Hightower Beach is a surf spot located between two more popular breaks, Perkins and RC’s. It stands out for its consistent waves that depend on the sand around the broken coquina shelf offshore. Hightower Beach can hold larger N/NE swells and serves up long, fast, and occasionally hollow lefts. With a mellow vibe, this spot is a bit more under the radar, offering an alternative without as much hustle as its nearby competitors.
The waves here can range from knee-high (about 0.6 meters) to triple overhead (3 meters), making it suitable for those with a bit of experience. You’ll typically find it peaky and wally, influenced by the wind and the tides, especially around mid tide. While the surf can get heavy, it's mostly sand on the bottom, with some exposed rock, so be careful as you get closer to shore. Hightower is great for shortboards, fish, funboards, and sometimes even longboards, depending on the conditions. It’s a place for intermediate to expert surfers, especially during the autumn and winter months when the swell is more reliable.
Getting to Hightower Beach is easy with free parking and a scenic boardwalk to the beach. You'll find a mellow vibe with a mix of locals and visitors, but be aware that some local surfers are very skilled while others aren’t as experienced. The crowd can be a bit tense at times, so keep that in mind when you paddle out. Overall, Hightower Beach trades consistency and fun waves for the crowds typically found at the busier breaks around it.