Best surf beaches in California
California has 171 surf spots across 65 cities. About 12% of spots are beginner-friendly, making California a viable destination for surfers of all levels. Wave types include beach breaks (102), reef breaks (26), river-mouth breaks (4), jetty breaks (8), point breaks (26), jetty/beach break (1), beach/reef break break (1), and breakwater breaks (3). Water temperatures range from 55-72°F throughout the year. In summer, spring suit or 3/2mm is typical; in winter, 4/3mm is recommended.
Surf cities in California
- Avila Beach1 spot
- Big Sur1 spot
- Bodega Bay2 spots
- Bolinas1 spot
- Capitola1 spot
- Cardiff-by-the-Sea3 spots
- Carlsbad4 spots
- Carmel1 spot
- Carmel-by-the-Sea3 spots
- Carpinteria1 spot
- Cayucos1 spot
- Coronado1 spot
- Dana Point4 spots
- Davenport1 spot
- Del Mar2 spots
- Dillon Beach1 spot
- El Segundo1 spot
- Encinitas6 spots
- Goleta2 spots
- Grover Beach1 spot
- Half Moon Bay1 spot
- Hermosa Beach3 spots
- Huntington Beach7 spots
- Imperial Beach
- Isla Vista1 spot
- Jalama1 spot
- La Jolla6 spots
- Laguna Beach4 spots
- Long Beach1 spot
- Malibu10 spots
- Manchester1 spot
- Manhattan Beach2 spots
- Marina1 spot
- McKinleyville1 spot
- Monterey1 spot
- Morro Bay1 spot
- Moss Landing1 spot
- Muir Beach1 spot
- Newport Beach10 spots
- Newport Coast1 spot
- Ocean Beach1 spot
- Oceanside2 spots
- Orange County
- Pacific Grove2 spots
- Pacifica3 spots
- Palos Verdes1 spot
- Pebble Beach2 spots
- Pismo Beach1 spot
- Playa Del Rey1 spot
- Redondo Beach3 spots
- Samoa1 spot
- San Clemente10 spots
- San Diego18 spots
- San Francisco4 spots
- San Onofre4 spots
- Santa Barbara3 spots
- Santa Cruz7 spots
- Santa Monica1 spot
- Seal Beach1 spot
- Solana Beach2 spots
- Stinson Beach1 spot
- Torrance1 spot
- Trinidad4 spots
- Venice2 spots
- Ventura4 spots
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Frequently Asked Questions
About surfing in California
- California has 171 documented surf spots spread across 65 coastal cities. Each city page includes a ranked list of beaches with ratings and current conditions.
- Water is warmest in August-September and coldest in January-February. A wetsuit is needed year-round in California. Check individual spot forecasts for swell-specific timing.
- Water temperatures range from 55-72°F. In summer, spring suit or 3/2mm works well. In winter, bring 4/3mm.
- California has 21 beginner-friendly spots. The cities with the most learner-friendly waves are Malibu (3 spots), Goleta (2 spots), and Dana Point (2 spots). Each city page lists spots by difficulty so you can find the right wave for your level.
