Where to Surf in Jacksonville - Best Surfing Beaches

So you just finished driving the moving van to Jacksonville, or got off the plane at JAX for your latest Florida vacation, and you are eager to hit the waves. As tempting as it may be, don’t just start driving to the coast to surf before you do your research! Our waves here in Jacksonville vary from shore to shore, so you want to start your day surfing by going to the beach that will suit you and your experience level best! Here are the spots we believe are the best for surfing in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas - pick your favorite and enjoy a day in the sea!

1. Huguenot Park - North Jetty

This is a unique spot to surf and one of the few beaches in the area that allows cars on the sand. You will need to pay a small fee to drive your car to the shoreline for the day, but it is the way to go for a full day of surfing in the sun. Huguenot Park provides a fun knee-height wave and you’ll find many locals surfing at this spot!

2. Hanna Park - Mayport Poles

A little further south you will find beautiful scenery and great surfing at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. The park can draw big crowds on the weekends, as not just surfers but all other beach goers enjoy what the park has to offer. The scenery here is top notch and there is a small fee to enter the park. This park is known for its consistent waves, making it a great spot to surf almost anytime. Not to mention, you can also camp at this park, allowing the opportunity for a full surf staycation or the addition of a couple extra nights to your visit in Jacksonville.

3. Jacksonville Beach Pier

You don’t need to be in Jacksonville long to notice the long pier reaching out into the ocean at the end of 4th Avenue in Jacksonville Beach. Here you will find some of the most advanced surfers in Jacksonville. We also love this spot for its proximity to all the restaurants and shops that Jacksonville Beach has to offer. You can bring the whole family down to the beach for the day and everyone can find something they enjoy doing!

4. Atlantic Beach

We couldn’t wrap up our list without a great place for beginners to start. Lots of people are moving to Jacksonville from up north and for some of them it’s the first time they’ve ever even touched a surfboard. Every surfer starts from the basics and Atlantic Beach is a good place to begin. The beach has multiple breaks along the shore, helping crowds to stay pretty thin. If you’re picking up a surfboard for the first time or just want some casual waves without the crowds, this is the place to be.

So where will you be surfing this weekend in Jacksonville? On the challenging waves at Jacksonville Beach Pier, while camping at Hanna Park, taking your car to the shore at Huguenot Park, or enjoying the entry-level waves at Atlantic Beach? No matter where you end up, we hope these recommendations have been helpful to guide your day at the sea. Surf’s up!