16 Best Beginner Surf Spots in Los Angeles
If you’re new to surfing and live in or are visiting LA, you’re in luck—Los Angeles is one of the best places in the world to learn how to surf. With gentle beach breaks, consistent swells, and year-round surf culture, the region offers tons of opportunities for first-timers to get their feet wet—literally.
This guide to the best beginner surf spots Los Angeles has to offer covers everything from chill beach towns to iconic Southern California stretches where pros and groms (young surfers) alike find their rhythm.
Let’s dive into the top 16 beginner surf spots in Los Angeles so you can get paddling with confidence.
1. Venice Beach
One of LA’s most iconic beaches, Venice Beach is a great starting point for beginners. The waves here are generally mellow, and you’ll find plenty of surf schools offering lessons right on the sand.
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Best for: Surf lessons, longboarders
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Watch out for: Crowds and soft sandbars that shift frequently
2. Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica is beginner-friendly thanks to its soft, rolling waves and wide sandy beaches. It’s close to tons of amenities, and rentals are easy to find.
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Best for: Families and brand-new surfers
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Watch out for: Smaller waves at high tide
3. Malibu – First Point
Arguably one of the most famous surf spots in the world, First Point at Malibu is longboard heaven. While the crowds can get thick, the long, slow-peeling right-hand waves are ideal for beginners on smaller days.
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Best for: Long rides and mellow vibes
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Watch out for: Heavy localism on good days
4. Topanga Beach
Located just south of Malibu, Topanga can serve up great beginner waves on smaller swells. It’s a mix of reef and point break, which creates clean, consistent waves.
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Best for: Progressing beginners ready to level up
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Watch out for: Rocks and advanced surfers on bigger days
5. Dockweiler State Beach
Just west of LAX, Dockweiler is less crowded than other LA beaches and offers soft beach break waves ideal for learning.
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Best for: Quiet sessions and easy access
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Watch out for: Occasional airplane noise overhead
6. Sunset Point Beach
Not to be confused with Sunset Blvd., Sunset Point near Pacific Palisades is a perfect break for learners. The waves are slow, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
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Best for: First-time surfers and chill morning sessions
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Watch out for: Rocky bottom in some spots
7. El Porto (Manhattan Beach North)
Known for more consistent waves, El Porto can be great for beginners on small days. It’s one of the most reliable spots in LA County, thanks to its exposure to open ocean swells.
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Best for: Learning paddling techniques
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Watch out for: More powerful surf during winter months
8. Manhattan Beach Pier (South Side)
South of the pier, Manhattan Beach offers slower waves and is more protected from swell, making it friendlier for first-timers.
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Best for: Small summer days and morning glass
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Watch out for: Shorebreak and heavy crowds midday
9. Hermosa Beach
Just south of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa has long stretches of sand and plenty of mellow peaks perfect for beginners.
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Best for: Finding your own peak
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Watch out for: Fast-breaking waves when the swell picks up
10. Redondo Beach (Breakwall)
The Breakwall offers protected waves, and on small days, the surf can be super mellow and ideal for beginners looking to progress.
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Best for: Shoulder-high longboarding days
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Watch out for: Shifting sandbars
11. Cabrillo Beach
Located in San Pedro, Cabrillo is often overlooked but provides soft rolling waves and few crowds. It’s ideal for a calm and safe beginner session.
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Best for: Easygoing weekend learning
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Watch out for: Kelp beds and marine debris
12. Zuma Beach
Farther north in Malibu, Zuma can get punchy, but on small days it offers plenty of whitewater to practice your pop-up.
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Best for: Wide beach, fewer crowds
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Watch out for: Sudden drop-offs and rips
13. Will Rogers State Beach
Just north of Santa Monica, Will Rogers is mellow, clean, and often less crowded than its more popular neighbors. Great for beginners with lots of sand and space.
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Best for: Learning without distractions
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Watch out for: Limited parking
14. Bay Street (Santa Monica South)
Bay Street is a go-to beginner surf spot in the Santa Monica area, with forgiving waves and tons of surf schools nearby.
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Best for: Group lessons
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Watch out for: Crowded weekends
15. Rat Beach (Palos Verdes Area)
Short for “Right After Torrance,” Rat Beach is more secluded, offering peaceful surf away from the hustle of bigger beaches. On small swells, it’s beginner gold.
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Best for: Solitude and calm practice
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Watch out for: Access can be tricky
16. Mother’s Beach (Marina del Rey for SUP)
While not a traditional surf spot, Mother’s Beach is a calm inlet perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and getting comfortable on a board before paddling out in real surf.
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Best for: Getting used to balance
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Watch out for: No actual waves—ideal for beginners, not surfing practice
Paddle Out with Confidence
Whether you're starting with your very first surfboard or just want to find your rhythm on friendly waves, these beginner surf spots in Los Angeles are your gateway to a lifelong connection with the ocean. Each spot has its own personality—some mellow and quiet, others buzzing with surf culture. The key is to start slow, stay safe, and enjoy the ride.
Grab a soft top, hit the beach early, and remember: every expert surfer was once a beginner, too.
