If you are a beginner, North Carolina and South Carolina offer great waves that are not too challenging. More experienced surfers will want to travel to Florida or New England for bigger waves.
From Florida to Maine, there are plenty of what some consider to be the best surf towns in America.
So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a spot for you on the east coast.
(The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in the USA)
New York
Montauk, New York
Just be warned, the locals in Montauk can be quite local if you know what I mean.
They might not be too happy with people who come to visit and don’t show respect.
If you want to score some good waves while you’re here it would do you well to show some respect for the people and wildlife.
Surfing around New York can be tricky because of how often the conditions of our coast change, but if you pay attention then surfing in Montauk should be a breeze.
Also see our guide to what is the best surfboard for New Jersey.
Libby’s Oceanside Camp
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to camp with amazing ocean views, Libby’s Oceanside Camp is the perfect spot.
The campground is open from mid-May to mid-October, and it offers access to Long Sands Beach as well as some of the most beautiful sandbars and rock formations in Maine.
Massachusetts
Cisco Beach, Nantucket
This beach is perfect for catching waves and spending time with family.
It’s close to the town and harbor, and it has crystal-clear water.
White Crest Beach, Wellfleet
Canso Bay’s beaches have sand that is perfect for longboarding.
Comeau Harbor is a popular spot for surfing, and you will often be the only person there.
It is beautiful, with its white sand dunes and high dune cliffs. You may also see a seal swimming by beyond the high dune cliffs.
Rhode Island
Ruggles, Newport
The smallest American state is a great place to find big waves and barrels.
The view from the sea is beautiful.
Remember to bring a good wetsuit because the water gets cold there.
North Carolina
Kitty Hawk
Kitty Hawk is located in the Outer Banks, which is a well-known area.
This location is close to many places of interest, so it gets a lot of use.
You can visit shops and restaurants between your sessions while enjoying excellent waves all summer long.
Wrightsville Beach
This spot in southern North Carolina is perfect to surf during hurricane season because of the warm water.
It’s also a good place for beginners to learn outside of this season.
Cape Hatteras national Seashore
The best place to surf is Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach, which is 15 minutes from Wrightsville Beach.
The lighthouse was moved in 1999, but the beach is still a great place to surf.
Carolina Beach also has a great beach for surfing called Freeman Park.
It’s 20 minutes from Wrightsville Beach and offers excellent sunsets and surfing sessions.
South Carolina
Folly Beach
Folly Beach is a small, pretty beach town in South Carolina near Charleston.
There are several beaches there, and one can get to them by taking Highway 17 north from Mt. Pleasant until it joins the highway coming from Edisto Island and North Myrtle Beach.
The waves at Folly Beach can be pretty big during hurricanes or northeast storms.
Florida
New Smyrna Beach
You’ll find the most constant wave on the Atlantic seashore here. It’s ideal all year long. Yes, even in those dull summer days!
Cocoa Beach, Florida
This beach birthed Kelly Slater and you can sometimes find him on the spot.
Perfect waves to begin surfing, but also for all levels.
Also check out our guide to 10 of the best places to surf for beginners.
Augustine Beach
This beach is better than Cocoa Beach for novice surfers because the waves are manageable and suitable for all types of surfers.
Sebastian Inlet State Park, Little Talbot Island State Park, Anastasia State Park
For those that love the ocean and spending time on the beach, these parks are ideal.
They’re located close to the Atlantic and offer waves perfect for surfing as well as camping opportunities.
Where is the best surfing on East Coast?
The best surfing on the East Coast can be found in different places depending on your skill level and what you are looking for. If you are a beginner, North Carolina and South Carolina offer great waves that are not too challenging. More experienced surfers will want to head to Florida or New England for bigger waves.
Can you go surfing on the East Coast?
Yes, the East Coast has many great surfing spots for all skill levels. From New York to Florida, you can find perfect waves to ride all year long.
Is East Coast or West Coast better for surfing?
Both coasts have great surfing spots, but the West Coast is generally considered to be better for surfing. This is because the waves on the West Coast are typically bigger and more consistent than on the East Coast. However, the East Coast does have some great surf spots, so it really depends on what you are looking for in a wave.
Can you surf in Atlantic Ocean?
Yes, the Atlantic Ocean has many great surfing spots for all skill levels.
Why are there no waves on the East Coast?
The East Coast doesn’t have the same type of climate as the West Coast, which is what contributes to the lack of waves. The East Coast experiences colder weather and more hurricanes, which create difficult surfing conditions.
Where is the surf capital of the world?
The surf capital of the world is considered to be Hawaii. This is because the waves on the islands are some of the best in the world, and there are many different spots to surf depending on your skill level. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you can find a great wave to ride in Hawaii.
What East Coast beach has the biggest waves?
The most surfable waves on the East Coast can be found in Florida, specifically in Cocoa Beach. The waves here are perfect for experienced surfers, and you can often find Kelly Slater surfing these waves.
Where do New Yorkers surf?
The best surfing in New York can be found on the Long Island coast. There are a number of great spots to surf depending on your skill level, and the waves are typically bigger than in other parts of the East Coast. Some of the best surfing spots on Long Island include Montauk, Rockaway Beach, and Gilgo Beach.
