The 20 Best Beaches to Surf on the Eastern Coastlines of North America

The Eastern coastlines of North America offer some of the most diverse and exciting surfing spots in the world. From the warm waters of Florida to the rugged coasts of Maine, each beach on this list has earned its rank due to its wave quality, local surf culture, accessibility, and unique history. Here’s a detailed look at the top 20 beaches to surf, along with a brief history of each area and additional activities you can enjoy while visiting.

1. Sebastian Inlet, Florida

Rank Reason: Known for its consistent, high-quality waves, Sebastian Inlet is the crown jewel of East Coast surfing. Sebastian Inlet gained fame in the 1960s as a breeding ground for legendary surfers like Kelly Slater. Its man-made jetty creates perfect conditions for long, peeling waves.

Things to Do:

• Explore the Sebastian Inlet State Park
• Visit the McLarty Treasure Museum
• Go fishing off the pier
• Take a guided eco-tour
• Enjoy a picnic at Coconut Point

2. Montauk, New York

Rank Reason: The waves here are consistent and varied, offering something for surfers of all levels. Montauk, often referred to as “The End,” has a storied past as a remote fishing village that became a haven for surfers in the 1960s.

Things to Do:

• Hike the Montauk Point State Park
• Visit the Montauk Lighthouse, the oldest in New York
• Explore the bustling town with shops and restaurants
• Go deep-sea fishing
• Take a scenic bike ride along the coastline

3. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

Rank Reason: Cape Hatteras is a surfer's paradise known for its powerful waves and pristine beaches. Part of the Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras has a rich maritime history and is home to one of the most famous lighthouses in the U.S.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
• Explore the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
• Go kiteboarding or windsurfing
• Take a ferry to Ocracoke Island
• Enjoy birdwatching in the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

4. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Rank Reason: Virginia Beach offers a great combination of consistent waves and a vibrant surf culture. Virginia Beach has been a popular surf destination since the 1960s and hosts the annual East Coast Surfing Championships.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
• Explore the Military Aviation Museum
• Take a dolphin-watching cruise
• Stroll along the famous Virginia Beach Boardwalk
• Enjoy nightlife at the Oceanfront district

5. Ruggles, Rhode Island

Rank Reason: Ruggles is renowned for its big waves and scenic beauty, making it a top choice for experienced surfers. Located in Newport, Ruggles is part of the Gilded Age’s legacy, surrounded by historic mansions and breathtaking cliffs.

Things to Do:

• Tour the Newport Mansions
• Explore Cliff Walk, a famous coastal trail
• Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame
• Enjoy sailing in Newport Harbor
• Relax on nearby Easton’s Beach

6. Cocoa Beach, Florida

Rank Reason: Famous as the home of Kelly Slater, Cocoa Beach is an excellent spot for beginners and seasoned surfers. Cocoa Beach has long been a hub for the surfing community and space enthusiasts due to its proximity to Cape Canaveral.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Kennedy Space Center
• Explore the Cocoa Beach Pier
• Enjoy a surf lesson at the Ron Jon Surf School
• Take a sunset cruise
• Visit the Florida Surf Museum

7. Jenness Beach, New Hampshire

Rank Reason: With its clean, consistent waves, Jenness Beach is a hidden gem on the New England coast. Jenness Beach is a small, serene spot in Rye, New Hampshire, known for its quaint seaside charm.

Things to Do:

• Explore Odiorne Point, State Park
• Visit the Seacoast Science Center
• Take a historic Portsmouth harbour cruise
• Enjoy local seafood at nearby restaurants
• Go whale watching off the coast

8. Folly Beach, South Carolina

Rank Reason: Folly Beach offers a laid-back vibe and consistent surf, perfect for a relaxing surf trip. Known as “The Edge of America,” Folly Beach has a rich history, including pirate lore and Civil War battles.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Morris Island Lighthouse
• Explore the Folly Beach Pier
• Take a guided kayaking tour
• Go paddleboarding on the Folly River
• Enjoy local cuisine at beachfront restaurants

9. Rincon, Puerto Rico

Rank Reason: Rincon is famous for its warm waters and consistent waves, making it a top surf destination in the Caribbean. Rincon gained international fame when it hosted the World Surfing Championship in 1968, cementing its place in surf history.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Punta Higuero Lighthouse
• Snorkel or dive in Tres Palmas Marine Reserve
• Explore the vibrant town of Rincon
• Enjoy a sunset catamaran cruise
• Relax at nearby Domes Beach

10. Ponce Inlet, Florida

Rank Reason: Ponce Inlet offers some of the best waves on Florida’s Atlantic coast, ideal for surfers seeking a challenge. Ponce Inlet is steeped in maritime history, home to Florida’s tallest lighthouse and numerous shipwrecks.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
• Explore the Marine Science Center
• Go deep-sea fishing
• Take a guided eco-tour through the mangroves
• Visit the nearby Smyrna Dunes Park

11. Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

Rank Reason: Known for its vibrant boardwalk and surf-friendly waves, Hampton Beach is a favourite among locals and tourists. Hampton Beach has been a popular summer destination since the early 20th century, known for its lively atmosphere and annual events.

Things to Do:

• Explore the Hampton Beach Boardwalk
• Visit the Casino Ballroom for live music
• Take a scenic cruise along the coastline
• Enjoy fireworks on the beach
• Visit the Hampton Beach State Park

12. Outer Banks, North Carolina

Rank Reason: The Outer Banks offers a wide range of surf spots, from beginner-friendly beaches to challenging waves for experts. The Outer Banks are rich in history, from the Lost Colony of Roanoke to the Wright Brothers’ first flight.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial
• Explore the wild horses of Corolla
• Take a ferry to Cape Lookout National Seashore
• Go kiteboarding or hang gliding
• Explore the maritime forests and dunes

13. Manasquan, New Jersey

Rank Reason: Manasquan is known for its powerful waves and local solid surf culture. Manasquan, located on the Jersey Shore, has a long history as a popular surf spot, with its classic New England charm and surf-friendly beaches.

Things to Do:

• Explore the Manasquan Inlet
• Visit the Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area
• Enjoy a stroll along the beach boardwalk
• Take a fishing charter
• Visit the nearby Jenkinson’s Aquarium

14. Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Rank Reason: Martha’s Vineyard offers a unique surf experience with its picturesque setting and varied waves. Known as a summer retreat for the wealthy, Martha’s Vineyard has a long history of whaling and seafaring.

Things to Do:

• Explore the Aquinnah Cliffs
• Visit the Martha’s Vineyard Museum
• Take a bike ride through the scenic trails
• Enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant
• Relax on the famous South Beach

15. Jupiter Inlet, Florida

Rank Reason: Jupiter Inlet is renowned for its consistent waves and stunning natural beauty. Jupiter Inlet is rich, with ties to Native American tribes and early European explorers.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
• Explore the Blowing Rocks Preserve
• Go snorkelling at Coral Cove Park
• Take a river cruise along the Loxahatchee River
• Enjoy a paddleboarding adventure

16. Cumberland Island, Georgia

Rank Reason: Cumberland Island offers a remote and pristine surf experience away from the crowds. Cumberland Island is steeped in history, from Native American inhabitants to its role in the Civil War.

Things to Do:

• Explore the ruins of Dungeness Mansion
• Visit the Cumberland Island National Seashore
• Take a guided wildlife tour
• Go camping under the stars
• Hike through the island’s maritime forests

17. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Rank Reason: Cape Cod offers a mix of gentle waves and challenging breaks, ideal for surfers of all levels. Cape Cod has a rich maritime history, is known for its whaling industry, and is a popular summer destination.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Cape Cod National Seashore
• Explore the Provincetown dunes
• Take a whale-watching tour
• Enjoy fresh lobster at a seaside restaurant
• Visit the historic lighthouses

18. St. Augustine Beach, Florida

Rank Reason: St. Augustine Beach is a favourite among surfers for its consistent waves, warm waters, and rich history. St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S., founded in 1565. The beach has been a surf destination for decades, blending historic charm with laid-back surf culture.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
• Explore the historic district with shops and restaurants
• Take a ghost tour through the ancient streets
• Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
• Enjoy a boat tour on the Matanzas Bay

19. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Rank Reason: Nantucket offers a unique surf experience with its remote location, uncrowded beaches, and varied wave conditions. Once a whaling hub, Nantucket is now a picturesque island known for its cobblestone streets and historic architecture. Surfing here is a serene experience away from the mainland’s hustle.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Nantucket Whaling Museum
• Explore the island by bike on scenic trails
• Enjoy a sunset cruise around the harbour
• Relax at Jetties Beach
• Take a tour of the historic lighthouses

20. Assateague Island, Maryland/Virginia

Rank Reason: Assateague Island is famous for its wild horses, pristine beaches, and solid surf breaks, making it a unique spot on the East Coast. Assateague Island has been a protected national seashore since 1965. It is known for its natural beauty and wildlife, especially the wild horses that roam freely.

Things to Do:

• Go wild horse-watching along the beach
• Explore the Assateague Island National Seashore
• Camp under the stars on the island
• Go kayaking in the coastal bays
• Visit the nearby Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

From the bustling boardwalks of Virginia Beach to the serene shores of Cumberland Island, these 20 beaches showcase the diversity and richness of the Eastern coastlines of North America. I had a hard time putting this list together as there are so many incredible places to go, but, there it is! Whether you're a seasoned surfer looking for challenging waves or a beginner eager to catch your first ride, these destinations offer something for everyone. And when you're not on the water, there's plenty to explore, from historic sites to natural wonders, making each beach a perfect destination for a well-rounded adventure.