Franklin Street surf guide

Franklin Street is a beach break located in a busy area. This spot mainly works best on wind swells, but there is also a reef break off Mead Street that can handle larger groundswells. Both breaks are pretty consistent with the wind swells, so if a hurricane or winter groundswells are brewing, it might be better to check out other places. In between these two breaks, there is a long stretch of beach that usually breaks similarly, but keep in mind that surfing is restricted here from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When it comes to surfing at Franklin Street, you can expect waist-high plus waves, generally ranging from about 0.6 meters to 2.4 meters. The spot handles swell sizes from 2 feet to 8 feet and is known for both beach and reef breaks. The waves can break to the right or left, making it suitable for various abilities, from beginners to experts. For the best conditions, look for wind coming from the south-southwest to northwest, and low to mid-tide seems to work well here. Just keep in mind that the crowds can get heavy, and this area is popular with surfers from Dade and Broward counties.

Since the local vibe is pretty chill—mostly because most surfers here aren't locals—you'll find a mixed crowd. But watch out for the usual hazards like heavy crowds, sea lice in spring, and man-of-war during windswells. If you're planning to hit Franklin Street, it's a good idea to go during the fall to spring season when conditions are at their best.