The 10 Best Places to Surf in California

California’s coastline stretches for more than 800 miles, and the surf changes dramatically from south to north. Water temperature, swell direction, wind patterns, and bottom type all shape how and when each break works. That range is what makes the best places to surf in California so compelling: long, mellow point breaks; punchy beach breaks; cold-water reefs; and some of the most famous waves in the world.

This guide highlights 10 of the best surfing spots in California, chosen for consistency, wave quality, and the kind of trips surfers actually want to take. Some are welcoming and social, others demanding and serious. All of them reward timing, respect, and an understanding of local conditions.

1. Malibu – Surfrider Beach

Why it’s one of the best places to surf in California

Surfrider is one of the most iconic point breaks in the world, and for good reason. When a solid south or southwest swell lines up, Malibu produces long, clean right-handers that peel for hundreds of yards. The wave favors longboards and smooth lines, though shortboards can shine on bigger days.

The setting matters too. Few surf spots combine quality waves, warm Southern California light, and such a cinematic backdrop.

What the surf is like

• Right-hand point break

• Best on south and southwest swells

• Long, mellow walls with occasional steeper sections

Who it’s best for

• Longboarders

• Intermediate surfers with solid etiquette

• Anyone who values glide over power

Travel tips

• Early mornings are calmer; crowds build fast by mid-morning

• Respect the lineup — this is a high-etiquette wave

• Winter mornings bring offshore winds and cleaner faces

→ Explore luxury Malibu vacation rentals for a relaxed surf-focused stay

2. Santa Cruz – Steamer Lane

Why it’s one of the best surfing spots in California

Steamer Lane is cold, powerful, and serious. This rocky reef break produces heavy lefts and rights, especially during winter swells. It’s one of Northern California’s most consistent high-quality waves and a proving ground for advanced surfers.

The surrounding cliffs and lighthouse add to the drama, but conditions here are not forgiving.

What the surf is like

• Reef break with multiple takeoff zones

• Best on northwest swells

• Fast, hollow sections when it’s on

Who it’s best for

• Advanced surfers

• Confident cold-water surfers

• Those comfortable with reefs and strong currents

Travel tips

• Winter brings the best surf but cold water — a proper wetsuit is essential

• Watch the lineup before paddling out

• Swell size varies significantly across takeoff zones

3. San Diego – La Jolla Shores & Blacks Beach

Why it’s one of the best places to surf in California

San Diego offers range. La Jolla Shores is forgiving and beginner-friendly, while Blacks Beach delivers powerful, fast waves for experienced surfers. Few regions let you progress so clearly from mellow to advanced within the same stretch of coastline.

Water temperatures are warmer than most of the state, and surfable conditions exist year-round.

What the surf is like

• Beach breaks with shifting peaks

• Consistent south swells in summer

• Bigger, heavier waves in winter

Who it’s best for

• Beginners (La Jolla Shores)

• Advanced surfers (Blacks Beach)

• Travelers looking for reliable variety

Travel tips

• Blacks requires a steep hike — plan energy accordingly

• Summer mornings are best before onshore winds

• Winter swells bring power quickly

→ Explore luxury San Diego vacation rentals for a comfortable base between sessions

4. Encinitas – Swami’s

Why it’s one of the best surfing spots in California

Swami’s is a classic right-hand reef break that handles size and stays remarkably consistent. When conditions align, it produces long, fast walls that reward strong positioning and timing.

The vibe is focused, and the lineup often reflects the quality of the wave.

What the surf is like

• Right-hand reef break

• Works on multiple swell directions

• Clean, lined-up walls

Who it’s best for

• Intermediate to advanced surfers

• Shortboarders who like speed

• Surfers who are comfortable in competitive lineups

Travel tips

• Low tide exposes reef — timing matters

• Winter mornings offer the cleanest conditions

• Respect locals and rotation

→ Explore luxury Encinitas vacation rentals for consistent waves and easy coastal living

5. Huntington Beach

Why it’s one of the best places to surf in California

Huntington Beach earns its reputation through consistency. This is a high-energy beach break that offers waves almost every day of the year. Conditions change quickly, but when sandbars line up, the surf can be excellent.

It’s also one of the best places to surf in California if you want a social, surf-forward atmosphere.

What the surf is like

• Beach break with shifting sandbars

• Short, punchy waves

• Works year-round

Who it’s best for

• All skill levels (depending on conditions)

• Shortboarders

• Surfers who like variety

Travel tips

• Check multiple peaks — quality varies block to block

• Wind can ruin afternoons quickly

• Early sessions offer cleaner faces

6. Ventura – C Street

Why it’s one of the best surfing spots in California

C Street is a classic California point break that offers long, peeling right-handers when conditions align. It’s a favorite for surfers who enjoy flow and rhythm over explosive turns.

The wave is accessible, but lineup awareness is essential.

What the surf is like

• Right-hand point break

• Best on west and northwest swells

• Long, cruisy walls

Who it’s best for

• Intermediate surfers

• Longboarders and mid-length riders

• Those who enjoy point-break surfing

Travel tips

• Works best on mid to high tide

• Crowds are part of the experience

• Winter brings the most consistent swells

7. Pacifica – Linda Mar

Why it’s one of the best places to surf in California

Linda Mar is one of Northern California’s most accessible surf spots. It’s sandy, forgiving, and works on a wide range of swell directions, making it a reliable option when other breaks are too big or too small.

What the surf is like

• Beach break

• Consistent but often bumpy

• Multiple peaks

Who it’s best for

• Beginners and intermediates

• Travelers wanting easy access

• Surfers building confidence

Travel tips

• Wind protection varies — check forecasts carefully

• Winter storms can bring powerful closeouts

• Morning sessions are usually best

8. Half Moon Bay – Mavericks (Seasonal)

Why it’s one of the best surfing spots in California

Mavericks is legendary — and only surfable by a tiny group of elite big-wave surfers. When massive northwest swells arrive in winter, this deep-water reef produces some of the largest rideable waves on Earth.

This is not a casual surf destination, but it’s an important part of California’s surf identity.

What the surf is like

• Big-wave reef break

• Only breaks on massive swells

• Extremely dangerous

Who it’s best for

• Elite big-wave surfers only

• Spectators during swell events

Travel tips

• Never paddle out without experience and safety teams

• Spectating is safest from coastal viewpoints

• Conditions change rapidly

9. Newport Beach

Why it’s one of the best places to surf in California

Newport offers powerful, wedging beach breaks that can deliver fast, hollow waves. When south swells hit, peaks form quickly and close just as fast, rewarding sharp reactions.

What the surf is like

• Beach break

• Punchy, short-interval waves

• Works well on south swells

Who it’s best for

• Intermediate to advanced surfers

• Shortboarders

• Surfers who like fast takeoffs

Travel tips

• Sandbars shift constantly

• Tide timing matters more than swell size

• Expect heavy crowds on good days

→ Explore luxury Newport Beach vacation rentals for an easy, surf-first trip

10. Big Sur Coast (Select Breaks Only)

Why it’s one of the most dramatic places to surf in California

Big Sur isn’t about convenience — it’s about commitment. Select reef and point breaks along the coast can produce excellent surf under the right conditions, but access is difficult and conditions are exposed.

This is surfing at its most raw and remote.

What the surf is like

• Reef and point breaks

• Powerful, cold-water waves

• Highly condition-dependent

Who it’s best for

• Experienced surfers only

• Those comfortable with isolation

• Cold-water surfers with local knowledge

Travel tips

• Never surf alone here

• Swell direction and wind matter enormously

• Proper equipment and planning are essential

→ Explore luxury Big Sur vacation rentals for remote surf days and quiet recovery nights

Find Your Wave – Then Stay With Wander

The best places to surf in California aren’t just about wave quality. They’re about timing, access, and having a place to recover between sessions. Early mornings, changing tides, and long days in the water demand space, comfort, and quiet when you’re off the beach.

Wander’s luxury vacation rentals along California’s coast offer thoughtfully designed homes near some of the best surfing spots in California — places where you can rinse boards, stretch sore shoulders, and settle into the rhythm of the ocean. Choose your break, follow the forecast, and book a Wander stay that supports every session.