South Beach Miami Surf Spot & Cam
Miami Beach, Florida · South Florida
South Beach's 1st Street Jetty is the most consistent wave in swell-shadowed Miami-Dade, a jetty and beach break that suits intermediate-advanced surfers. It wraps punchy A-frames on a N-NNE swell, working best with W offshore wind and a mid tide, peaking in winter, especially January, and it still draws a knowledgeable crowd.
| Day | Surf | Wind | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 7/24 | knee to waist (2.0 ft) | 11 mph E | Marginal |
| Sat 7/25 | flat (0.7 ft) | 15 mph SSE | Flat |
| Sun 7/26 | flat (0.5 ft) | 15 mph SSW | Flat |
| Mon 7/27 | flat (0.3 ft) | 16 mph SW | Flat |
| Tue 7/28 | ankle to knee (1.1 ft) | 14 mph WSW | Fair |
| Wed 7/29 | ankle to knee (1.3 ft) | 14 mph SW | Marginal |
| Thu 7/30 | ankle to knee (1.1 ft) | 17 mph WSW | Fair |
Days 8 to 15 are a lower confidence outlook. Data by Open-Meteo.com, refreshed every 2 hours.
How It Breaks
The 1st Street Jetty at the south tip of Miami Beach shapes South Beach's best wave, a jetty and beach break that sculpts punchy A-frames when a N-NNE swell wraps around the point. It is the most consistent spot in swell-shadowed Miami-Dade, but it is still picky about conditions, and the lineup skews intermediate-advanced with a moderate-high, knowledgeable crowd whenever it is on.
Best Conditions
Best on a N-NNE swell with W offshore wind and a mid tide. Winter is the season to watch, with January the historical peak for N/NE swell. Outside a real swell window, the local read is that it rarely breaks, needing a strong hurricane or NE swell and offshore wind to wake up, with the takeoff zones spreading toward 1st and 5th Streets south of the jetty.
Cam and Know Before You Go
We run the LIVE 4K South Beach Street Cam on Collins Ave on this page, it is a street-level view rather than a straight shot of the jetty, so use it for a general read and pair it with a forecast before you drive. Surfline also covers South Beach with a full paid surf report if you want more detail. Know the flags and rip currents before paddling out, and watch for jetty rocks and boat traffic at Government Cut.
Parking and Local Tips
Parking is paid garages and meters, and it runs hard to find and expensive this close to South Beach. Locals point to 1st and 5th Streets south of the jetty as the spots to check when a real swell shows, and treat any session here as a hurricane or strong NE swell play with offshore wind, not a daily habit.
Gear and the Shop
Island Water Sports in Pompano Beach, about 32 miles north, is the nearest store for a board, a winter wetsuit, fresh wax, or a fin check before a South Beach swell. Shop surfboards, wetsuits, leashes, wax and traction, fins, ding repair, and board bags online anytime you cannot make the drive.
Gear for South Beach Miami
FAQ
What makes South Beach Miami's wave different from other Miami-Dade spots?
The 1st Street Jetty makes it the most consistent spot in swell-shadowed Miami-Dade, wrapping punchy A-frames on a N-NNE swell with W offshore wind.
When does South Beach break best?
Winter, with January the peak for N/NE swell. Outside that window it rarely breaks and needs a strong hurricane or NE swell with offshore wind.
Is South Beach a beginner spot?
No. It suits intermediate-advanced surfers, it is picky about conditions, and the lineup runs moderate-high and knowledgeable when it is working.
Nearby spots
Boca RatonBoca Raton (Palmetto Park & A1A)
Boca RatonBoynton Beach Inlet
Ocean RidgeDania Beach Pier
Dania Beach · live cam