The 10 Best Surfing Beaches in the US

I got hooked on surfing when I was 13. I took a lesson on the Jersey Shore and quickly fell in love once I popped up on my foam rental board.  Since then, I’ve lived in and scoped out the best places to surf in Malibu and the Bay Area and have traveled around the country in search of the best surfing spots – from Maui to Washington to Florida. 

I feel lucky to live in a country with some of the best surf spots in the world! 

Here’s my roundup of the 10 best surfing beaches in the US!

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

• Adventures in Malibu – Book a surf lesson with Jason Rogland, a professional surfer with over 15 years of teaching experience! Cost: Group lessons start at $90.
• Traveler – If you’re an experienced surfer looking to rent a sweet board, check out Traveler’s demo boards. The shop is across the street from Surfrider Beach. A $20 day pass to Traveler’s surf club gets you access to their hot outdoor shower, a restroom, a locker, and WiFi. Cost: $60/day for board demo.
• Malibu Surf Shack – Looking to grab a board for the day? Check out Malibu Surf Shack. They’re next door to Traveler and rent soft top boards, which are great for beginners, as well as epoxy and fiberglass boards. Cost: Surfboard rentals starting at $30/day; wetsuit rentals are $10/day with a board.

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.

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 

• Adventure Out – If you’re new to surfing, we definitely recommend booking a lesson! Taking a board out on your own with little experience can be dangerous, especially in the Bay Area. The surf instructors at Adventure Out are professional outdoor guides and are lifeguard and first-aid certified. They’ll get you out there catching waves in no time! Cost: $109 for a 3-hr lesson
• Traveler – If you’re an experienced surfer looking to rent a sweet board, check out Traveler’s demo boards. The shop’s just a few blocks away from Pleasure Point and The Hook. Plus, a $20 day pass to Traveler surf club gets you access to their hot outdoor shower, a restroom, a locker, and WiFi. Cost: $60/day for board demo.

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

• iSurf – Book a private or group lesson with iSurf’s professional instructors. Cost: Group lessons start at $115.

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 at Waikiki Beach. Cost: Group lessons start at $95.
• Surf HNL – Interested in avoiding the Waikiki crowds? Book a surf lesson with Surf HNL. They’ll take you to a secluded beach in Honolulu and have you standing in no time. Cost: Group lessons start at $109.

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

• Book private or group lessons starting at $75 at the top surfing schools in Maui.  Learn to surf on Maui’s gentle rolling waves!

Rye, New Hampshire

When you think of New Hampshire, surfing probably doesn’t come to mind. But Rye is an idyllic spot for a surf trip, especially in summer or fall.  It’s also one of the best surf beaches on the East Coast.

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

• Cinnamon Rainbows – Book a private or group lesson, or rent gear at this classic Hampton surf shop. Cost: Semi-private lessons start at $55; board rentals start at $25.
• Summer Sessions – Book a private or semi-private lesson with Summer Sessions. You’ll meet your instructor at Jenness State Beach. Cost: Semi-private lessons start at $55.

Manasquan, NJ