18th Street is a nondescript beachbreak located between the Poles and Jax Pier in Atlantic Beach. It’s a spot that offers consistency, but don’t expect it to blow your mind. It accommodates various swells and tides, particularly offering rides when the Northern and Northeastern swells are coming in. Think of it as a solid place for casual sessions, rather than a top-tier destination.

When it comes to the surf, 18th Street can handle swells from 2 feet (0.6 meters) to 8 feet (2.4 meters) pretty well. It works best on a low to mid tide and is most fun with Northeast winds. The waves break over sand, giving you that classic beach vibe. You can catch a mix of beach breaks here, which can be beginner-friendly but also offers some challenge for intermediate surfers. If you’re using a board, you’ll do fine with anything from a shortboard to a longboard, but a fish or funboard could also suit the conditions.

Keep in mind that access to 18th Street has limited free parking, and the crowds can be pretty random, which keeps the vibe fairly mellow overall. You might encounter a few local surfers, but they’re generally chill. It’s worth checking out, especially during the autumn and winter months when the surf gets a bit more playful.