Complete Surfing Guide to New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Summary
New Smyrna Beach, located just south of Daytona Beach on Florida’s Atlantic coast, is widely considered the most consistent surf spot in Florida. With fun waves nearly year-round and a relaxed surf-town vibe, New Smyrna attracts both locals and traveling surfers looking for reliable sessions.
It’s home to Ponce Inlet, one of the most famous waves in the state, and offers a variety of peaks suitable for all skill levels.
When to go
The best time to surf New Smyrna Beach and Ponce Inlet, in Florida, is from September to April which kicks off with the hurricane season in autumn, all the way into the winter months. For smaller waves, the summer months are still fairly consistent and enjoyable.
| January-February | March-April | May-June | July-August | September-October | November-December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for: | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers |
| Air temperature | 20°C 68°F | 24°C 75°F | 26°C 79°F | 29°C 84°F | 27°C 81°F | 23°C 73°F |
| Water temperature | 21°C 70°F | 22°C 72°F | 27°C 81°F | 29°C 84°F | 27°C 81°F | 24°C 75°F |
| Crowd | Fairly crowded | Fairly crowded | Fairly crowded | Very crowded | Fairly crowded | Fairly crowded |
| Swell Consistency | 65% | 60% | 60% | 50% | 60% | 60% |
| Swell height | 6 ft | 5 ft | 4 ft | 3 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
Surf spots in New Smyrna
Ponce Inlet (New Smyrna Beach)
One of Florida’s most famous and consistent surf breaks, Ponce Inlet delivers punchy, fast waves that can occasionally barrel. The south side of the jetty is particularly popular, but there are multiple peaks in the area.
- Wave direction : Right and left
- Bottom : Sand
- Best tide : Mid to high
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : NE
- Optimal wind direction : SE
The North Jetty
The north side of the Ponce Inlet jetty (technically across the Inlet from New Smyrna Beach) can offer good rights, but it’s less popular and requires a longer paddle. Worth checking when the south side is too crowded.
- Wave Type: Beach break
- Direction: Right
- Bottom: Sand
- Best Tide: Mid to high
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Optimal Swell: NE
- Optimal Wind: SW
New Smyrna Beach Main Peaks
South of Ponce Inlet, the main beach area offers multiple peaks that spread out the crowds. These waves are generally softer than the Inlet and are great for longboarding or relaxed shortboard sessions.
- Wave Type: Beach break
- Direction: Right and left
- Bottom: Sand
- Best Tide: Any
- Skill Level: Any
- Optimal Swell: E to SE
- Optimal Wind: W
Where to stay in New Smyrna
Recommended Surf Hotels:
Best Value:
Hampton Inn New Smyrna Beach – Affordable, near the beach
Best Western New Smyrna Beach – Oceanfront with easy beach access
High-End:
The Riverview Hotel & Spa – Upscale hotel with pool and spa
Black Dolphin Inn – Boutique waterfront property
Getting there
New Smyrna Beach is very accessible:
From Orlando: ~1-hour drive (best arrival airport: Orlando International Airport – MCO)
From Daytona Beach: ~25 minutes
From Jacksonville: ~2 hours