South Beach Surf Report: Live, Conditions & Forecast

South Beach is the surf at the southern tip of Miami Beach, centered on the jetty at South Pointe Park where the Government Cut channel meets the ocean. It is a sand-bottom beach break with a jetty-shaped peak that favors rights, working best on a rising lower tide. The classic spot is the First Street peak right by the jetty, and while it is small and fickle like the rest of Miami, it is the most dependable wave in the area when a swell lines up.

Best Swell Direction: North to northeast swells work best, with winter storm groundswell and hurricane swells delivering the rare bigger days.

Best Winds: West winds are offshore here and hold the faces clean.

Best Size: Usually small, picking up mainly on solid north or northeast swells.

Best Tide: Often best on a rising, lower tide.

Break: A sand-bottom beach break with a jetty peak at South Pointe. The jetty at Government Cut organizes the sandbar and shapes the rights that peel off it, which is why this is the go-to spot in Miami Beach.

Consistency: South Beach sits deep in the shadow of the Bahamas, so it is flat much of the time and only breaks on a solid north or northeast swell or a winter front. Winter is the better window, and summer is almost always flat.

Crowds: Because surfable days are rare, the First Street peak at the jetty gets crowded fast when it is working, so mind the pecking order and give yourself room.

Jetty and Currents: Respect the jetty rocks and the strong currents around Government Cut, which moves a lot of water, and keep a safe buffer from the structure.

Facilities: South Pointe Park at the south tip has restrooms, outdoor showers, walking trails, a splash pad, and a fishing pier, with the Beachwalk promenade and the shops and restaurants of South Beach a short walk north. Miami Beach staffs its iconic Art Deco lifeguard towers along the sand.

Operating Hours (Subject to change): The beach and South Pointe Park are generally open during daylight hours. Confirm current hours with the City of Miami Beach.

Fees: Parking is paid city garages and metered spaces, limited and among the priciest in the region, so plan ahead or use a garage.