Surf Spots

Indian Beach

Oregon, United States

Indian Beach is a sand and cobble beach break north of Cannon Beach that works in both winter and summer. The waves peel as consistent left and right breaks over a sandy bottom interspersed with rocks; they tend to be mellow and approachable for beginners, though strong swells can provide shape suitable for intermediate surfers. The break responds best to southwest-directed swells combined with offshore winds from the east, with peak performance typically occurring around rising mid-tide. Winter months, particularly January, deliver the most reliable swell and clean conditions. The beach lies within Ecola State Park beneath a striking headland of basalt formations and sea stacks. Winter storms and high tides periodically scour away sand layers, exposing rocks and creating a rougher paddle-out environment. Rips can form depending on conditions and the tidal cycle. The relatively sheltered exposure of the beach means you can find rideable waves during marginal periods. Indian Beach is the only beach within Ecola State Park accessible directly by car, with parking available via the main access road. The location sits roughly 4 miles north of Cannon Beach proper and about 10 miles south of Seaside. Access requires an Oregon State Park pass.

Indian River Inlet

North East, Virginia, United States

The break at Indian River Inlet forms off a jetty with rock and sand bottom, producing right-hand peeling waves that respond strongly to southeast swell. The inlet becomes an intense shorebreak where waves steepen abruptly off the rock wall into a sudden takeoff in ankle-to-shin-deep water, making the initial drop particularly demanding and creating a high risk of neck and back injuries. The spot works best with northeast-to-southeast swell between 4 to 8 feet, offshore winds from the west-southwest, and low-to-mid tide conditions, though it can hold size when other nearby breaks are maxed out. It is only suitable for intermediate and experienced surfers. Autumn brings the most consistent swells to Indian River Inlet. The spot has been surfed for decades and is one of the few designated surfing areas in Delaware where waves develop regularly enough to attract a dedicated crowd. The break draws busy lineups, particularly during prime conditions, with a reserved atmosphere among locals. Access is via Delaware Seashore State Park, with parking at the marina side near the metal bridge or across from Bubble Gum Beach. The area has experienced ongoing erosion and debris issues—rusted metal, rebar, and concrete chunks from deteriorating structures line the jetty and wash onto the beach. The north side parking area serves construction equipment from dawn until 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, affecting availability during those hours.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Indian Rocks Beach

Gulf Coast, Florida, United States

Indian Rocks Beach is a sandy beach break facing the Gulf that typically produces small, punchy waves ranging from 2 to 6 feet depending on season and swell direction. The break is strongest during winter and especially when northern or northwestern swell combines with easterly offshore wind, which occurs primarily during the colder months from fall through spring. Waves here hollow out and dump steeply on the shore, making them harder to read than the modest size might suggest—the sharp, abrupt breaking pattern creates a steeper learning curve than access and exposed location would imply. Mid to high tides provide the best water depth. Rip currents pose a notable hazard, particularly around sandbar channels and during larger swell events, and can accelerate to 8 feet per second. The seafloor is continually shifting, and conditions change noticeably with the migration of sandbars. Indian Rocks has produced two significant competitive surfers: Shea Lopez, who won the U.S. Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach and claimed the national juniors championship, and his younger brother Cory Lopez, who became a three-time X Games gold medalist and competed for 12 years on the professional World Championship Tour alongside athletes like Kelly Slater and Andy Irons. Both grew up surfing this beach from childhood, introduced to the water by their father. The spot has been part of the fabric of competitive East Coast surfing for decades, though it remains a local rather than nationally recognized destination. Access is straightforward with 17 public access points scattered along the beach, most free to park between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. The primary surf zone centers on Central Avenue. The 18th Avenue Park has more developed facilities including showers and restrooms but offers limited metered parking. The beach serves families and swimmers year-round alongside surfers, reflecting its reputation as accessible and uncrowded despite the challenging nature of the wave itself.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Jack's

Santa Cruz, United States

Jack's is a right-hand reef break with an occasional left, breaking over rock and sand. It works best on south to west-southwest swell with offshore winds from the west and north, particularly northwest. The break is tide-sensitive, performing best at low to mid tide, and typically offers rideable waves between two and ten feet. It accepts a wide range of board types and remains one of Santa Cruz's most beginner-friendly breaks. The main hazard is rocks and boulders exposed during periods of low sand, which can make entry and exit treacherous and narrow the surfing window to specific tidal windows. Jack's bears the name of Jack O'Neill, the Santa Cruz surf legend and inventor of the neoprene wetsuit. O'Neill opened the first retail shop in the United States to call itself a "Surf Shop" in Santa Cruz in 1959, fundamentally changing how surfers equipped themselves for cold water. The break was formerly known as 38th Avenue and was renamed after O'Neill's iconic green house near that location. The original Surf Shop site was designated a California Point of Historical Interest in 2012, reflecting O'Neill's outsized influence on modern surfing globally. Access is via public stairs at 38th Avenue within the Pleasure Point area. A public parking lot sits at 41st Avenue on East Cliff Drive, with side-street parking typically restricted to permit holders on weekends. During periods of significant beach sand erosion, navigating the boulder field at the bottom of the stairs becomes difficult.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Jalama

North Santa Barbara County, United States

Jalama is primarily a beach break that faces southwest, responding well to south and southwest swells with offshore northeast winds. The ideal window occurs at medium to high tide. The spot has a secondary left-hand reef break called Tarantulas to the south, which holds significantly larger waves and requires stronger swell and greater experience. The beach break produces both left and right waves and can accommodate a range of sizes, though the entire area is prone to powerful, chaotic conditions and afternoon wind—it's best surfed at dawn. Rips are a consistent hazard, and the exposure means swell direction matters less than at many California breaks. Water temperature hovers in the low to mid-50s, requiring a thick wetsuit year-round. The spot has a reputation for shark activity. The surrounding area offers minimal emergency services; Jalama is remote and serious sessions demand self-sufficiency and awareness of your skill level. Jalama Beach County Park sits at the mouth of Jalama Creek roughly 20 miles southwest of Lompoc, accessible via a winding 14-mile road off Highway 1. The park operates year-round with over 100 campsites (both tent and hook-up), cabins, and a grill serving as base camp for multi-day sessions. Best swell window appears to be autumn and February.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Jamaica Beach

Gulf Coast, Texas, United States

Jamaica Beach is a sandy beach break near Galveston, Texas, suitable for beginners. It works at all tide levels and accepts swell from both directions, with the best swell arriving from the southeast under northwesterly winds. Watch for rip currents and undertow, and note that there are no lifeguards on duty.

Jaws

Maui County, United States

Jaws is a deep-water reef break that generates barreling right-hand waves typically between 30 and 80 feet tall during the biggest winter swells. The spot only comes alive during substantial north-northeast swell combined with southeast wind, making December the most consistent window. Paddling into Jaws is impossible due to the wave's immense speed and size, so all surfing relies on tow-in techniques where jet skis or helicopters pull riders into position. The fast-moving walls and strong offshore winds create dangerous conditions that demand expert technique and constant vigilance against the rocky cliffs marking the break's shallow edge. Jaws entered the surfing lexicon in 1975 when a trio of local surfers named it after the blockbuster shark film, drawn by the wave's predatory character. The spot gained worldwide prominence in the 1990s when Laird Hamilton and his crew pioneered modern tow-in surfing there, transforming how big-wave riding could be attempted. The break has since hosted various milestones: Mark Visser became the first to ride it under moonlight in 2011 using specially illuminated equipment, and the World Surf League established the Peahi Challenge competition in 2016, cementing Jaws as a premier proving ground where elite big-wave competitors test themselves against the Pacific's heaviest winter swells. Jaws sits on Maui's north shore near Haiku, accessed via a rough dirt road branching off Hana Highway between mile markers 13 and 14. The spot requires four-wheel-drive vehicles to reach the clifftop vantage point, and the approach becomes unreliable during wet weather. While spectators view from above, actual surfing demands jet ski support for both entry and rescue; the remote location and extreme conditions make self-rescue scenarios unlikely.

Jug Handle State Beach

Mendocino, United States

The break is a beach with a sand bottom that responds significantly to tidal shifts. A protected cove provides beginner-friendly waves when the tide is high and wind protection is better; higher tides also mean paddling out directly in the cove. As tide drops, surfers must navigate around rocks to launch beyond the cove, and the break becomes more challenging. West and northwest swells are the best, and mid-tide is generally optimal. The spot is known for an active blowhole that creates explosive wave activity in certain sections. Water clarity is excellent, with a gradual submerged sandbar allowing you to wade out over a hundred feet while staying at waist depth. The major hazard beyond rocks and cliffs is water temperature—the area requires a full 3/4 wetsuit minimum and booties. Access is straightforward from a paved lot (30 standard spots plus 2 handicapped spaces) at mile marker 56.00 on Highway 1 near Caspar, situated between Fort Bragg and Mendocino. Two trail options lead to the beach: a shorter 100-yard walk with steep stairs, or a longer 300-yard route to an adjacent cove. The reserve itself spans 776 acres and was established in 1976, serving as a local beach on the Mendocino Coast. Parking during peak times can fill up due to limited capacity, and the ascent back up is challenging for those with mobility issues.

Kahului Harbor

Hawaii, Maui, United States

Kahului Harbor is an advanced reef break on Maui that holds right-hand waves best from NNE swells in south winds. The break sits over reef, rock, and sand, with significant hazards including shallow reef, urchins, rips, rocks, sharks, and pollution. The spot also experiences heavy crowds and strong local presence.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Kaisers

Hawaii, Oahu, United States

Kaisers is a shallow reef peak off the Ala Moana–Waikīkī boundary, in front of the Rainbow Tower. A hollow right and softer left respond to south or southwest swell with northeast trades. Higher tide gives more water over the reef, but sea urchins and shallow sections still call for intermediate to advanced reef-surfing experience.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Kalapaki Beach

Hawaii, Kauai, United States

Kalapaki Beach near Lihue, Kauai is a beginner-friendly reef break that works in multiple directions and performs best with southeast swell and northwest wind. The reef bottom comes with hazards including rip currents, rocks in the lineup, and crowds, with no lifeguards on site.

Kealia

Hawaii, Kauai, United States

Kewalo's

Hawaii, Oahu, United States

advanced · intermediate · shortboard

Knob Hill

South Los Angeles, United States

Knob Hill features a fast, steep beach break with numerous sand-bar-dependent peaks running south from the jetty. A clean left peels off the jetty itself where most paddlers enter, while the beach breaks to the south offer shifting takeoff points that tend to close out quickly, particularly on the low tide when the bar pushes waves tight to shore. The spot works exclusively on northwest and westerly swell with shorter to medium periods; summer south swells are entirely blocked by the headland. East and southeast winds groom the face in early morning hours, making the windless dawn patrol the most consistent window. The South Bay region including Redondo saw rapid surf culture development in the 1950s and beyond, with the area becoming a proving ground for established chargers like Greg Noll, Dewey Weber, and Mike Purpus throughout the 1960s. The broader Redondo Beach area holds significance in mainland American surf history dating back to 1907, when Hawaiian surfer George Freeth gave the first known wave-riding demonstration on U.S. shores. Access to Knob Hill is straightforward via dedicated beach stairs on Knob Hill Avenue or Avenue C, both within a quarter-mile of the main parking zones. Metered street parking lines the Esplanade directly above the break, with additional paid public lots at nearby Miramar Park; true free parking is sparse and inconsistent. Once on the beach, the jetty's rip current simplifies paddling out compared to paddling through the shifting sand-bar zones to the south.

Kolekole

Hawaii, Hawaii Island, United States

intermediate · advanced · bodysurfing

La Jolla Cove

South San Diego, United States

The left-hand reef break at La Jolla Cove works best during winter swells and peaks with northwest groundswell and southeast offshore wind. The break handles swell up to ten feet but functions most reliably at mid to falling tide. Surfable conditions arrive sporadically rather than regularly—the spot is often described as sheltered and small compared to nearby Windansea. Surfing has occurred in the La Jolla area since the early 20th century, when Duke Kahanamoku and George Freeth inspired locals to take up the sport. The Cove itself remained a marginal spot through the mid-20th century, overshadowed by more consistent nearby breaks. While local surfers like Bill Andrews and Dickie Moon rode the broader La Jolla region during the 1940s and 50s, the Cove never became associated with significant competitions or major historical sessions compared to nearby Windansea. Access requires navigating extremely limited parking—no public lot exists, street parking tops out at three hours on weekdays, and paid structures charge $25. The cove is a year-round protected snorkeling and swimming area with resident sea lions; surfboards are technically not permitted, and visitors must maintain 50+ feet distance from sea lions to avoid harassment violations. A rocky shoreline and sandstone cliffs add to the technical difficulty of entry and exit.

La Jolla Shores

South San Diego, United States

La Jolla Shores is a sandy beach break that produces small, mellow waves ideal for beginners. The break works best with westerly swells at medium tide, particularly during winter months when larger swells arrive. East-southeast winds provide the cleanest conditions. Typical wave heights range from 1 to 3 feet, with the beach picking up swell from a wide directional window, though southwest swells are most consistent. The waves break gradually and predictably, making this a low-consequence learning environment compared to more powerful San Diego breaks. Summer and early fall offer the friendliest conditions for beginners. La Jolla Shores emerged as a significant Southern California surf zone following the late 1960s shortboard revolution. The legendary big-wave pioneer Woody Brown moved to La Jolla in 1935 and learned to surf at the Shores before becoming influential in heavy-water surfing. Photographer and surfer Bill Andrews caught his first wave there in 1957, later helping establish Black's Beach as a world-class break. A generation of local talent emerged from the lineup, including Neal Norris, Randy Pidd, and others who became influential in San Diego's surf culture. The ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship is held at the spot, making it a venue for physically challenged surfers to compete at an international level. The beach offers abundant access with permanent lifeguard stations but limited parking at the main lot; arriving early or parking in the nearby residential neighborhood are typical solutions. Rip currents form during larger swells, requiring swimmers to stay aware of their abilities and stay near lifeguard areas. Stingrays are common in the shallow water during warmer months, and using the stingray shuffle technique—dragging feet across the sand rather than stepping—helps avoid encounters. Crowds build significantly during summer peak season.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

La Perouse Bay

Hawaii, Maui, United States

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

La Push

Washington, United States

La Push features multiple breaks across three main beaches, with the primary waves being exposed reefs that reform and rebuild as they approach shore, alongside a beach-break component. The waves typically run waist-to-head high, with First Beach providing gentler, more consistent conditions suited to intermediate surfers, while Second Beach produces steeper, more powerful waves preferred by experienced surfers. Southwest swell with northeast wind works best, and mid-tide offers the most favorable conditions, as low tide exposes submerged rocks and reefs that dramatically increase hazard levels. Surf Frolic events held each January draw surfers when winter swells frequently produce 5-to-7-foot waves. The spot has ranked among Washington's top three breaks for years, and experienced a cultural surge in the 2000s after appearing in the Twilight film series, though the core local and regional community has sustained the break as a classic year-round destination. The three beaches have distinct access profiles. First Beach is the most developed, with immediate oceanfront parking, bathrooms, and a Lonesome Creek Store where day permits (roughly $10) from the Quileute Indian Reservation are required; it sits about 16 miles west of Forks via Ocean Drive Road. Second Beach demands a two-mile hike each way from a small lot that holds roughly ten cars, though no reservation permit is needed thanks to a federal-tribal land agreement. Third Beach requires only a 1.3-mile trek from a more modest parking area and similarly needs no permit, making it quieter and less crowded. Water temperature ranges between 48-54°F year-round, and the Olympic coast is notorious for sudden sneaker waves that kill multiple visitors annually, requiring constant vigilance and rapid exit skills.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

La Selva

Santa Cruz, United States

La Selva is a sandy beach break with beginner-advanced difficulty that performs best during winter when west-northwest swells combine with northeast offshore winds. The break can produce overhead waves when other Santa Cruz locations are flat, but can also become challenging or too powerful during bigger winter swells. The water stays cold year-round, requiring a 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuit. Strong currents and rip currents are a significant hazard for swimmers and surfers alike, and lifeguard coverage is limited. La Selva sits within the broader Santa Cruz County surfing region, which has a documented history primarily associated with Steamer Lane and other central Santa Cruz breaks. I could not find any specific historical records, competitions, or notable surfers specifically tied to La Selva itself, suggesting it remains a more local, less-publicized break compared to the area's flagship spots. La Selva Beach is private for residents, but surfers can access it by parking at the adjacent Manresa State Beach (a $10 day-use fee applies) and walking north along the shore. The location sits in a semi-rural section of Monterey Bay between Watsonville and Aptos, with agricultural land backing the cliffs above the beach. Manresa offers parking, picnic tables, and ramps to the beach, and the area is notably less crowded than central Santa Cruz's main surfing destinations.

Laniakea

Hawaii, Oahu, United States

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Latigo Point

North Los Angeles, United States

Latigo Point is a long right-hand point break over sand and exposed rock. It breaks significantly bigger than Malibu but with a mushier, less defined shape, making it well-suited for longboarding. The spot is notably inconsistent, rarely producing rideable conditions, and when it does break it responds better to strong southeasterly swells with offshore winds from the north-northwest. The wave is workable across low and mid tide. The spot has been surfed as a secondary break in the Malibu area, known among local surfers primarily as a less-crowded alternative when First Point and other main breaks are packed or unsuitable. Its isolation and poor consistency mean it lacks the competition history or documented session legacy of nearby First Point. Access requires parking along PCH rather than on private Latigo Shore Drive, then a lengthy walk down beach below the high tide line. This effort and the rarity of decent waves keep the spot secluded by design rather than through active localism.

Law Street

South San Diego, United States

Law Street is a shifting beach break with soft, forgiving waves that rarely exceed one meter and work best during west swell aligned with east-northeast offshore winds. The sandy bottom and gradual seafloor slope make it notably gentler than adjacent breaks to the south. While the spot is quite temperamental and remains unrideable much of the year, winter conditions—particularly January—produce the most consistent rideable conditions. Hazards beyond the noted crowds include rocks and occasional stray boards. The area began development in the early 1900s as part of Pacific Beach's coastal community, but did not emerge as a known surfing destination until the 1960s. The break has maintained a laid-back, locally-rooted character over subsequent decades, with a welcoming atmosphere that draws surfers of various skill levels rather than the more competitive lineup found closer to Crystal Pier. Law Street sits north of Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach proper, with free street parking typically available on nearby side roads—making access easier and less frustrating than central Pacific Beach options. The beach remains quieter than its busy southern neighbor despite proximity to shops and restaurants, which helps explain its appeal to beginners seeking space to practice.

Leadbetter Point

Santa Barbara, United States

Leadbetter Point breaks as a right-hand point with mellow, crumbling waves that hold their shape well for extended rides. The sandy-to-rocky bottom supports gentle, mushy conditions that rarely develop much power. West swell combined with a north wind offshore produces the cleanest waves, with low tide generally offering the best shape. The wave's sheltered orientation and slow roll make it ideal for beginners and longboarders but relatively unexciting for intermediate surfers seeking punch or defined sections. The artificial beach itself was an unintended consequence of Santa Barbara Harbor's construction, which disrupted the natural sand migration. Leadbetter has served as the region's primary beginner training ground, with consistent winter swell (peak season January) and relatively sheltered protection from wind. The spot remains one of Santa Barbara's most crowded due to its accessibility and beginner-friendly reputation. Leadbetter Beach Park sits directly west of the harbor basin, immediately adjacent to Santa Barbara City College. Free parking is available in the lot at nearby Shoreline Park, with restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic facilities on-site. Access from the street is straightforward, making it the most convenient beginner break for locals and visitors alike.

beginner · intermediate · longboard

Leffingwell Landing

San Luis Obispo County, United States

Leffingwell Landing is a right-hand reef break with a rock bottom that breaks over extended stretches—up to 200 meters when conditions align. It works best with west-northwest swell combined with easterly offshore wind, producing waves between chest-high and double overhead. The break requires substantial winter swell to produce rideable conditions consistently, and notably, tide has minimal influence on its quality. Intermediate to advanced surfers tackle this wave, which tends to section and can be tricky. The reef itself is infrequent—averaging a 3/10 reliability rating—making active sessions somewhat rare despite the fact that surfers show up regularly when it does work. Leffingwell Landing sits at the north end of Moonstone Beach in Cambria, accessed via Moonstone Beach Drive. The location is a day-use area managed as part of Hearst San Simeon State Park, offering a boat ramp, restrooms, picnic tables, and coastal trails with ocean overlooks. The rocky terrain around the break requires reef shoes or booties for paddling out. Sharks and rocks are noted hazards, and the spot sees moderate crowds when the swell cooperates.

Leo Carrillo

North Los Angeles, United States

Leo Carrillo is a right-hand point break that peels off Sequit Point's cobblestone and rock foundation, with an inside section dropping into sand. Waves here are generally forgiving on smaller south-swell days and suitable for longboards, but winter northwest to west-northwest swells bring more powerful, faster faces that demand intermediate skill. The break is tide-dependent and performs best around mid-tide on a rising tide with north wind offshore. The confined takeoff area can only accommodate about six paddlers comfortably, making it significantly crowded when conditions align during summer months when south and southwest swells are most consistent. The spot receives year-round attention from local surfers despite its limited capacity. Rocks at the point, sea urchins, and rip currents are recurring hazards, and the wave's performance relies heavily on tidal stage. Leo Carrillo State Park surrounds the break at 35000 West Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. Access is via a tunnel beneath the highway from the main parking area, which charges twelve dollars for day-use or three dollars per hour. Free parking exists along the shoulder of PCH to the west, though this requires steep trails or a lengthy staircase descent to reach the beach.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Lewes Street Surf Beach

DE, United States

Lido Beach

Gulf Coast, Florida, United States

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Lincoln City

Oregon, United States

Lincoln City comprises multiple beach breaks across an exposed, sandy shore fronting the town, with lefthand shifts dominating the main beach and both directions available on reef sections. West swell with offshore east wind produces the most organized conditions; the beach breaks are generally forgiving and slow, favoring beginners and longboarders through much of the year, though autumn groundswells can create choppier, more punchy intermediate waves. Winter months, particularly January, offer the most consistent clean conditions. Water temperature runs cold year-round, requiring sealed spring or full winter wetsuits. Nearby Boiler Bay, a rocky reef to the north, breaks as a right-hand tube with a more challenging drop and faster walls. Further north lies Nelscott Reef, where powerful winter swells can reach 25–50 feet under the right conditions—one of the few big wave zones on the Oregon coast, though rare. Lincoln City entered the regional surfing picture in the 1960s as part of the Tillamook Coast wave discovery, with Art Spencer among the early pioneers. The local infrastructure grew slowly; when Safari Town Surf Shop opened in 1989, the area had only a handful of surfers, but the scene has since built steadily with more shops and visiting surfers drawn to reliable winter swell. Lincoln City stretches over seven miles of public beach with 28 documented access points, making the lineup relatively uncrowded for much of the year. Parking and basic facilities are widely available; the main break sits an easy walk from downtown. Cold water and rip currents are practical hazards; sharks are present off the Oregon coast but incidents are exceedingly rare. The best conditions cluster between November and March.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Linda Mar

Pacifica, United States

Linda Mar is a sandy beach break where waves typically peel both left and right over banks defined by scattered boulders, creating distinctly different character zones along its mile-long shoreline. The north end (Round House section) receives the most direct swell energy and produces bigger, steeper waves favored by experienced surfers, while the central sections around the Pump House remain gentler and more forgiving for learners. Mid to high tide brings the best shape overall, and northwest swell combined with southeast wind creates the most consistent, rideable conditions—a pattern that holds strongest through winter, particularly December. The break works year-round but is somewhat sheltered from wind compared to more exposed Bay Area reefs, making it valuable when other spots blow out. The spot has drawn surfers since the 1960s and solidified its reputation through the 1970s and 1980s as a hub for the local Pacifica community. The Pedro Point Surf Club runs two annual competitions at Linda Mar, including events for young surfers as young as six years old. The World Dog Surfing Championships, an unusual annual event, has been held here since 2016. Access is straightforward via Highway 1 through central Pacifica, with multiple parking lots serving the beach and facilities including restrooms, showers, and a walking trail. Crowds are substantial, especially on weekends. Beyond the usual rip currents and heavy shorebreak found on any exposed beach break, Linda Mar's main hazards center on water quality: San Pedro Creek delivers heavy runoff and urban pollution to the beach mouth after rain, repeatedly earning the spot an F grade from coastal health monitors. Sunken sailboat wreckage and deep holes in the water also create hazards in certain areas, particularly at the north end.

beginner · intermediate · fish

Linda Mar North

Pacifica, United States

Linda Mar North is the more powerful section of a long sandy beach break, with the north end receiving greater swell exposure than the rest of the beach, creating larger and more challenging waves for intermediate to advanced surfers. The break handles a wide range of swell directions—south, southwest, west, and northwest all work—and maintains a nearly year-round swell window of 150+ days. The valley geography above the beach creates a distinct advantage: southeast winds get funneled offshore, keeping the water clean when nearby peaks are blown out. Waves range from under a meter in smaller periods up to two meters-plus in strong swells, and the break works across both rising and falling tides, with mid to high tide being most consistent. Linda Mar hosts the World Dog Surfing Championships annually, a prominent event that has drawn attention to the spot. The Pedro Point Surf Club also runs two yearly competitions here, contributing to the area's established place in local surfing culture, though it remains primarily known as a teaching beach with multiple schools operating regularly. Pacifica State Beach has a dedicated parking lot along Highway 1 just north of Linda Mar Boulevard, with day-use fees of seven dollars for short stays and nine dollars for longer visits. Access from the lot to the water takes less than five minutes. A significant practical concern: San Pedro Creek discharges untreated runoff directly onto the beach, making it unsafe to enter for 72 hours after rain. Rip currents are common, particularly along the north end where deep holes also form; water temperature is cold year-round, and rocks line both ends of the beach.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Little beach

Hawaii, Maui, United States

beginner · intermediate · bodyboard

Little River State Beach

Humboldt, United States

Little River State Beach is a sandy beach break that produces both left and right-hand waves, with a long, gentle approach typical of the continuous sandy coastline north of Eureka. The break has inconsistent swell patterns throughout the year with no clear seasonal peak, though January tends to offer the most consistent rideable waves during the winter months. East-southeast offshore winds shape the cleaner sessions, paired with northwest groundswell. The beach rarely draws crowds even when waves are up. Beyond the sharks, urchins, rip currents, and rocks you already noted, the general water conditions in this part of Humboldt Bay can be rough and challenging to paddle into.

Little Wind-an-Sea

United States

Log Cabins

Hawaii, Oahu, United States

advanced · shortboard

Long Beach Peninsula

Washington, United States

Long Beach Peninsula works across a wide range of swell directions—west, north, and south—making it reliably surfable through both winter and summer, though January typically offers the most consistent conditions. The beach break is notably exposed and susceptible to being blown out by onshore winds, but performs best with southeast wind and west swell. Water temperatures hover around 14°C year-round, requiring a substantial wetsuit. The waves accommodate surfers of different abilities, producing both lefts and rights on sand, though dangerous rip currents require respect and awareness. The Pacific Northwest has a documented surfing history reaching back to at least 1907, when a thriving surf culture existed on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. Modern Washington surfing developed in the 1950s through the efforts of Ray Walters, an engineer who pioneered cold-water surfing in the region, with Point Grenville becoming an early gathering point in the 1960s. Long Beach Peninsula itself does not appear to have hosted major competitions or hosted notable surfers in documented records, remaining part of the broader but relatively quiet Washington coast surfing community. Access to Long Beach Peninsula is straightforward and free, with multiple official beach approaches providing parking, restrooms, and facilities along the oceanside. The break rarely gets crowded despite reasonable accessibility, contributing to a quieter, more solitary surfing experience. Vehicle access to the beach is permitted with a valid Washington beach driving pass, and most parking remains free throughout the peninsula.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Lovers Point

Monterey, United States

Lovers Point is a left-hand point break in a rocky cove in Pacific Grove where waves wrap around and pull fast along the reef-rock bottom. When small, the walls tend to be mushy; larger swells produce more defined, rippable faces. It breaks inconsistently and is considered reasonably exposed—workable swells are not common at this location. The break handles northwest ground swells well and prefers south wind to clean up the faces; winter, particularly December, offers the most consistent approach, though even then clean conditions occur less than half the time. The main hazards are rocks within the break and rip currents in the cove. Access is straightforward from Ocean View Boulevard in Pacific Grove, with parking and facilities available nearby. The break is not typically crowded even when waves are present, likely because the infrequent swell window and rocky environment keep the lineup small.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Lower Trestles

South Orange County, United States

Lower Trestles is a reef break over a cobblestone bottom that produces long, peeling right and left-handers. The wave performs most consistently on south and southwest swells between four and six feet, with lighter east winds. The right side offers extended wall runners that can hold open face for over a hundred yards when conditions align. Mid-tide provides the cleanest canvas, while lower tides tend to be hollow and fast, and higher tides noticeably slow the shape. The break is reliable enough to work year-round, with summer months (June through September) featuring the most frequent and consistent swells. Lower Trestles entered professional surfing prominence in the 1980s and has anchored the World Surf League Championship Tour schedule since 2000, hosting sixteen events across that span. Kelly Slater won his first professional competition there in 1990. Beginning in 2021, the break became home to the Rip Curl WSL Finals, the league's season-ending championship event held there annually through at least 2023. The 2028 Summer Olympics selected Lower Trestles as the venue for surfing competition, cementing its status as a world-class performance wave. Access requires parking near the Cristianitos Road exit off Interstate 5, followed by a one-and-a-half-mile walk or bike ride down a paved trail that runs alongside train tracks and through native wetlands. The walk typically takes fifteen to twenty minutes. No direct vehicle access reaches the beach, a choice made to preserve the area's natural character. Hazards include a competitive and crowded lineup, submerged cobblestones, and theft from parked vehicles. The trail occasionally hosts rattlesnakes after rain, and the proximity to an active railroad adds minimal but real risk.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Lunada Bay

Palos Verdes Estates, United States

Lunada Bay is a right-hand point break over a rocky reef bottom that becomes rideable around seven feet and can handle swells up to twenty feet. The wave performs best with northwest, west, and southwest swells, with offshore winds coming from the east. It breaks at all tide stages but prefers medium to high tides. The defining hazard is not just the rocky bottom and shallow boulders, but strong rip currents that push surfers toward sharp rock formations, and winter swell conditions can create genuinely dangerous situations. The wave itself is expert-only terrain—power and speed that demands significant experience. Lunada Bay's surf culture traces back to a Palos Verdes Surfing Club active in the 1930s, but the spot became notorious from the 1970s onward. The Lunada Bay Boys, a localized surf crew from the affluent neighborhood, established control of the break through tactics including slashed tires, thrown rocks, and physical intimidation of visiting surfers. They built a stone fort overlooking the cliff trail as a monitoring post. Despite a 2016 lawsuit that imposed fines exceeding ninety thousand dollars on local violators, reports of harassment and bullying continued through early 2026, making this as much a sociological hazard as a physical one. Access requires navigating steep cliff trails of about 75 meters down to the cove, with the main routes leaving from Paseo Del Mar near Oakley Road and Avenida Mirola. The trails are exposed and become treacherous when wet. Winter months, particularly January, offer the most consistent swell and cleanest conditions.

advanced · shortboard

Lymans

Hawaii, Hawaii Island, United States

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Mainstreet pier

South East, North Florida, United States

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Makaha

Hawaii, Oahu, United States

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Makapuu

Hawaii, Oahu, United States

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Malibu First Point

North Los Angeles, United States

First Point is the most beginner-friendly of Malibu's surfing areas, offering long, evenly-shaped right-hand walls that peel smoothly down its cobblestone point. The wave breaks best on medium tide with southwest swell and northern offshore winds, creating consistent rides ideal for longboarders. Winter and early fall provide the most reliable conditions, with November typically offering the best combination of swell size and wind patterns.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Malibu Third Point

North Los Angeles, United States

Third Point features fast-breaking rights and lefts over a cobblestone reef with sand overlay, sitting in 3–5 meters of water at the outer section of the point. It responds to southwest and west swells in the 1–3.6 meter range, with northwest to north-northwest wind preferred, particularly during spring and summer. The break attracts shortboarders seeking the fastest, most performance-oriented wave in the Malibu stretch, with sessions often better in afternoon hours (2–5 PM) when larger swells fill in. The Malibu points became formalized as a historical surfing site in 2018 when the State of California designated them as the Malibu Historic District, recognizing wave-riding activity dating to the 1930s. Third Point gained wider use among advanced surfers during the 1970s and 1980s, positioning itself within the broader evolution of modern surfing that took root at Malibu in the postwar decades. Access is via Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu Pier, with entry through the lagoon area; parking is limited to signed roadside bays. The break attracts experienced riders and an assertive local crew.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Manhattan Beach Pier

South Los Angeles, United States

The break at Manhattan Beach Pier is a beach break with a sandy bottom that responds to southwest swell paired with easterly winds. Wave quality is highly dependent on sandbar development and swell direction—the spot tends toward closeouts and is less responsive to pure south swells, which are increasingly blocked by geographic shadowing. Winter brings more consistent groundswell in the 2- to 6-foot range, while summer typically offers smaller, gentler waves from one to three feet. The spot functions across all tide levels, though low to mid tide is generally preferred. Rip currents are a regular hazard, and the area draws crowds that can add to the challenges. The Manhattan Beach Pier became a surfing destination in the 1940s during the early years of modern surfing. The pier itself, completed in 1920, provided a prominent local landmark. In the late 1940s, Dale Velzy, a pioneering surfboard shaper, began hand-crafting boards beneath the pier before opening a nearby shop around 1949 or 1950—an operation widely recognized as the first commercial surf shop. The South Bay Boardriders Club established its Summer Surf Off competition at the pier as part of the broader International Surf Festival, which began in 1962 and continues as a major summer event drawing organized competition. Parking is readily available in city-managed lots at the pier, with metered spaces near the Upper and Lower Pier lots charging $2.50 per hour with a five-hour limit. Over 450 public parking spaces exist throughout the beach area. Public transit serves the location via Commuter Express and Beach Cities Transit routes. The pier sits at the end of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and features accessible parking for disabled visitors.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Manresa

Santa Cruz, United States

Manresa is an exposed beach break on Monterey Bay that consistently picks up significantly more swell than other Santa Cruz breaks, often producing rideable waves when nearby spots are flat. The mile-long sandy beach breaks both left and right across shifting banks, working best on west swells with northeast offshore winds, particularly around mid tide. Winter months, especially January, deliver the most consistent waves; larger swells can produce overhead to triple-overhead conditions, suitable only for advanced surfers, while smaller summer swells are more forgiving for intermediates with short boards. The break's exposure and isolation mean fewer crowds than central Santa Cruz. The combination of deep offshore dropoffs, strong and unpredictable rip currents, and consistently cold Monterey Bay water makes this an unsuitable spot for inexperienced swimmers or surfers without ocean awareness. Conditions can shift rapidly, and the power required to navigate larger winter swells demands genuine experience. Manresa is accessed via a large paved parking area on the bluff overlooking the beach, reached by taking San Andreas Road south from Highway 1 toward Watsonville. A $10 day-use fee applies; a stairway and ramps provide direct beach access from the lot.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Marina State Beach

Monterey, United States

Marina State Beach is a broad, sand-bottomed beach break near the city of Marina that peels in both directions and maintains relatively consistent swell throughout the year. Waves work best when west swells arrive with offshore winds from the east-southeast, and mid rising tide offers the most even shape. The break accommodates intermediate to advanced surfers and attracts light to moderate crowds by local standards. Marina State Beach was established as a protected state park in 1977. Beyond its designation as a recreational area, the available historical record does not document significant competitions, landmark sessions, or prominent surfers specifically associated with this break. Direct beach access is available via the main parking lot at the west end of Reservation Road, just off Highway 1. The beach operates from 8 a.m. to sunset, with additional street parking nearby.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard