Best Places to Surf in California

If you’re looking for the best places to surf in mainland US, look no further than California. While surfing has its roots in Polynesia and was introduced by Hawaiian royalty, once the sports crossed over to the mainland, California became a hotbed of Modern American surf culture. Today, it’s home to world-famous surf competitions, renowned surf towns, and surf legends.

If you’re wondering where to find the best surfing in California, then read on! 

California is an unrivaled place to surf because of the sheer variety of waves and beaches. So, where to begin? SoCal is the hotspot of surfing in California. Home to legendary surfers and iconic beaches, there’s no wonder these beaches attract hordes of locals and tourists. Many beginners start in SoCal, often at surf camps, as the water stays warm and comfortable all year.

If you’re looking for smaller crowds, check out Central California, from Ventura to Santa Cruz. It doesn’t have the density of surf spots that SoCal does, but this stretch along the Pacific Coast Highway has a few stunning surfing spots. 

Northern California contains the most remote surfing spots, as surfing is not for the faint-hearted. Combining intense waves, cold water, and rocky reefs, it’s a haven for professional surfers. 

Ready to get going? Our guide on the best places to surf in California covers why each place is special, how to get there, where to park, the types of waves, the best time to surf, and other critical information.

Finally, we wrap up this blog with our top recommended surfboards and a few essential tips to make your surfing experience more enjoyable. 

The Most Legendary Surf Spots in California

While these beaches may get crowded, they’re famous for a reason! Not only do these breaks have unbelievable waves, but many are located in famous surf towns that have witnessed surf history.

Huntington Beach, Orange County

Known as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach is the surfing capital of California and home to the International Surf Museum and the renowned US Open of Surfing. The waves are consistent year round because the beach is exposed to south and north swells throughout the year. The town is the mecca of surfing, featuring many surf shops, surf camps, and schools where beginners can cut their teeth. 

• Location: On the Pacific Coast Highway, 7 miles south of Long Beach
• Where to park: There’s a 2,400-square-foot parking lot just adjacent to the Huntington Beach Pier. There are several more parking options, including off the Highway and downtown Huntington Beach
• Waves: Usually are around 4-5 feet, but can reach up to 8-10 feet. Surfing North of the pier tends to have better right waves, while South has left-hand waves
• Crowd Factor: very popular surf spot
• Spots: North and South of the Pier
• Peak Season: The South side is better in the winter due to North West swells. The North side of the pier is better in the Summer due to southwest swells.
• Tide Schedules: the best time of day to surf Huntington Beach is early morning from sunrise to around 9 am. For more details check out the local surf report
• Currents or Riptides: currents can be dangerous with possible rip currents. Lifeguards patrol the beach 
• Gear: wetsuits are recommended year-round

Malibu Surfrider Beach, Malibu

Did you know this world-famous beach is home to the first World Surfing Reserve? The reserve is dedicated to protecting marine wildlife and preserving wave breaks. 

If this beach is too crowded, check out Zuma Beach. It’s most known as the location where Baywatch was filmed, but the swells here are great for beginner to intermediate surfers. 

• Location: just off the Malibu Pier in Los Angeles
• Where to park: the beach parking lot has 90 parking spaces
• Waves: waves are usually 2-4 feet, but can reach upwards of 10-12 feet. However, due to the shape of the waves, even smaller waves are great rides. Usually, waves are right-hand breaks
• Crowd Factor: huge crowds are the biggest drawback of this stunning surf location
• Spots: there are 3 breaks - First, Second, and Third. Advanced surfers can get a ¼ mile ride near Third Point.
• Peak Season: Fall is the peak season for most of California with the largest waves. Summer’s south swells can be a good time as well 
• Tide Schedules: for more details check out the local surf report
• Currents or Riptides: be cautious during big swell days 
• Gear: late summer or Fall is a good time for a lightweight wet suit. Winter requires a full suit with around 4/3 mm thickness

Rincon, Santa Barbara

While well-known among serious surfers, it can be less crowded compared to Huntington Beach. Rumour has it that world-famous surfers like Kelly Slater, Tom Curren, and Bobby Martinez surf at this spot. 

• Location: Rincon Beach 8-10 miles south of Santa Barbara, on the Pacific Coast Highway
• Where to park: there 2 parking lots once you turn off the highway. From either parking lot, you walk along the freeway, headed south, to a well-worn path that goes to the south of the bay
• Waves: extremely consistent right-hand waves that reach up to 15 feet and are still rideable. It’s known for having some of the best and longest waves that you can ride (up to one-quarter of a mile)
• Crowd Factor: It can get crowded, so make sure you follow surf etiquette, but less so than Malibu or Trestles
• Spots: Indicator, The Cove and Rivermouth
• Peak Season: Winter
• Tide Schedules:  the best time of day to surf Rincon Beach is early morning from sunrise to around 9 am. For more details check out the local surf report
• Currents or Riptides: there are big riptides when the surf is big
• Gear: even in September when the water is warmest, a wetsuit is recommended such as a 4/3 mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit with 3mm neoprene boots. If you’re surfing in the winter, it’s recommended to wear a 4/3 mm wetsuit with boots, or even a 5/3mm on windy days 

Windansea Beach, La Jolla

With powerful waves and a strong local surf community, this beach is home to some steep waves. It is not for beginners! The ocean reefs paired with the steep drop-off create world-famous waves.

• Location: 6800 Neptune Place in La Jolla 
• Where to park: there is limited parking at the lot along Neptune Place, so find a spot on Nautilus Street or a nearby side street  
• Waves: the waves change direction and have a noticeable peak. They are steep left or right-hand waves usually ranging between 6-10 feet but can reach up to 15 feet in the summer
• Crowd Factor: Moderately crowded, more of a local spot.
• Spots: Simmon’s Point, Big Rock, Middle, and Wandsea are the surf spots from north to south
• Peak Season: in the Winter the north swells create significant waves, however, it’s a good beach to surf all year round
• Tide Schedules: for more details check out the live surf cam
• Currents or Riptides: there are strong riptides when the surf is big. There are lifeguards 
• Gear: in spring, a 2 mm long-sleeved shorty or a 3/2 spring wetsuit if it’s a gusty day. In winter, a 4/3mm or 5/3mm wetsuit would be best depending on the length of your time in the water and the amount of wind. Note that there aren’t any amenities like restrooms, showers or water fountains so bring hydration and snacks.

Trestles, Orange County

Trestles Beach in San Clemente is a well-known surfing haven. It’s 3.5 mile-long beach with a point surf and five separate surf breaks that offer a variety of waves in different conditions. Its cobblestone bottom means surf is consistent with similar breaks throughout the year. Lower Trestles (Lowers) is the most popular break at Trestles because it creates great waves with most swells

• Location: south of San Clemente at San Mateo Point
• Where to park: you’ll have to trek to Trestles. We recommend parking at San Onofre State Beach, while it’s a long walk you don’t have to go up a large hill. There’s public parking near Cristianitos Road and walk down the trail. Or there’s a public parking lot near Carl’s Jr. 
• Waves: described as thin and steep waves, usually 3-4 feet, but occasionally can reach up to 15 feet. Lowers has A-frame waves, so you have the option to either left or right 
• Crowd Factor: Lowers is the most popular and get crowded on weekends and in summer. Uppers and Middles will get crowded on the weekend when there are big swells 
• Spots: The most popular breaks are Lower Trestles, Upper Trestles and Cottons. Lowers is considered to have some of the best high-performance waves.
• Peak Season: Summer, Fall, and occasionally in Spring when big southwest swells come in. However, Middles is great during the winter with northern swells, short and wide boards are recommended
• Tide Schedules: for more details check out the local surf report
• Currents or Riptides: be careful around big swells
• Gear: you may need a 3/2 or 4/3 mm wetsuit depending on the time of year and water temperature

The Hidden Gems of California Surfing

While we share some of the most iconic surf spots in California above, we also wanted to share a few more lesser known beaches for surfing in California. 

Doheny State Beach, Dana Point

Dana Point is one of the original surf towns. It’s also one of the best places to learn to surf because its rocky bottom produces consistent, symmetrical waves. 

• Waves: aggressive swells are blocked by the jetty, so waves are gentle and rolling - great for longboarders and beginners. Usually, waves are 3-4 feet high. However more advanced surfers can catch larger waves in the evening, or surf near San Juan Creek which gets larger swells around 10-15 feet.
• Crowd Factor: quite crowded, especially on the weekend in the summer

San Onofre State Beach, San Clemente

Known for its mellow waves and relaxed vibe, this beach is a favorite among longboarders. Located in the northern part of San Diego County, this beach has three waves - Old Man’s, The Point, and Dog Patch. All 3 are point breaks. It has a long break and is easy to access

• Waves: Soft, rolling waves ideal for longboarding, Old Man’s is perfect for beginners as the waves are the softest. Summer surfing is great.
• Crowd Factor: Can get busy, but generally less intense than Trestles.

Bolinas, Marin County

This protected bay is the Bay Area’s best beginner's beach. It has a laid-back vibe and friendly waves. Surf lessons are offered here from March to October

• Waves: Gentle, forgiving waves that are best in the summer 
• Crowd Factor: Usually uncrowded, ideal for beginners and people looking for a peaceful surf session.

Jalama Beach, Santa Barbara County

Remote location with less crowds and fun surf - this spot is exposed to any swell and can get huge waves. The break at Tarantula’s is your best chance to get barreled. Note that this beach is known to have sharks. 

• Waves: Beach and reef breaks offering both lefts and rights
• Crowd Factor: Less crowded due to its remote access

Black’s Beach, San Diego

The southern portion of Black’s Beach is one of the most powerful surf breaks in SoCal. With an exposed beach break, it has consistent surf, though winter is the best time of year. The reason that it remains relatively uncrowded is that it’s difficult to get to. Check out this article for several trails to access Black’s Beach. 

• Waves: large, well-peaked waves. Watch out for dangerous riptides.
• Crowd Factor: Less crowded, attracts advanced surfers due to difficult conditions.

The Best Surfboards

If you’re looking for the best surfboards for you, keep reading!  

If you’re just getting started, remember that the number one tip for choosing a surfboard for beginners is to avoid a shortboard. Who’s considered a beginner? If you’ve never surfed or surfed only a handful of times, then you’re a beginner. It’s possible to progress quickly, but as with most skilled pursuits “time on task” is the main factor towards progression.

As a beginner, you need a long, thick, and wide surfboard. It will be easier to paddle into waves and stand up. A long, thick, and wide surfboard has more volume, which means it has more buoyancy. The added width gives you more stability, making it easier to pop up and stand. Plus longer boards are easier to catch waves with.

At ISLE, our Coronado is a soft top longboard that is a great surfboard that you can learn on and grow with. It’s 8’ long, lightweight, and easy to take on the go. Your beginners board should be at least 1 foot taller than your height, or at least 2 feet taller than kids (aged 7-12). Soft-top surfboards are the best option for kids. 

If you’re more experienced, the Nugget is our high performance soft top shortboard with a quad-fin. It’s built for durability and power. This short but strong board (5’4”) helps riders surf down the line or on big open waves. The wider deck means it’s easy to maneuvre, plus the shorter size means you can easily generate speed. It’s also lightweight at 9 lbs.

Finally, we have the Nomad, a soft top short surfboard that works for daily use or on the go. It’s a short board at 6’6” that weighs in only at 10 lb. It’s designed with a pulled in thumb tail with full rails for easy paddling.

Tips for Surfing 

Remember that to have the most enjoyable surf session, make sure you prepare accordingly. Before heading out, make sure you research the the local Surf Report For The Best Riding Experience and figure out What's The Best Time Of The Day To Surf?. And if you’re new to surfing, we recommend following Surf Etiquette 101 so that you can be respectful of locals and make friends on the water.

If you’re a visual learner, check out our Surf Collection Playlist on YouTube to see our surfboard reviews, how-tos, and surfing lessons in action. 

Depending on the type of waves you’re surfing, check out How to Paddle Out in Big Surf or Everything You Need To Know About Surfing Small Waves.