A developer who loves to surf is building a $200 million artificial-wave resort in the middle of Palm Desert, Calif., part of a budding movement of artificial-wave parks opening across the U.S. and overseas.

The Southern California project, called DSRT SURF, will include a 5.5-acre surf pool, up to 350 hotel rooms, 62 villas, restaurants and retail shops offering surf gear and GoPro cameras. The developers expect to break ground early next year and open by the end of 2021.

John...