The 15 Best Surfing Spots in Northern California
When people think of California surf, the golden beaches of Malibu or Huntington often come to mind first. But head north, and you’ll find a different world — colder, moodier, more rugged, and wildly rewarding. The best surfing in Northern California isn’t just about catching waves; it’s about immersing yourself in raw coastal beauty, solitude, and some of the most powerful swells on the West Coast.
Whether you're an experienced surfer chasing barrels or a stoked beginner looking to learn, Northern California has something for everyone. Here are 15 of the best surf spots in Northern California that prove just how underrated NorCal’s coastline really is.
1. Mavericks – Half Moon Bay
Let’s start with the legend. Mavericks is not just one of the best waves in NorCal—it’s one of the most iconic big-wave spots in the world. When winter swells hit just right, this reef break can deliver monsters up to 60 feet tall. Strictly for experts (and even they wipe out hard), but an awe-inspiring place to watch the ocean’s raw power.
Best For: Big wave experts and spectators
Best Season: Winter
Wave Type: Right-hand reef break
2. Ocean Beach – San Francisco
Ocean Beach offers heavy, consistent beach break peaks over a long stretch of coast. It’s a powerful wave that shifts often and punishes mistakes, but on the right day, it’s world-class.
Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers
Best Season: Fall to early winter
Wave Type: Beach break
3. Linda Mar – Pacifica
If you’re new to NorCal surfing, Linda Mar Beach is your entry point. It’s beginner-friendly (most of the time), easily accessible, and has a friendly local scene.
Best For: Beginners and longboarders
Best Season: Year-round
Wave Type: Beach break
4. Fort Point – San Francisco
Nestled under the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point is as picturesque as it is rare. This left-hand point break only comes alive a few times a year, but when it does, it’s glassy and beautiful.
Best For: Advanced surfers (due to tricky takeoffs and rocky setup)
Best Season: Winter
Wave Type: Left-hand point break
5. The Hook – Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a mecca for NorCal surf, and The Hook is one of its staples. This right-hand point break is great for logging and has a strong local vibe.
Best For: Longboarders and intermediates
Best Season: Fall and winter
Wave Type: Right-hand point break
6. Steamer Lane – Santa Cruz
Another Santa Cruz classic, Steamer Lane is as consistent as it is iconic. There are several takeoff zones catering to various skill levels, but it’s generally for the experienced.
Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers
Best Season: Fall through spring
Wave Type: Point/reef break
7. Pleasure Point – Santa Cruz
A dreamy right-hand point break that offers everything from mellow rides for longboarders to punchier inside sections for shortboarders. It’s community surf at its finest.
Best For: All levels
Best Season: Fall to spring
Wave Type: Right-hand point break
8. Salmon Creek – Sonoma Coast
Remote and wild, Salmon Creek offers some of the best beach break in Sonoma County. But with that comes cold water, sharks, and strong rips. Be respectful and alert.
Best For: Experienced surfers
Best Season: Winter
Wave Type: Beach break
9. Dillon Beach – Marin County
Tucked into a scenic part of Marin, Dillon Beach is mellow, consistent, and a great alternative to more crowded spots. Perfect for learners when conditions line up.
Best For: Beginners to intermediate surfers
Best Season: Fall to spring
Wave Type: Beach break
10. Bolinas – Marin County
This charming little town has a user-friendly wave that’s perfect for beginners, but conditions can shift fast. The left point by the jetty offers a longer ride when it works.
Best For: Beginners and longboarders
Best Season: Fall
Wave Type: Left-hand point/jetty break
11. Stinson Beach – Marin County
Stinson Beach has a long stretch of sand that offers fun, punchy beach break peaks. It’s great for a day trip from the city and often uncrowded on weekdays.
Best For: All levels
Best Season: Fall
Wave Type: Beach break
12. Montara State Beach – San Mateo County
This beach has raw energy—steep takeoffs, heavy water, and strong currents. When it’s working, Montara delivers serious power.
Best For: Advanced surfers
Best Season: Winter
Wave Type: Beach break
13. Rockaway Beach – Pacifica
Smaller and sometimes overshadowed by nearby Linda Mar, Rockaway Beach is underrated. It can offer clean, powerful waves during the right tide and swell window.
Best For: Intermediate surfers
Best Season: Fall and winter
Wave Type: Beach break
14. Waddell Creek – North of Santa Cruz
North of Santa Cruz, Waddell Creek sits near the edge of Big Basin. It’s exposed and can handle a lot of swell, offering fast beach and point break options.
Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers
Best Season: Winter
Wave Type: Point and beach break combo
15. Pismo Beach – Central-Northern Transition
Technically the start of Central California, but often grouped with NorCal spots due to the colder water and moodier climate. Pismo offers easy waves for beginners and plenty of room to spread out.
Best For: Beginners to intermediate
Best Season: Fall
Wave Type: Beach break
The best surfing in Northern California isn’t always easy—but that’s part of what makes it special. The water’s colder, the waves are wilder, and the vibe is a little grittier than down south. But for those who make the trip (or live there year-round), it’s paradise in its own moody, fog-shrouded way.
From legendary big waves to beginner-friendly beach breaks, Northern California offers a unique and unforgettable surf experience. So grab your hood, wax up your board, and point your car north—the next great session is out there.
In a place as rugged and unpredictable as Northern California, having a detailed surf map isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. With shifting sandbars, hidden reefs, remote access points, and a coastline that stretches hundreds of miles, a surf-specific map helps you make sense of it all. Whether you’re chasing the perfect swell window at Mavericks or looking for a quiet corner near Bolinas, a good map doesn’t just show you where to go—it tells the story of the coast. Artistic surf maps, like those from Sander Maps, not only serve as navigational tools but also act as visual tributes to the cold, wild beauty of the NorCal surf scene. For locals and travelers alike, having a map of your favorite breaks isn’t just smart—it’s part of the experience.
