Bethune is a mellow surf spot located along the coast, known for its accessibility and less crowded waves compared to nearby spots like New Smyrna Inlet. This beach gets the benefits from southeast swells and has a pretty straightforward vibe. It’s a great place to kick back and catch some waves without the hassle of a packed lineup. Parking is easy enough, but you might need to keep an eye out so you don’t miss the entrance.

The surf at Bethune starts to shine when the swell is over about 3 feet (0.9 meters). The waves can handle sizes from 2 feet (0.6 meters) up to 10 feet (3 meters) and usually break over sand. You can expect both lefts and rights with a little wedge on the inside, especially at high tide when the backwash of the seawall does its thing. Wind from the southwest works best, and while low tide is generally preferred, mid and high tides can also produce fun conditions. It’s mostly beginner-friendly, making it suitable for a variety of board types like shortboards, funboards, longboards, fish, bodyboards, and even skimming or bodysurfing.

While the crowd factor tends to be surprisingly light here, the locals have a good understanding of the spot. Keep in mind that Bethune gets better when the conditions align perfectly, but it’s still a decent spot for surfers looking for an easygoing session any time from fall to spring, including hurricane swells. Just watch out for whatever critters are sharing the water with you!