The 30 Best Surfing Spots in California
California is more than just a place—it’s a state of mind for surfers. With over 800 miles of pristine coastline, year-round swells, and a deep-rooted surf culture, the Golden State is a paradise for every level of surfer. From mellow longboard breaks to heaving reef slabs, this is your ultimate guide to the best surfing in California, featuring 30 iconic surf spots from north to south.
Whether you're a traveling wave hunter or a local looking for your next favorite break, you’ll want the California Surf Map by Sander Maps by your side. It’s the most beautifully designed and comprehensive way to explore the state’s surf breaks—more on that later. But first, let’s dive into the lineup.
Northern California Surf Spots
1. Mavericks – Half Moon Bay
One of the world’s most infamous big wave spots. Mavericks is for the elite only, where waves can reach 60 feet during winter storms. Not for the faint of heart.
2. Ocean Beach – San Francisco
Cold, powerful, and moody. Ocean Beach delivers heavy beach break barrels best suited for advanced surfers.
3. Fort Point – San Francisco
A rare point break underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Best during big NW swells. A unique urban surf experience.
4. Linda Mar – Pacifica
Perfect for beginners and intermediates, this beach break offers forgiving waves and a laid-back vibe.
5. Santa Cruz – Steamer Lane
A cold-water classic. The Lane features a high-performance right-hand reef break and is the beating heart of NorCal surf culture.
6. Pleasure Point – Santa Cruz
A long, peeling right perfect for longboarders and stylish shortboarders alike.
7. Manresa State Beach – Watsonville
Open beach break with consistent surf and plenty of room to spread out.
Central California Surf Spots
8. Morro Rock – Morro Bay
Dramatic scenery and powerful waves near the towering rock make this spot a Central Coast favorite.
9. Pismo Beach
A playful beach break that works well on both north and south swells, perfect for all skill levels.
10. Sandspit – Port San Luis
When it’s on, Sandspit is a rare left-hand barrel machine. Very fickle, but incredible.
11. Rincon – Santa Barbara
The "Queen of the Coast." Rincon is one of California’s longest, most iconic right-hand point breaks.
12. Leadbetter Beach – Santa Barbara
A beginner-friendly break ideal for longboarders and families.
13. El Capitan – Goleta
Another point break gem, El Cap peels for what seems like forever when the winter swells line up.
Southern California Surf Spots
14. Malibu – Surfrider Beach
Possibly the most famous longboard wave in the world. A mellow right-hand point break with historic significance.
15. Topanga – Los Angeles
A versatile right-hand point break that offers rippable walls and hollow sections.
16. Venice Beach
Lively scene, decent beach break, and plenty of characters—classic SoCal energy.
17. El Porto – Manhattan Beach
Consistent and punchy beach break, a favorite of LA locals.
18. Hermosa Beach Pier
A great spot for shortboarders with consistent peaks and a fun community vibe.
19. Zuma Beach – Malibu
Open beach with a wide variety of peaks. Can get heavy on bigger swells.
20. County Line – Malibu/Ventura Border
Laid-back point and beach break combo. Great for all levels and a good place to catch both rights and lefts.
21. Trestles – San Clemente
Home to some of the best performance waves in the U.S. Lower Trestles is world-class, while Uppers and Middles offer options for all levels.
22. San Onofre – Old Man’s
Classic California vibes, with gentle waves and friendly longboarders. A time capsule of surf culture.
23. Salt Creek – Dana Point
Punchy peaks with a reefy feel. Very popular and can get competitive.
24. Laguna Beach – Thalia Street
Great beginner waves and an artistic community vibe.
25. Newport Beach – The Wedge
A mutant shorebreak that’s legendary for its power and danger. Bodyboarders and thrill-seekers only.
26. Huntington Beach – “Surf City USA”
Host of the US Open of Surfing, this pier break offers reliable, high-performance surf.
27. Bolsa Chica State Beach – Huntington
More mellow than the pier, it’s a favorite for longboarders and families.
28. Seal Beach
A hidden gem with fun beach break peaks when the sandbars line up.
29. Oceanside Pier
A great year-round break with multiple peaks and a fun scene.
30. Windansea – La Jolla
Beautiful reef break with local legacy and sharp, powerful waves. Not for beginners.
Why You Need the California Surf Map by Sander Maps
With so many world-class surf spots spread across a vast coastline, navigating California’s surf scene can be overwhelming. That’s where the California Surf Map by Sander Maps comes in. Here's why it's the ultimate guide for any surfer:
🗺️ Comprehensive and Accurate
Every major break, along with dozens of lesser-known gems, is marked with detailed notes on swell direction, ideal tides, and difficulty levels.
🎨 Aesthetic Design
This isn’t your average map. With its hand-drawn coastline and color-coded swell directions, the California Surf Map doubles as wall art. Whether you hang it in your garage, van, or living room, it’s both functional and beautiful.
🧭 Perfect for Planning Surf Trips
Want to find the best point breaks for winter or mellow beach breaks for summer? The map lets you plan your road trip by season, skill level, or style of surfing.
🎁 Makes a Great Gift
For the surfer in your life, this map is the perfect blend of utility and inspiration. It’s as useful for seasoned locals as it is for surf-obsessed tourists.
Find Your Wave
From the frozen giants of Mavericks to the dreamy rights at Malibu, California is a land of endless surf possibilities. Whether you’re charging barrels or just learning to stand up, this list of the best surfing in California has something for everyone.
And if you want to truly experience California’s surf culture—map it out. The California Surf Map by Sander Maps isn’t just a tool; it’s a journey waiting to happen.
