northeastern coast. With consistent waves, a laid-back surf culture, and various surf-friendly spots, it attracts both beginners and experienced surfers. The region offers a mix of sandbars, jetties, and piers that produce reliable swells throughout the year. Whether you're looking for gentle waves to learn on or stronger sets during hurricane season, St. Augustine Beach delivers excellent conditions.

Adventure Guide to Surfing at St. Augustine Beach

1. St. Augustine Beach Pier

Location: 350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine Beach, FL
What Makes It Special: The pier creates consistent surf breaks, making it one of the most popular spots in the area. The waves here are reliable year-round, though they improve in the fall with northeast swells.
Key Features: Lifeguards are stationed nearby, and parking, restrooms, and rinse-off stations are available. Local surf shops and cafes are within walking distance.

2. Anastasia State Park

Location: 300 Anastasia Park Rd, St. Augustine, FL
What Makes It Special: This protected shoreline offers uncrowded waves and excellent surf conditions. Sandbars help create fun, rideable waves, especially at mid to high tide.
Key Features: Entry fee required ($8 per vehicle), but the cleaner environment and fewer crowds make it worthwhile. Rentals and lessons are available through local surf schools.

3. Vilano Beach

Location: Vilano Beach, north of the St. Augustine Inlet
What Makes It Special: Known for stronger swells and faster waves, Vilano Beach is better suited to experienced surfers. The jetties cause waves to break harder and faster than at other locations.
Key Features: Parking is available near Porpoise Point, and the beach has showers for rinsing off after a session.

Local Insights

St. Augustine Beach has a thriving surf community, with competitions and surf events occurring throughout the year.
Local shops like The Surf Station and Pit Surf Shop offer gear rentals, lessons, and expert advice.
Hurricane season (August–November) often brings the best waves with powerful eastern swells.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: September through November offers warm water and fewer crowds. Early mornings provide the cleanest waves.
What to Bring: Surfboard (or rent one), rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, and a wetsuit in cooler months.
Directions: From downtown St. Augustine, take A1A south for about 15 minutes to access St. Augustine Beach. Anastasia State Park is slightly closer, just a 10-minute drive.