Huntington Beach is located in Orange County, right between Long Beach and Laguna Beach. A Complete Guide to Surfing Tahiti in French Polynesia, 10 of the Best Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka, A Complete Guide to Surfing Peniche in Portugal, A Complete Guide to Surfing Tamarindo in Costa Rica, A Complete Guide to Surfing Nosara in Costa Rica, A Complete Guide to Surfing Ericeira in Portugal. This is where you go for performance-friendly waves, which is why the Rip Curl World Surfing League Finals are held here, Simpson says. Just west of LA, Malibu is known as the glamorous home of many celebrities and it has some fantastic beaches to go with it. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Hawaii might lay claim to the first waves ever ridden, but surf culture was born in California. 193.70.43.67 There are three distinct sections: Uppers, Lowers and Middles. 21 Best Beach Towns in California to Live in 2023 | Redfin 10 Best Surf Towns in the US - What are the Most Popular Surf Towns in There are four different zones known as Indicators, Middle Peaks, The Slot, and The Point, and its best for more experienced riders. The surfing community is laid back and welcoming in Malibu, making it one of the best places if youre new to the sport or the area. The waves come in strong and fast, but the jetty buffers them up so that they dont get too gnarly, putting it in a sweet spot that few bodysurfing swells enjoy, though still probably too much for novice surfers. On the best days, the whole of Rincon can link together, but it's helpful to separate the wave into three parts. And awesome. The first is Indicators, a fast and powerful right that's at the most exposed part of the point. Encinitas, California Let's start in southern California and work our way north. A handful of surf icons, competitive teams, journalists, and industry insiders make it clear that this sport is not just important hereits a way of life. The tides come in strong and fast; little waves could never live up to these. Steamer Lane is one of the best and most iconic places to surf in the United States. Your email address will not be published. 2. Made by surfers for surfers, we know what a good surf trip looks like, and through our platform, we we take the hassle out of searching for the next big wave. Kill Devil Hills boasts the sickest waves youll ever ride. For those chasing the perfect . Huntington Beach - The most lively surf town in California 3. I recently took my family for a trip to the Central Coast town of Morro Bay, and we had a blast, Simpson says. Southern California is home to some of the best surfing in the world, and here are 10 bucket list SoCal spots for all fans of the sport. Simpson describes Oceanside as similar to Huntington Beach with consistent waves year round, making it an obvious pick for one of Californias best surf towns. Youll have a blast splashing around the beautiful Topanga Beachthe ideal place to go for different wave sizes, ranging from small to a whopping 10-feet. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. And dont be surprised to find out that Surfrider Beach is the place to do the turtle roll. The truth is, to most, it still is. Santa Cruz Best surf town in California for nature lovers, 2. If theres a city that rivals Huntington Beach for the title of Surf City USA, its Santa Cruz many champion surfers come from this small Northern California town famous for its laid-back vibe. The swells are super consistent and waves can even range from three to twelve feet. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Basically, you cant go wrong surfing any beach in San Diego! Technically a point break, it actually forms up like an A-frame to give rides in both directions. Bring your best board and time your trip with the surf season, checking out forecasts and beach cams ahead of time so you can see just what kind of swells you can expect on arrival. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. One of the main reasons why Santa Cruz is so highly regarded as a surf town in California is the quality of the waves that can be found in the area. The break produces long, fast, and powerful waves that are perfect for experienced surfers. Its also more of a working-class city than other nearby places, so its a bit less expensive too. To say that California has no shortage of good surf towns is an understatement, to say the least. Big-wave surfer Jeff Clark is famous for surfing Mavericks before it gained popularity in the '90s. Parking is super limited, so plan to arrive early. Others are a little more sleepy and provide a more relaxed, laid-back surf experience. , with gentle and consistent waves helping you gain confidence. Its a very welcoming place for beginner surfers. He also suggests Upper Trestles and The Church, legendary spots for experienced surfers. Our recommended businesses are top-quality and are committed to their communities. There are a few things Malibu is famous for: seemingly endless sun, parties that are just as long-lived, and surfing. This coastal city is the spot to be if you want glassy head-high sets and clean swells. However, California is much more than LA or Hollywood. Brush up on local surf history, and learn about the greats at the. It makes sense then, that surfing is the official sport of the state! Even though its a relatively large city, it has maintained a small-town feel. The area benefits from an offshore canyon that, like in Nazar, directs groundswells into a series of neat peaks when there's any element of west swell in the forecast. Join 7000+ people who receive our weekly newsletter with the latest surf travel guides. Where to Stay: Contemporary Beach Home, Starfish Rental Unit. Miles of rad beaches attract surfers to ride excellent waveseach of the sandy stretches cater to a different skill level. Spend a weekend in Long Beach California to enjoy stunning coastal scenery, historical landmarks, and activities on land and sea. Looking for gnarly waves to shoot the curl? During the summer months, Santa Barbara is almost always flat, thanks to the Channel Islands blocking all the south swell. Known as an uber-cool bodysurfing destination, Newport Beach is why many consider SoCal the birthplace of the sport. Best Places to Surf in San Diego, California See you on the next wave in the. It also has some of the warmest water in the state. This coastal city prides itself on being one of the best surf spots in the U.S. for longboarders. The wave is a shapely peeler that can run for more than 100 meters back to the sand, though the bicep-burning paddle out means that most surfers don't go all the way, at least not until the end of the session. Huntington Beach Pier is the epicenter of surfing, Simpson says. Whatever it is, New Jersey is where the countrys best surfers come from. The break produces long, peeling waves that are perfect for both longboarders and shortboarders. First and foremost, surfers should choose spots that match their skill level. Looking for gnarly waves to shoot the curl? And dont be surprised to find out that Surfrider Beach is, Is it in the pizza or the bagels? 9 Best Surf Spots In California, USA | Trip101 Surfers have been riding the waves in Santa Cruz, California since 1885, when three Hawaiian princes brought this sport to the mainland. However, because Malibu is very much a well-known and tourist location, there may be large crowds in the water, making it more difficult to surf. There's a little more to think about when scouring the West Coast, though. He continued competing on the Championship Tour for a few years and then pivoted to coaching. Access is from the Pillar Point Harbor, about a 30-minute drive south on the Cabrillo Highway from San Franciso. Discover the best of California. You also agree to our Terms of Use and our use of your information as set forth in our Privacy Policy. In addition to the great surf, Huntington Beach has a thriving surf culture that celebrates the sport. This beach is a well-known surf spot, attracting local . Santa Cruz is the college surf town that doesn't sleep. Ask any aficionado and theyll tell you that this 20-foot-plus meat grinder is a dream-come-true. Simpson points out that San Clemente is also a hotbed for surfboard manufacturers and shapers. Ask any surfer in Southern California for their favorite spot, and theres an excellent chance its Lower Trestles, a beach at the southern tip of San Clemente. Whether untouched by civilization or on the border of the coolest metropolises, finding the best surf spots is an adventure in itself. If you want to surf the big waves of Northern California, head to Mavericks in Half Moon Bay. 2023 California.com All Rights Reserved. Encinitas also has a vibrant surf culture, with a strong community of surfers and a number of surf schools, surf shops, and surfboard shapers in the area. Ocean City has more water sports accolades than any northwestern surf establishment. After visiting, youll never be able to get enough of it. 7 Of The Best Surf Towns In California Cowells Beach is yet another classic Santa Cruz surf spot, where long reef breaks ease onto the shore. And, once you get the hang of it, head to Rockpile Beach for more challenging surfsea you on the next wave! USA / CALIFORNIA San Clemente is a classic California coastal town with great surfing | MCCAIG / Getty Images Konstantina Pyrnokoki Travel Writer 13 July 2021 View With an impressive 840mi (1,352km) of shoreline, California has one of the longest and most diverse coasts in the US. Enjoyed our guide on the best surf towns in California? Other great spots include Trestles, T Street, the Pier, and the State Beach, but there are tons of others. Many a surf legend has been made and broken at Mavericks since local charger Jeff Clark first conquered the spot back in 1975. Facebook/San Clemente Guide. We may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links. As the, , Santa Cruz is all about short and fast waves that have everyone stoked. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Other great spots include C Street, Pitas Point, and Little Rincon. Getting to Mavericks: Mavericks makes its home in Half Moon Bay. Surfing is extremely fun, and I dont know where my life would be without it. Whether youre looking for the perfect spot to catch some waves, somewhere to find your feet on the swells, or simply some of the best surf scenes, California has, without a doubt, the best surf towns in the US. Names as famous as Jordy Smith and Yadin Nicol came to San Clemente precisely due to the kind of swells found at T-Street, as well as the nearby Trestles which, again, is one of the most beloved spots amongst experienced surfers. The town's nickname is "Surf City USA" for a reason, and Huntington Beach Pier has a reputation for being one of the best places to surf in California. A way of life. Santa Cruz. Its one of the best surfing locations in the world, and its also the oldest surfing location in the contiguous US. See also: A Complete Guide to Surfing Santa Cruz in California. California is home to the best places to surf, ., but none really measure up to Encinitas. Median home price: $315,000 Crescent City, CA homes for sale Sometimes you might just need a thicker wetsuit. If hes in town for lunch, then Craft Coast Beer & Tacos is a cheap and casual joint for hanging out with friends. If youre a lover of beach culture, then this may as well be considered your Mecca. If you dont mind a younger crowd, the college surf town of Santa Cruz can be the perfect place to catch some short, fast waves that fit the buzzing lifestyle of the city. The south-facing Surfrider Beach in Malibu is where it started and remains one of the principal surfing beaches in the area. Additionally, following the rules of surfing and adhering to surf etiquette are important to everyone having a fun, Read More 10 Essential Rules of Surfing Every Surfer Should KnowContinue, With its Atlantic coast location and favorable climate, Lisbon offers some of the best surf spots in Portugal, if not in all of Europe. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Best for: Absolute beginners to learn how to properly stand up and ride slow, rolling surf. This surf spot made surfing legends of Andy Irons, not to mention, Kelly Slater. Drive north from bustling Honolulu and youll arrive at the seven-mile, wave-filled treasure that is the North Shore. 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Then you get the barrels of Rivermouth, followed by the semi-hollow shoulders of The Cove, the most turn-inviting section that can take you all the way to the beach. Thalia Street Beach is arguably the. It has been popular for longboarding since the 1940s and is now popular with beginner surfers. San Onofre has some of the best longboarding waves in California, and is the perfect place to find long, fun, cruisy rides. A definite advantage of surfing in Huntington is the proximity of great restaurants, coffee shops and bars. In addition to the great surf, Malibu has a long and storied surf history that dates back to the 1950s. With over a hundred years of surf history, its a great spot to learn about some of the greats, so consider stopping in at the local Surf Museum. The man-made Wedge jetty buffers the waves so that novices get a slice of the fun too. This article was featured in the InsideHook SF newsletter. It is not only one of the best surf towns in California but the one of the best surf towns in the USA.