Sunglow Pier / Florida (Northern) / United States

South of Daytona, Sunglow Pier is a return to the similar mentality as seen in the more northern beaches of Florida’s east coast. Locals, who are either disgusted by the debauchery of Daytona or feel ousted by the moody beaches of the Ponce Inlet travel to Sunglow Pier and are ready to defend their territory.

For the most part, this place is considered a surfer’s beach, because of its fairly consistent wave conditions. Sunglow has breaks on both sides of its pier, although it is the south side that is more popular, because on a low tide it creates a very long ride.

Though swell direction isn’t really all that important, it needs to be big in order to maintain those long waves. The best wind appears from the west, helping to create waves ranging from 2 to 10 ft . These waves tend to be better in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to early November) season.

You can access Sunglow Pier from A1A and park at the adjoining parking lot. The beach area is also equipped with bathrooms and showers. For hotel considerations, you can either dare to go back to Daytona (which is probably not a bad idea, because that’s where all the fun is), or travel down to New Smyrna, which has some really cheap motel options. This goes for places to eat as well. Surf shops riddle the whole east side of Florida, most of which specialize in renting and selling equipment.

Other than the locals, you need to be aware of the currents that rip through the water and the sharks that live in the area.