One of the best ways to escape the summer heat is to head to the beach. And, if you’re a surfer, there’s nothing better than getting out on the waves. Boca Raton, situated on Florida’s southeast coast, has the distinction of being one of the few places in the Sunshine State that actually has as many reef breaks as it does beach breaks. This produces a variety of waves to please surfers of all abilities, whether it’s your first attempt or you’ve been riding the waves for years.

Surfing is an accessible sport that can be enjoyed by many people. All you need is a surfboard, a little practice, and determination. Before you know it, you’ll be hooked on that thrill of catching a great wave. If you’re looking for a surf spot around Boca Raton this summer, here are a few that we hope you’ll enjoy.

Check the Surf Report

Before you hit the beach, it’s a good idea to check a surf report to view the current conditions and consult the surf forecast for the day. The wind and weather play a vital role when considering where and when to surf in Boca Raton. Many spots are affected by dramatic swings of the tide, swell angles, and swell periods, as well as wind direction and wind speed.

Knowing this information beforehand will lessen your chances of showing up at a beach and finding no waves and unfavorable weather. Instead, you can check a surf report to see detailed forecasts for nearby beaches and plan your day accordingly. If the conditions are favorable, grab your board and head to the beach of your choice for a fantastic day out on the water.

Boynton Beach

If you travel 20 minutes north of Boca Raton along the scenic coastal road of Ocean Boulevard, you’ll find yourself in the lovely seaside town of Boynton Beach. Surfing spots are found on both the north and south ends of Boynton Beach Inlet, located near Ocean Inlet Park. You’ll also find a designated surfing area in Oceanfront Park in Boynton Beach. The park is open 365 days of the year from sunrise to 9 p.m., with lifeguards on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oceanfront Park is located at 6415 N. Ocean Boulevard.

Pompano Beach

There’s sunshine and a summer breeze, and you have the day off. What should you do? It sounds like a perfect day to check the surf report, find a beach with top-class surf, and grab your board. Pompano Beach lies 25 minutes south of Boca Raton, centrally located halfway between Palm Beach and Miami. Pompano Beach is often called “The Heart of the Gold Coast” and shines with its brilliant coastline and consistent waves. Surfing is permitted north of the Pier, and the location is ideal for surfers of all experience levels.

Boca Raton Inlet

Right in Boca Raton, you can surf at the beach by Boca Raton Inlet. This fairly exposed beach and inlet leads to Boca Raton Lake and has the most favorable surf conditions during the winter. You can access the beach from South Inlet Park at 1100 S. Ocean Boulevard. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and there’s a guarded swimming area where surfing isn’t permitted. But that leaves plenty of room for surfing near the jetty and beyond. Come out when there is offshore wind from the west for the best chance of finding good waves.

Red Reef Park

Another local surfing spot in Boca Raton is Red Reef Park, located at 1400 N. Ocean Boulevard. This nearly 40-acre park even has a recreational snorkel reef that was completed in 2021, enhancing the current reef into an extended snorkeling trail for beachgoers. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and several lifeguard stations are along the way to keep adventurers safe. A designated surfing area can be found on the south end, and offshore sandbars and reefs add interest to the types of waves you’ll encounter.

Spanish River Park

Five minutes north of Red Reef Park, you’ll find Spanish River Park. Uniquely situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, this park appeals to surfers wanting to escape from the crowds. The waves here are mainly from local wind swells, and the best conditions occur when you have an east swell and an offshore wind from the west. Three tunnels provide easy pedestrian access from the Intracoastal side of the park to the beach without having to cross busy Ocean Boulevard. The park is nearly 95 acres in size and is open from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Delray Municipal Beach

One of the only downtowns in the United States located right on the ocean, Delray Beach attracts over 3 million visitors annually to its unique mix of city attractions and tropical beaches. Stroll along pedestrian-friendly Atlantic Avenue to Delray Municipal Beach, which features recreational areas for everything from swimming and snorkeling to beach volleyball and sailing. And of course, there’s an area for surfing too, located at the beach’s south end. Delray Beach is popular with surfing enthusiasts, and with its clear blue waters, great waves, and welcoming vibe, it’s not hard to see why.

Atlantic Dunes Park

Atlantic Dunes Park is another great choice for surfing the clear waters in Delray Beach. This tree-lined park is located at the southern end of town at 1605 S. Ocean Boulevard and is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. It can get crowded during busy times, but there are generally enough waves to go around and room to spread out away from other surfers. The sandbars in the area work well on wind swell from many directions, especially from the north. This is a great beach for surfing when the tide is incoming, and the wind is from the northwest.

Ready To Catch a Wave in South Florida?

Surfing in South Florida is a popular activity among locals and visitors alike. Boca Raton is fortunate to have access to a variety of incredible beaches with blue water and excellent waves. At Titan Funding, we hope you have taken some inspiration from this list and are excited to try out one of these locations. Are you a Boca Raton resident? Which is your favorite local beach for surfing? If you didn’t spot it here, drop us a line and tell us about your prime location. We’d love to add it to a future list.

Surfing by Ronald van der Graaf is licensed with CC BY 2.0