Melbourne Beach is a cool spot located in one of Brevard's older beach communities. It's a neighborhood that many surfers enjoy because of its local vibe. The main surf break can be found at the end of Ocean Avenue, which is easy to find at the only traffic light where A1A heads east before turning south again. Just be cautious on the roads here, especially on Oak Street, as it’s a family-friendly area with schools nearby, so police keep a close watch on speeders.
The surf at Ocean Avenue is generally average but can be a good time depending on the conditions. The beach works well with swells from the northeast to east-northeast. It can handle a variety of swell sizes, usually between about 0.6 to 3.6 meters (2 to 12 feet). When the waves are up, it can get fun for more experienced surfers, but it’s also beginner-friendly, especially when it's smaller at waist to chest height. The waves can break both left and right over sand, and the bottom depth helps maintain rideability even during larger swells. Take note that the best time to surf is during low to mid tides with a west wind, making it a reliable spot for boards like shortboards, funboards, longboards, and fish.
Parking can be a hassle since there’s a small public lot at the end of Ocean Avenue that now charges non-residents. As for the crowd, you might find a small local crew out there, and the vibe has become mellower than it used to be. Just keep in mind to stay aware of potential hazards like sharks during the fall mullet run. Overall, the spot can fluctuate a bit with changing sandbanks, so you might find that it varies day-to-day, making it a bit unpredictable yet often rewarding.