11 Best Surfing Spots on the East Coast

Some of the best surfing spots on the East Coast include Cocoa Beach in Florida, Outer Banks in North Carolina, Virginia Beach, Montauk in New York, and Narragansett in Rhode Island.

Still, surfing on the East Coast can feel unpredictable. One day waves are clean and rolling, the next they’re flat or blown out, leaving many surfers wishing for the steady conditions in Hawaii or California. Still, East Coast waters hide plenty of surf-worthy gems. Spots in Florida, the Carolinas, and New England can surprise you with consistency and character.

If you’re planning your next trip, here are the best surfing spots on the East Coast worth paddling out for.

 

1. Maine

Maine offers some of the most unique surfing spots on the East Coast, earning it a place among the best East Coast surfing beaches for adventurous riders. The Ogunquit estuary is popular for its powerful right-hand waves during winter northeast swells. Beaches near Seabury and York Harbor have also grown into local favorites, while northern Maine, with its scattered islands below New Brunswick, is seen as a hidden frontier. 

Surfers talk about icy barrels and spectacular waves in these waters, though few share exact details. The main drawback is consistency, since Cape Cod blocks many swells. Fall and winter bring the most reliable surf for those seeking adventure in Maine.

 

2. Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers underrated surfing spots on the East Coast, with Cape Cod standing out for its wave quality. Whitecrest Beach on the Atlantic side delivers some of the most consistent breaks in the state, yet the lineups remain surprisingly uncrowded. 

While surfing beaches such as Nantasket don’t benefit from the same swell exposure, Cape Cod’s Atlantic-facing shores provide reliable surf that appeals to both locals and travelers. Despite the presence of great white sharks in the region, Massachusetts continues to grow its surf scene and deserves more recognition for its accessible waves. 

 

3. Rhode Island

Rhode Island packs nearly 400 miles of surf-friendly coastline, making it one of the best surfing spots on the East Coast. Its location along the Eastern Seaboard pulls in swells from multiple directions, giving surfers consistent conditions year-round. Summer brings fun, manageable waves, but winter is when Rhode Island shines, with powerful swells that attract experienced riders (a thick wetsuit is a must). 

Top surf spots include Narragansett Bay, plus several reef and point breaks scattered to the east and west. For surfers who want to keep their boards organized when they’re not in the water, options like The Solo Rack provide a simple and space-saving way to store a single board securely at home.

 

4. New Hampshire

New Hampshire may only have 18.5 miles of coastline, but it still earns a spot among the best surfing destinations on the East Coast. During winter, southeast swells from the tropics build power before breaking at local river mouths, creating strong barrels that attract experienced surfers. 

For those looking for smaller waves, beaches like Seabrook and Jenness provide beginner-friendly surf and access to surf schools. Despite its short shoreline, New Hampshire delivers a surprising mix of challenging breaks and accessible spots for all levels.

 

5. New Jersey

New Jersey stands out on the East Coast with more than 114 miles of surf-ready shoreline stretching from Fort Hancock to Cape May. The state’s barrier islands and beach towns catch waves year-round, making it a consistent choice for surfers. A-frame beach breaks are the highlight here, offering the kind of peaks surfers travel for. 

Island Beach State Park is a favorite for its reliable conditions, while Nun’s Beach in Stone Harbor comes alive in winter when swells line up perfectly. When you’re surfing year-round, a multipurpose rack like The Spirit Rack can help keep multiple boards neat, accessible, and ready for the next trip down the coast.

 

6. Connecticut

While Connecticut sits in what seems like a prime spot for Atlantic swells, Long Island blocks much of the energy before it reaches the coast. This means waves in Connecticut are often inconsistent and smaller.

 

A few local breaks exist, but they rarely compare to other East Coast surf destinations. For more reliable swells and larger waves, most surfers head south to New York or New Jersey, both of which offer some of the best surfing spots on the East Coast.

 

7. New York

Surfing in New York City is far from a hidden secret. The coastline stretches into a series of sandy, south-facing beaches beginning at Rockaway and running toward the tip of Long Island. These breaks pick up consistent swell from the Atlantic and tropical systems, making NYC one of the more surprising but rewarding surfing destinations on the East Coast.

The catch? It’s cold water. The most reliable A-frame peaks fire during late fall and winter, with the prime season running November through March. Surfers here rely on thick wetsuits, hoods, and gloves, but the payoff is classic, powerful waves that rank among the best urban surf spots in the country.

 

8. North Carolina

The Outer Banks stand out as one of the best surfing spots on the East Coast. This string of barrier islands delivers consistent waves thanks to a rare mix of northern nor’easter systems and southern tropical swells. Surfers can count on powerful breaks throughout the year, with summer swells often boosted by tropical activity further south. 

The area is also known for producing some of the biggest waves on East Coast, especially during hurricane season, which makes it a top choice for beginners chasing fun rides as well as advanced surfers looking for heavy barrels.

 

9. Virginia

Virginia Beach offers one of the most well-known pier breaks on the East Coast. The wave delivers consistent rights with a fun, bowly shape, and while the local surf scene can be competitive, it’s worth the paddle. Just south of the main pier, Sandbridge Beach handles more size, especially during fall and winter nor’easter swells.

 

This spot is famous for its powerful, hollow A-frames that challenge even experienced surfers. If you’re looking for East Coast barrels, this is the place to test your skills.

 

10. South Carolina

South Carolina may not deliver the same swell power as North Carolina’s Outer Banks, but it holds its own on the East Coast surf map. Stretching across nearly 200 miles, the state’s coastline is lined with consistent beach breaks and a few pier setups that draw locals and travelers alike.

 

While the surf isn’t epic year-round, conditions pick up between August and November when hurricane season in the Caribbean sends powerful swells north. During those months, South Carolina can surprise with clean, barreling waves—making it a worthy addition to the list of best surfing spots on the East Coast.

 

11. Georgia

Georgia isn’t known as a top surfing destination on the East Coast, but it does have a couple of notable spots. Jekyll Island and Tybee Island are the main breaks, offering small, rideable waves during the right conditions. The challenge in this region is the wide continental shelf, which tends to weaken incoming swells before they reach the beach. 

Because of this, consistent surf is limited. The best chances for solid waves happen during late summer and early fall when tropical systems or hurricanes in the Atlantic push stronger swells toward the shore. On those rare occasions, local surfers can catch some fun, rippable shoulders that make these Georgia beaches worth a session.

When you’re back home after chasing waves in places like Georgia or the Carolinas, a wall-mounted solution such as The Sun Rack is a great way to store and showcase your board, keeping it safe while adding surf-inspired style to your space.

 

Keep the East Coast Spirit Alive Off the Waves

Surfing the East Coast is less about perfect waves and more about variety. From Maine’s icy barrels to Florida’s mellow breaks, each spot has its own character. Conditions can change fast, but that unpredictability teaches patience and timing, making good sessions even more rewarding. When we plan around seasonal swells, lean on local knowledge, and bring the right gear, the East Coast always shows up as a diverse and underrated surf destination.

At Living in Sunshine, we believe surf culture isn’t only about the ocean—it’s a lifestyle that carries into how we live every day. That’s why we design pieces that balance function with style, helping you keep that coastal energy alive at home. Our Freestanding & Wall-Mounted Board Racks Collection makes it simple to store and showcase your boards, protecting them while turning them into part of your space. It’s surf living, indoors and out.

 

FAQs

 

When is the best season to surf on the East Coast?

While waves can pop up year-round, the most consistent surf happens in late summer and fall during hurricane season. Winter also delivers powerful swells, especially in the Northeast, though cold-water gear is a must if you’re searching for reliable places to surf near me along the East Coast.

 

What kind of wetsuit do I need for East Coast surfing?

In New England and New York, surfers often rely on 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuits with hoods, boots, and gloves in winter. In the Carolinas and further south, a 3/2mm suit is usually enough, with boardshorts or spring suits working in summer.

 

Are there surf schools or camps along the East Coast?

Yes, many East Coast surf towns offer surf schools and camps for beginners. Places like Cocoa Beach (Florida), Wrightsville Beach (North Carolina), and Narragansett (Rhode Island) are known for accessible lessons, rentals, and beginner-friendly waves.

 

How crowded are East Coast surf spots compared to California or Hawaii?

Crowds vary by location and season. Popular spots like Rockaway Beach (New York) and Virginia Beach can get busy, especially in summer. However, lesser-known breaks in Maine, New Hampshire, or parts of Massachusetts remain good places to surf if you’re looking for quieter lineups, especially during colder months.