Upham Beach

Upham Beach (St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA) is a small but popular Gulf Coast surf spot known for its fun, beginner-friendly waves and easy beach access. It sits on the west coast of Florida near St. Petersburg, where the Gulf of Mexico can produce clean, rideable surf when weather systems line up.

What it’s like

• Wave type: Beach break
• Best swell: Southwest to west swell, often from Gulf storms, cold fronts, or tropical systems
• Best wind: Offshore or light easterly winds
• Typical size: Usually small to moderate, but can get solid during hurricane season or strong fronts
• Skill level: Great for beginners on smaller days, but can still be fun for intermediate surfers when it’s bigger

Conditions and character

Upham Beach is generally known for soft, rolling waves rather than powerful, hollow surf. Like many Gulf Coast spots, conditions can change quickly and depend heavily on local weather. On average days, it’s a mellow place for longboarding, foamies, and casual fun. When a strong Gulf swell arrives, it can offer surprisingly good surf for Florida.

Beach and atmosphere

The beach has a laid-back, local Florida feel, with warm water much of the year and a lively beach town nearby. Crowds can build when the surf is up, especially because quality Gulf Coast surf is relatively rare. The spot is convenient and accessible, making it a favorite for locals looking to score quick sessions.

Best time to surf

• Hurricane season: August through October can bring the most consistent and strongest surf
• Winter fronts: Can also generate clean, surfable waves
• Summer: Often smaller, but occasionally fun with passing storms

Bottom line

Upham Beach is a fun, accessible Gulf Coast surf break that shines when the Gulf wakes up. It’s not usually a heavy or world-class wave, but it can deliver enjoyable sessions, especially for beginners and longboarders, and occasionally surprises with very good Florida surf.