Published 21st Oct. 2024
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Big beaches, big waves and a big reputation – California offers some of the world’s most sensational surfing. Aptly nicknamed the Golden State, sun-soaked surfers flock to its 840-mile coastline on USA trips to wrestle with waves that range from gentle rollers to towering giants. Whether in Santa Cruz, Orange County or Newport Beach, California treats riders of all abilities to waters worth waxing a board for. So, read on to discover the best places to surf in California, suited to both newbies and pros (and everything in between).
Dubbed as one of the world’s best beginner breaks by the Save the Waves foundation (who seriously know their stuff), Cowell’s Beach is a super surf spot for novices. Located in North California’s oh-so-iconic surf town, Santa Cruz, new surfers can gawk at the sea of experienced surfers in the area. But at Cowell’s Beach, you’ll be bumping boards with plenty of other beginners. The long stretch of whitewater is perfect for practising, paddling and playing with your board, and the gentle, un-broken waves lack confidence-knocking intimidation.
Pretty Pismo Beach is a picture-perfect beach town and one of the best places to surf in California. Surfers of all abilities will find suitable swells, but first-time riders should head to Pismo Beach Pier. Here, the gentle waves make for manageable attempts to stand up, the sandy bottom reduces risk of injury and the wide beach allows ample space for board-flying tumbles. The pier is also peppered with plenty of rental shops so that you can kit out with all the gear (and no idea).
Where better to hone your surfing skills than Surf City USA? Huntington Beach has rightfully cemented its status as the United States’ surf capital – think palm trees, sun-scorched sands and those all-important waves. The ten miles of uninterrupted coastline are ideal for intermediates, with various wave types and sizes providing a range of skill-testing challenges. The surf community also thrives here, providing a helpful dose of inspiration to take your surfing to the next level.
Fancy shredding alongside celebrities? At Malibu Surfrider Beach, an abundance of A-listers have put their feet to the board and showed off their surfing skills. However, the waves are the most famous thing you’ll find here (at least among the locals). Popularised by surfing movies in the 50s and 60s, Malibu Surfrider Beach boasts consistent waves and quality swells that reach peak conditions in the winter (if you can handle lows of 11°C). With myriad surf schools nearby, intermediate surfers find no shame in calling upon coaching to improve specific skills and tricks.
Known to induce fear in even the gnarliest of surfers, Mavericks is one of the world’s most formidable big wave surf spots. Churning the waters off the coast of Half Moon Bay, Mavericks spits out waves that sometimes tower over 60ft, providing daredevils with epic barrels to ride at breakneck speeds. Despite its shark-infested (yes, really), cold and foggy waters, the sheer thrill of the waves can’t sway this from being one of the best places to surf in California.
Born from the construction of a 2,000ft jetty, The Wedge is Southern California’s untamed beast. The jetty causes two waves to collide, forming one powerful wave that can grow up to 30ft – best left to the professionals. However, parking yourself on the shore provides a safe and sunny spot to catch the action, wince at the wipeouts and note down what to do (and what not to do) atop a surfboard.
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Matthieu Salvaing.
From New York to California and all the states in between, our team knows the USA's hotspots incredibly well. What we really excel at, though, is the under-the-radar regions, thanks to our in-depth experience and the hand-picked guides we work with on the ground. Whether you’re travelling as a family or à deux, road trips are the ultimate way to explore the USA, and we're brimming with suggestions to improve journeys, from scenic route options to photogenic stop-off points (all based on our own experiences, of course). And if that's not enough, you'll have our in-country Concierge team on hand at all times for extra help and advice.
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