Nestled next to the military reservation of Camp Pendleton, the southern end of Croatan is a popular surf spot, especially thanks to the large parking area at the end of Vanderbilt Avenue. It’s a convenient place for Croatan residents and those living in the southern part of the city. Just be careful not to drift too far south, as you might get too close to areas where they do target practice. This spot tends to get crowded during the summer months when the surf picks up, so arriving early is a good idea to score a decent parking spot and avoid the masses, especially since parking is free until 10 AM from April to September.

This spot really shines with southeast swells, especially those coming from tropical cyclones. It can handle swell sizes ranging from about 3 to 8 feet (1 to 2.5 meters). The waves here generally break over sand and offer both right and left-handers. It’s best to surf during low to mid tide, and the prevailing winds from the southwest to west-southwest work well, with the area handling northwest winds slightly better than nearby breaks. It’s a decent spot for both beginners and intermediates, but be prepared for some paddling challenges when hurricane swells or larger southeast swells show up.

Crowds can get pretty overwhelming, considering the quality of the waves, so be ready for that. Despite the hustle, the local vibe isn’t bad, and you can find a mix of surfers on different board types, from shortboards to funboards, and even kiteboards. The best time to hit this spot is during the autumn months when tropical systems are around, but you can also catch some decent waves from frontal activity or nor’easters in late fall and winter.