Updated 8.4.26
I’ve chased waves up and down the US coasts for years, and people are always surprised when I tell them some of the best surf of my life has been right here at home—no passport required. I’ve paddled out at every beach on this list, from the dreamy longboard peelers of Malibu to the cold-water perfection of Santa Cruz, the warm rollers of Waikiki, and the hurricane swells that light up the Atlantic in the fall. Each one has its own personality, its own crowd, and its own kind of magic.
So I’ve rounded up my ten favorite surf beaches in the country—the best breaks at each, when to go, what to expect once you’re in the water, and where to book a lesson with a local instructor if you’re just getting your feet under you. Grab your board (or rent one when you land), and let’s find your next wave.
Malibu, CA
Malibu may be the most iconic surf town in the US, with some of the best waves in the world. Think the surfing film Gidget, gorgeous sunsets, perfect peelers, and Hollywood hangouts. You may encounter some localism here–an unwelcoming vibe from locals and territorialism over waves–but it’s worth enduring to surf some of the dreamiest longboard peelers on the mainland.
Best Season: Fall and winter see the biggest swells. Summer is good for beginners.
Skill Level: Beginner to expert, depending on the break and the conditions.
| PROS | CONS |
| Dreamy, consistent waves | Crowds |
| Relatively warm water | Localism |
| Beginner-friendly | |
| Easy to get to (45 mins from LAX airport) |
Best Places to Surf
Surfrider Beach – This is the iconic Malibu right point break where Gidget and her friends used to surf. On a south swell it fires perfect, long, powerful-yet-chill peelers. This is one of the premiere longboarding spots in the US.
Latigo Beach – Latigo is a hidden gem. It’s not quite as epic as Surfrider, but it’s a similar wave with a fraction of the crowd. Be sure to park on the Pacific Coast Highway! You’ll get ticketed if you park on Latigo Shore Drive.
Staircases – This is a bit of a secret spot, and it’s a great place to go to get away from the crowds. Staircases is at the northernmost end of Leo Carrillo State Beach.
County Line – County Line Beach lies at the north end of Malibu, on the dividing line between LA and Ventura Counties. It features fun, peaky, intermediate-friendly waves. You can usually catch something here, even when there isn’t a swell. County Line gets crowded when it’s good.
Where to Book
On TripOutside, you can find vetted local Malibu instructors who know these breaks intimately. Options range from private 1.5-hour lessons for groups of 1–8 (kid-friendly and beginner-friendly) to 1-on-1 sessions with longtime Malibu locals, available for everyone from advanced beginners to intermediate surfers dialing in their technique. Most lessons run about two hours and you’re booking straight with the outfitter – no markup, plus every booking helps fund conservation.
👉 Browse Malibu surf lessons on TripOutside
Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz is arguably the best place to surf in Northern California, and one of the best places to surf in the world. The water’s cold, for sure, but there are tons of breaks for all levels–from very beginner to extreme expert.
Best Season: Fall and winter see the biggest swells. Spring and summer are better for beginners and intermediates.
Skill Level: Beginner to expert, depending on the break and the conditions.
| PROS | CONS |
| Dreamy, consistent waves | Cold water |
| Breaks for all skill levels | Crowds |
| Rad town | Sharky |
Must-Surf Spots
Cowell’s – If you’re new to surfing, or love a chill longboarding session, Cowell’s is your place! It’s a slow, gentle wave that’s surfable for all levels.
Pleasure Point – You’ll find fun, long rollers at this magical and consistent point break. The crowds can get thick at this famous surf spot, but it’s a roomy break.
Four Mile – Just north of Santa Cruz and protected from the wind, this is a favorite all-around spot in the area. Four Mile gets the big swells and barrels but is relatively intermediate-friendly on smaller days.
The Hook – Just south of Pleasure Point, the Hook is a fast, right point break that barrels when it’s big.
Where to Book
Book directly with local Santa Cruz instructors who teach at Pleasure Point on TripOutside. All of our vetted surf instructors are top-rated and locally owned, and lessons are great for kids and beginners. Choose from private lessons for groups, couples and individuals. Every lesson runs about two hours, and you book straight with the outfitter so you get the best deal.
👉 Browse Santa Cruz surf lessons on TripOutside
Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara is a surfer’s paradise, and one of the best surfing beaches in California. This upscale college town features tons of breaks for various skill levels, and the water is a lot warmer than NorCal!
Best Season: Fall and winter see the biggest swells. Summer is good for beginners.
Skill Level: Beginner to expert, depending on the break and the conditions.
| PROS | CONS |
| Dreamy, consistent waves | Crowds |
| Relatively warm water | |
| Beginner friendly | |
| Rad town |
Best Surfing Beaches
Leadbetter Beach – If you’re a beginner, start here! This is your ticket to fun, forgiving waves.
Campus Point – Get out there with the UCSB college kids! This beach break is usually a chill, beginner spot, but it really picks up with winter swells.
Rincon – West swells produce long, dreamy rides at this world-class right point break. This spot is best suited for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Where to Book
We’ve handpicked some of Santa Barbara’s best local surf schools, so you can compare vetted instructors side by side and book in one place. Choose from group and private lessons for all levels, half- or full-day drop-in surf camps, and even a week-long half-day camp. Most sessions run about two hours, and every one comes with free cancellation—so you can lock in a spot now and adjust if the swell or your schedule shifts.
👉 Browse Santa Barbara surf lessons on TripOutside
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
A list of best surf spots wouldn’t be complete without Honolulu, surfing’s birthplace. People live and breathe surfing in this top surf destination, and there are many chill beginner spots here.
Best Season: Late fall through spring shows the biggest swells. Summer through mid-fall is best for beginners.
Skill Level: Beginner to expert, depending on the break and the conditions.
| PROS | CONS |
| Dreamy, consistent waves | Crowds |
| Warm water all year | Localism at some spots |
| Beginner-friendly, especially Waikiki | Far, if you live on the mainland |
Best Places to Surf
Waikiki Beach – This famous surf spot has slow gentle peelers, panoramic views, and turquoise waters. This spot is laid back enough for the most cautious beginners.
Tonggs Beach – If you’re looking for lefts and a lighter crowd, check out Tonggs!
Ala Moana Bowls – A fun bowl with great lefts and rights. Suitable for beginners on a small swell.
Where to Book
- Ohana Surf Project – Book a private, family, or group lesson and learn right at Waikiki Beach.
- Surf HNL – Interested in avoiding the Waikiki crowds? Book a surf lesson with Surf HNL. They’ll take you to a more secluded beach in Honolulu and have you standing in no time.
Maui, HI
Maui has some fantastic waves, especially for beginners. The town of Pa’ia is a quaint, quintessential hippie surf town on the northeast coast of Maui. Skip touristy Lahaina and make Pa’ia the home base for your Maui surf trip.
Best Season: Late fall to early spring see the biggest swells and best surfing waves. Summer is best for beginners.
Skill Level: Beginner to expert, depending on the break and the conditions.
| PROS | CONS |
| Dreamy waves | Crowds |
| Warm water all year | Localism |
| Rad town | Can be windy |
| Also great for snorkeling and paddling | Far, if you live on the mainland |
Must-Surf Spots
Thousand Peaks – Drive 30 minutes from Paia, to the west shore of Maui, and you’ll encounter many beginner-friendly spots. Thousand Peaks, at Ukumehame Beach Park, is glorious. The break features a long, luxurious paddle out, tons of right and left peaks, and chill, peeling longboard waves.
Paia Bay – A fun beach break that works best in the winter.
Ho’okipa – A barreling right break, for experienced surfers only! This is where the pros go.
Where to Book
Maui has a variety of top-rated surf lessons, mostly on the West side of the island on Kihei’s gentle south shore as well as in Lahaina and Kāʻanapali. Whether you want a one-time group lesson, 1-on-1 coaching, or a multi-day progression course, our vetted local outfitters cover every skill level and age. Families are especially well served here – starting from toddlers to dedicated kids’ surf camps, as well as beginner group lessons. Most lessons run around two hours, with multi-day camps for real progression.
👉 Browse Maui surf lessons on TripOutside
Rye, New Hampshire
Don’t let the size of New Hampshire’s coastline fool you—all 18 miles of it pack a surprisingly good surf scene, and Rye is its heart. I love this stretch for its uncrowded off-season lineups and that classic, salty New England charm, though you’ll want a good wetsuit for most of the year and a high tolerance for summer mosquitoes.
Best Season: Fall through early spring gets the biggest swells. Summer is best for beginners, because the water is warm and the waves are usually small.
Skill Level: Beginner to advanced, depending on the conditions.
| PROS | CONS |
| Uncrowded in the off-season | Crowded in the summer |
| Warmish water in the summer | Frigid in the winter |
| New England charm | Waves aren’t the most consistent |
| Mosquitos bite like hell |
Must-Surf Spots
Jenness State Beach – A fun beach break that works best in winter but is great for beginners in summer.
Rye on the Rocks – A left hand reef break with fairly consistent surf.
Where to Book
New Hampshire’s short stretch of coast has a tight-knit surf community, and there’s no better entry point than a lesson with a shop that’s woven into it. Just down the coast in Hampton, you’ll find seasonal surf camps at North Beach for just about everyone—adults, kids, and a dedicated ladies’ camp—plus private 1-on-1 and small-group lessons through the summer season. Booking with these locally owned outfitters means your session supports the people who actually keep the Seacoast surf scene alive.
👉 Browse Hampton & Rye surf lessons on TripOutside
Manasquan, NJ
New Jersey beaches get a bad rap. (Thanks, Jersey Shore!) But there are some surf gems along NJ’s 130 miles of coastline, like Manasquan and nearby Belmar.
Best Season: Fall is the best season for swells, water temperature, and thinner crowds. (Think hurricane season.) Winter brings big swells, but the water is frigid. Summer is good for beginners because the water is warm and the waves are usually small but fun.
*Note: Surfing a hurricane swell can be tricky. Sometimes you’ll find the best surf before a hurricane, sometimes you’ll find the best surf afterwards, and sometimes a hurricane will produce surf that’s too crazy and dangerous to surf at all. Know your limits and err on the side of caution if the conditions seem to be beyond your ability.
Skill Level: Beginner to advanced, depending on the conditions.
| PROS | CONS |
| Uncrowded in the off-season | Crowded in the summer |
| Warm water in summer | Frigid in the winter |
| One of the best spots on the East Coast | Waves aren’t the most consistent |
Best Surfing Spots
Manasquan Inlet – Arguably one of the best waves on the East Coast, the Inlet can produce steep, long rides and can handle big swells.
16th Ave, Belmar – 16th Ave in Belmar is a good all-around spot. It breaks fairly well on all swells and barrels when it’s big.
Where to Book
When the Jersey Shore starts firing, you’ll want to be ready to paddle out with someone who knows the local sandbars. On TripOutside, you can book directly with Summertime Surf School, a local Belmar outfitter offering both group lessons and private one-on-one instruction for surfers ready to catch their first waves or sharpen up. Booking is quick and goes straight to the outfitter, so you lock in your spot and get their best price with no markup in between.
👉 Browse Belmar surf lessons on TripOutside
Wrightsville Beach, NC
Enjoy fun, friendly Atlantic surf in this lovely college town in North Carolina. While the west coast and Hawaii see more consistent swells with longer rides, if you hit Wrightsville when the water’s warm and the surf is up, you’ll have a blast.
Best Season: Fall is the best season for swells, as it’s hurricane season. Winter brings big swells, but the water is cold. Summer is good for beginners because the water is warm and the waves are usually small but fun.
Skill Level: Beginner to advanced, depending on the conditions.
| PROS | CONS |
| Less crowded in the off-season | Can get crowded in the summer |
| Warm water in summer | Waves aren’t the most consistent |
| Rad town | |
| Easy to get to (20 mins from Wrightsville International Airport) |
Best Places to Surf
Crystal Pier – An approachable beginner spot where you can find rideable waves on any swell.
C Street – Fun beach break for beginner to advanced surfers, depending on the conditions. When it’s small, take out your longboard. When it’s big, you might score some hollow ones.
Where to Book
Whether you’re chasing your first wave or learning new skills as an intermediate, our Wrightsville Beach handpicked surf instructors have a lesson for you. Our partners here lean toward private, personalized coaching, offering 1-on-1 lessons for beginners, private intermediate sessions for surfers ready to improve, and a five-day kids’ summer camp for the littles. Lessons run around 1.5 hours, so it’s easy to fit one into a beach day, and the small-group, one-on-one format means more time actually up and riding.
👉 Browse Wrightsville Beach surf lessons on TripOutside
Folly Beach, SC
This chill surf town is 20 minutes south of Charleston, making Folly Beach an awesome place for a surfing and culture trip. While the west coast and Hawaii see more consistent swells with longer rides, if you hit Folly Beach on a hurricane swell, you won’t be disappointed. If you are in the Southeast, Folly Beach is one of the best surf beaches in the area.
Best Season: Fall is the best season for swells, as it’s hurricane season. Winter brings big swells, but the water is cold. Summer is good for beginners, but it’s crowded.
Skill Level: Beginner to advanced, depending on the conditions.
| PROS | CONS |
| Uncrowded in the off-season | Crowded in the summer |
| Warm water | Waves aren’t the most consistent |
| Beginner-friendly | |
| Close to Charleston, a rad city | |
| Easy to get to (35 mins from Charleston International Airport) |
Must-Surf Spots
Folly Beach Pier – Breaks left and right on all swells.
10th Street – Solid beach break.
The Washout – Considered the best, and also the most crowded, break in Folly Beach.
Where to Book
In Folly Beach, you can book a two-hour surfing lesson with Sol Surfers to catch your first waves, or sign the kids up for a five-day summer surf camp. Because class sizes stay small, you get real coaching time and plenty of attention in the water—whether you’re a first-timer or have a young one building confidence on the board.
👉 Browse Folly Beach surf lessons on TripOutside
New Smyrna Beach, FL
New Smyrna Beach may have the most consistent waves in Florida, making it one of the top surf spots in the state. Combine that with warm water, good vibes, and fresh fish, and it’s hard to argue with a trip to NSB.
Best Season: Fall and winter bring the biggest swells, but it’s surfable all year.
Skill Level: Intermediate to expert, depending on the conditions.
| PROS | CONS |
| Consistent surf | Crowded |
| Warm water | Cars on the beach |
| Also great for kayaking & SUP | Localism |
| Sharks |
Must-Surf Spots
New Smyrna Beach Inlet – With fun, consistent, and sizable waves for Florida, the Inlet is arguably the best surf spot in the state. But this place can be a bit intimidating for beginners and outsiders, as there are locals out here who try to run the scene.
Ponce Inlet – For slightly slimmer crowds, and slightly smaller waves, head to Ponce. The waves here are fun, consistent and beginner-to-intermediate friendly. A big swell can make it super fun for the most experienced surfers, too.
Where to Book
New Smyrna’s waves reward a little local know-how, so it’s worth learning from someone who surfs them daily. On TripOutside, you can book directly with vetted local instructors like Jimmy Lane Surfing Academy, an NSB favorite led by experienced local coaches—who’ll match a lesson to your level and get you comfortable in New Smyrna’s consistent beach breaks. Book direct for the best price and flexibility, and feel good knowing every booking helps fund the conservation work that keeps these coastlines wild.
👉 Browse New Smyrna Beach surf lessons on TripOutside
Summary – Best Surfing Beaches in U.S.
From the dreamy longboard peelers of Malibu to the barrels of the East Coast, the US coastline serves up world-class surf for every skill level and every season. Wherever you decide to paddle out, the fastest way to progress is a few hours with someone who knows the break – and every surf lesson on this list is with a local instructor we’ve handpicked and vetted ourselves, bookable directly so more of your money stays with the people teaching you and the coastlines you’re surfing. So wax up, pick your beach, and go chase some waves.
