Ponce Inlet is a well-known surf spot located on the north side of Ponce de Leon Inlet. It’s a consistent wave with the right conditions, especially when swells come in from the southeast or east. Here, you’ll find a sandy bottom and good access, plus a decent local crowd that knows the area well. Parking is available if you drive on the beach, but be prepared for large crowds, especially when the surf is up.
Ponce works best with swells ranging from about 2 feet (0.6 meters) to 15 feet (4.5 meters). It can catch swells from the southeast, east, and even south, with the long jetty often creating fun right-handers. The best time to surf here is usually around the incoming tide, but it can hold good waves on low to high tides. On a nice day, paddling is typically easy, but during bigger swells, it can get pretty challenging. The preferred wind direction is southwest to west, making for some solid surf conditions.
As with many popular surf spots, you’ll find a heavy local vibe at Ponce Inlet. The locals take pride in their spot, so expect some protective energy from them. It’s usually best suited for intermediate surfers who can handle larger swells. The fall, winter, and spring seasons are prime time, especially when hurricane swells hit. Just keep in mind that it can get quite crowded when the surf is decent.