The 7 Best Surf Towns in California
With over 800 miles of coastline facing the Pacific, California has some seriously awesome surf. Just like how every wave is different, no two California surf towns are quite alike.
Some California surf towns like Huntington Beach offer up more of a city vibe, with fun beach bars and seemingly hundreds of surf shops. Others are a little more sleepy and provide a more relaxed, laid-back surf experience.
What all the California surf towns have in common, however, is excellent surf and a thriving surf culture. In this guide, we’re going to cover the 7 best surf towns in California!
In a hurry? Here’s a quick rundown of the 7 best surf towns in California:
1. Santa Cruz– Best surf town in California for nature lovers
2. Huntington Beach– The most lively surf town in California
3. Encinitas- Best surf town in California for warm water surfing
4 San Clemente
5. Malibu
6. Santa Barbara
7. Ventura
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Top 7 surf towns in California
1. Santa Cruz– Best surf town in California for nature lovers
Santa Cruz is widely regarded as one of the best surf towns in California, if not the world. Situated on the central coast of California, Santa Cruz is a small town that punches far above its weight when it comes to surf culture and waves. One of the main reasons why Santa Cruz is so highly regarded as a surf town in California is the quality of the waves that can be found in the area. Steamer Lane, a famous point break that’s been featured in countless surf films and competitions, is a prime example of the kind of waves that Santa Cruz has to offer. The break produces long, peeling waves that are perfect for both longboarders and shortboarders.
In addition to the famous Steamer Lane, there are countless other surf spots in Santa Cruz, including The Hook, Pleasure Point, and Cowell’s, which is one of the best beginner surf spots in California.
Santa Cruz also has a rich surfing history and culture that dates back to the 1950s. Over the years, the town has produced many legendary surfers, including Nat Young, Richard Schmidt, and Peter Mel, who have helped to shape the sport.
If you take a walk through Capitola, or downtown Santa Cruz, you’ll find tons of surf shops where you can buy new surfboards, wetsuits, or any other surfing gear you need. Santa Cruz is one of my favorite places in California to shop for wetsuits, because there are so many options available, especially for women!
In addition to the surf culture, Santa Cruz has a beautiful setting that’s perfect for surfers and non-surfers alike. The town is surrounded by redwood forests, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean, making it a picturesque place to visit. The town’s lively downtown area is also home to many shops, restaurants, and bars, making it an enjoyable place to explore both in and out of the water.
In the past, Santa Cruz has garnered quite a reputation for brutal localism. Luckily, I’ve never experienced this while surfing in Santa Cruz. It is good to be aware of it though, and be respectful to the locals and your fellow surfers!
Overall, if you’re looking for a California surf town with a laid-back vibe and gorgeous natural setting- you’ll love Santa Cruz.
2. Huntington Beach- The most lively surf town in California
Nicknamed “Surf City USA”, the fun, beautiful, and sometimes rowdy Huntington Beach is another of the best surf towns in California. Huntington Beach is located in Orange County, right between Long Beach and Laguna Beach.
While most of the crowds head right to the pier, Huntington Beach boasts about 8.5 miles of coastline, and you can surf just about any part of it! The pier tends to get a little crazy, with drop-ins galore, so if that’s not your thing I recommend picking one of the other excellent little peaks you see along the beach. You can also head over to Bolsa Chica State Beach to surf, which also has some great surf and a more mellow vibe than The Pier.
In addition to the great surf, Huntington Beach has a thriving surf culture that celebrates the sport. The town is home to the U.S. Open of Surfing, one of the largest surf contests in the world, which draws surfers and spectators from all over the globe. Huntington Beach is also home to several surf schools, surf shops, and surfboard shapers, making it a hub for surfers who want to get the latest gear or hone their skills. The downtown area right next to the pier has TONS of surf shops, and you can find just about anything you need. I love shopping here because there are tons of great sales at the booths in front of the surf shops- it’s a great place to find gifts for your fellow surfers!
Overall, Huntington Beach’s combination of great waves, surf culture, and beautiful setting make it one of the best surf towns in California. If you’re looking for a California surf town with world class waves, tons of bars, restaurants, and shops, and a vibrant atmosphere, you’ll love Huntington Beach.
3. Encinitas- Best surf town in California for warm water surfing
Encinitas, California, is one of the best surf towns in the state. The town has a long-standing reputation as a surfer’s paradise, and for good reason. Encinitas boasts some of the best waves in the state, including Swami’s, a legendary right-hand point break that offers long rides and clean waves, and Moonlight Beach, a great spot for beginners and longboarders.
Encinitas also has a vibrant surf culture, with a strong community of surfers and a number of surf schools, surf shops, and surfboard shapers in the area. The town is home to several surf-related events throughout the year, including the Switchfoot Bro-Am, a charity surf contest that features both professional surfers and musicians.
Overall, Encinitas is a top surf destination in California, with world-class waves, a lively surf culture, and a beautiful coastal setting that makes it a must-visit for surfers of all levels.
4. Malibu
Malibu is undoubtedly one of the best surf towns in California, thanks to its perfect mix of consistent waves, beautiful beaches, and a rich surf culture. The town is situated on the Pacific Coast Highway and boasts some of the best surf breaks in the state, including First Point (Malibu), which is a world-famous, right hand point break that produces long, peeling waves that are perfect for longboarders. Other popular surf spots in the area include Zuma Beach, which has a variety of waves for all skill levels, and Topanga State Beach, which can offer up almost ¼ mile long rides.
In addition to the great surf, Malibu has a long and storied surf history that dates back to the 1950s. The town is home to several legendary surfers, including Miki Dora and Lance Carson, who helped to shape the sport. Malibu is also home to several surf shops and surfboard shapers, making it a hub for surfers who want to get the latest gear or customize their boards.
Overall, Malibu’s combination of world-class waves, rich surf culture, and iconic location right off the PCH make it one of the best surf towns in California, and a must-visit destination for any surfer.
5. Santa Barbara
Home to movie stars, gorgeous Spanish-revival architecture, and miles of beautiful coastline- Santa Barbara is one of the best surf towns in California.
Having gone to college at UCSB, the surf in Santa Barbara holds a special place in my heart. The surf breaks around UCSB offer fun waves for both shortboarding and longboarding, and you also can’t miss surfing further south at Rincon, the “Jewel of the Pacific”.
In addition to excellent surf, Santa Barbara also has a fun downtown area, with tons of great stores, surf shops, breweries, bars, and restaurants to explore. If you’re looking for a new surfboard without breaking the budget, you can check out the Channel Island Surfboards Flagship store, where you can take your pick of affordable surfboards on consignment.
If you are planning a surf trip to Santa Barbara, it’s best not to come in the summer. During the summer months, Santa Barbara is almost always flat, thanks to the Channel Islands blocking all the south swell. The surf is excellent the rest of the year.
6. San Clemente
With some of the best waves in the world, San Clemente definitely makes the list as one of the best surf towns in California. In the southern part of San Clemente you’ll find Trestles, which is widely considered to be one of the best waves in the world. The break produces long, fast, and powerful waves that are perfect for experienced surfers. The waves at Trestles are essentially perfect, and about as close to surfing in a wave pool as California surf spots get! It’s by no means a secret spot- on any given day, expect to find tons of surfers in the water, and likely even a few professionals.
If Trestles sounds a bit too intense, simply head a little further south to San Onofre State Beach. San Onofre has some of the best longboarding waves in California, and is the perfect place to find long, fun, cruisy rides.
Overall, San Clemente’s combination of world-class waves, rich surf culture, and beautiful setting make it one of the best surf towns in California. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or just starting out, you’ll love the surf in San Clemente.
7. Ventura
Ventura is not just a surf town—it’s a beach town! Almost everything in Ventura centers around its coastline. The county fair is beachside, there is ample free parking for beaches, and you can find seaside activities for everyone in your family. There are even some beaches that are dog-friendly!
Again, there is a beach for everyone in Ventura, CA. However, if you’re looking to surf, check out C-Street, Ventura Harbor Jetty, or Emma Woods State Beach.
And for people who can’t get enough of the ocean, Ventura’s many seafood restaurants have you covered. If you came with your family, there are plenty of things to do at Ventura Harbor. Or you can enjoy downtown Ventura’s impressive art scene with the other surfers. It’s one of the best surf towns in California.
Wrapping up the 7 best surf towns in California
If you’re planning on surfing in California– you’re in for a treat. From easy, cruisy longboard waves to steep, fast, near-perfect tubes- California has a plethora of surf breaks that cater to all skill levels. Each surf town has its unique features, but they all share the laid-back California vibe and deep love for the ocean. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting, these towns offer an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the surfing culture, soak up the sun, and have an unforgettable time by the ocean.
