Delray Beach seems to have it all: Cozy beach town with a buzzing personality? Check. Two miles of powdery, salt-white sand? Double check. But the real question… is the surfing credible? Triple check! Look no further—Delray isn’t one to be passed over when searching Florida for surf spots, and we’re here to tell you a little bit about the best of Delray Beach.
Delray Beach Surf Guide
When Does Delray Beach See Waves?
Like much of surfing in Florida, your best bet at finding surfable waves in Delray Beach is during the fall. Hurricane season means there are more tropical storms and hurricanes forming over the oceans, creating those big swells of waves that would make any Floridan jump for joy. Likewise, winters (a balmy, slightly less hot summer) have low pressure systems and more cold fronts, which generate larger waves out of the Atlantic Ocean.
Gear Needed to Surf in Delray Beach
There isn’t much you need to worry about when it comes to the question of what surfing gear you’ll need. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the fall, but a wetsuit or rash guard might be preferable in the winter when ocean temperatures average around 70℉. As for what kind of board you will need, we say your best bet lies with a longboard. Conditions can be small year-round, so using a longboard will help catch those weaker waves.
Where to Surf in Delray Beach
Delray Beach
Delray Beach is a great option to hit if you’re in the area looking for consistent surf any time of the year. Metered parking spots line the strip of South Ocean Boulevard near where it intersects with East Atlantic Avenue. Delray Beach’s main access point is located at this intersection. You can paddle straight out from there, or any other access point along the main beach, as Delray produces waves that generally work with every swell and tide. However, the beach’s outside sandbar, when paired with low tide and a big swell, is what really gives Delray Beach its surfing allure.
Atlantic Dunes Park
Just a 10 minute drive down the road from Delray Beach and you’ll run into another top surf spot of the area, Atlantic Dunes Park. There are two metered parking lots right off South Ocean Boulevard, on your right-hand side, if coming from Delray Beach. They are directly across the street from the Dunes Park entrance sign. Cross the street and you can walk up a set of wooden stairs that leads to a bathroom and beach access with handicap parking. Hit the sand and paddle right out—the Dunes is littered with sandbars that produce good swells from nearly every wind direction (especially a Northern wind), giving surfers a few different breaks to choose from up and down the coast.
What To Do in Delray Beach When the Waves are Flat
Delray Beach offers tons of fun and much to do to give you a busy day if the waves aren’t conducive for surfing. Exploring downtown Atlantic Avenue, renowned for its dining, shops, and small-town feel is a great place to start. Check out the downtown art galleries or a vintage arcade at Silverball Retro that boasts over 150 old-timey video games. There’s Japanese Gardens at the Morikami Museum for an afternoon stroll, and what better way to wind the evening down than at Throw Social or Tin Roof, two venues perfect for bringing together friends, backyard games, and a personal favorite, live music.
Surfing in Delray Beach: The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer eager to prove his or her worth or a newcomer ready to catch your first ever wave, Delray Beach is welcoming to all. Don’t let the lack of surf buzz deter you—Delray is a little gem from us to you, and if you listen carefully, come ready with your longboard and a determined drive, you’re sure to hear the waves calling your name and catch one in no time.
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