Johnson Beach

Johnson Beach is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, meaning you’ll need either a U.S. National Park pass or a paid day pass to enter. If you're a local or someone who frequents national parks, we highly recommend investing in an annual pass for the best value.

Once inside, you’ll have access to both the Gulf side (ideal for traditional surfing during stormy or rough conditions) and the calmer Big Lagoon on the sound side — a great option for eFoiling on smoother days. That said, launching can be a bit tricky. You’ll need to choose your beach access carefully and wade out far enough to avoid shallow zones that could damage your gear.

However, we urge caution. Unfortunately, one of our reviewers had an eFoil battery stolen in broad daylight at this location. Be sure to lock your car and secure all equipment before heading to the water — even if you're just stepping away for a moment.

If you're concerned about security or logistics, consider wind-powered options like kiteboarding or wing foiling, which are easier to manage in this environment and still a blast to ride.