Surf Spots

Matagorda

Gulf Coast, Texas, United States

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Matanzas Inlet

South East, North Florida, United States

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Mendocino Township

Mendocino, United States

beginner · intermediate · funboard

Mesa Lane

Santa Barbara, United States

Mesa Lane is a reef break with both left and right-hand waves over a rocky bottom best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers. Waves typically range from waist to chest high, occasionally reaching head height during strong swells. The spot works best with a west-southwest swell and northeast offshore wind, performing most consistently during the incoming tide rather than at mid-tide or low tide, when submerged rocks become hazardous. Historically known as the Pendulum, Mesa Lane offers its most reliable conditions during fall, winter, and spring months. The spot has long been a local favorite in Santa Barbara, attracting both dedicated regulars and after-work crowds. Its popularity has earned it a reputation for a tight-knit, sometimes territorial local scene. When conditions align, the narrow cove can become crowded despite the challenging access. Located three miles from downtown Santa Barbara, the beach is accessed via a steep staircase of 241 steps descending the mesa bluffs—the only entry point for a mile in either direction. The beach itself is a narrow band squeezed between the ocean and cliff face, creating a unique hazard: surfers can become trapped against the cliffs as the tide rises if they venture too far toward either end of the cove.

Middles

South Orange County, United States

Middles is a reef break with both left and right-hand waves offering steep, shapely rides on head-high swells or smaller. The break works on a wide range of tide levels but shapes up most consistently at mid-tide and during mid-sized swells, making it forgiving compared to the more dramatic sections of Trestles nearby. The seabed is primarily rock with sand and seagrass, creating reliable shape with adequate swell, though the wave doesn't hold together as cleanly as the neighboring sections due to less reef structure underneath. Trestles as a whole has been surfed since at least the 1920s and 1930s, making it one of California's historic breaks. The area became a regular destination after early pioneers explored it alongside San Onofre, and today it hosts professional World Surf League competitions regularly. Middles itself serves as an alternative to the more crowded and competitive sections of Trestles, drawing surfers who want quality waves without the high-pressure atmosphere. Middles is accessed only by foot via a roughly one-mile paved trail from the Cristianitos Road parking area near San Onofre State Beach; there is no direct car access to the beach. The trail passes through marshland and crosses active railroad tracks, both of which present potential hazards. The break attracts longboarders and intermediate surfers looking for less crowded conditions and multiple takeoff zones with consistent wave opportunities.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Miramar

Santa Barbara, United States

Miramar is a sheltered point break near Montecito featuring small, well-formed waves favored by longboarders. The break works best on a west swell with north or northeast wind, particularly during the winter months around low to mid tide. An inside reefy left section in shallower water can get hollow and fast, creating a more challenging zone than the outer point. Miramar sits within Santa Barbara's broader, established surfing culture. Santa Barbara has produced notable watermen and board designers, and the area sees consistent winter activity, though Miramar itself is not widely associated with major competitions or pioneering sessions. The spot has public access via Eucalyptus Lane, though the surrounding area is bordered by private Montecito residential property. Hazards include rocks and shallow reef sections that expose especially at low tide, and currents can build when swell is running.

Mission Beach

South San Diego, United States

Mission Beach is a sand-bottom beach break with fairly straightforward waves that peel left and right, making it accessible for beginners. The break works best on medium to high tide with southwest swell and east wind, and is most consistent during winter months, particularly November through April. Early morning sessions tend to have cleaner conditions before wind picks up around mid-morning. The spot can close out quickly if the sandbar shape is poor, and hazards include scattered rocks and crowding during peak hours and weekends. The Sun Diego AM SLAM is an annual amateur competition series that uses Mission Beach's Belmont Park as its finale event, drawing surfers across multiple age divisions and skill levels. Beyond this regular event series, limited historical information is publicly available about earlier surfing development at the break or notable surfers associated with it. Mission Beach has free public parking in several locations, including a large lot at West Mission Bay Drive near Belmont Park and another on Ventura Place. Street parking is available along Mission Boulevard with beach access via short alleys. Parking fills quickly on summer weekends and busy days, so early arrival before 10 a.m. is advisable to secure a spot easily.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Mitchell's Cove

Santa Cruz, United States

Mitchell's Cove is a right-hand point break that only materializes in winter when substantial northwest swells arrive. The wave wraps around a rocky and sandy bottom for up to 200 meters, offering long, clean barrels that peel through the sheltered cove. It breaks best on low tide with northeast wind, typically in the overhead to double-overhead range, though swell of this size appears infrequently enough that the spot remains a fickle winter proposition accessible mainly to intermediate and advanced surfers. Access from West Cliff Drive is straightforward: free street parking sits above the cove near the Woodrow and Almar Avenue intersections, with a safe stairwell descending to the beach. The spot sits in a protected oceanfront zone with no entrance fee, and the sandy cove is dog-friendly during morning and evening hours. Hazards include strong rips triggered by the narrow swell window, a drainage pipe and riprap installation in the lineup that demands careful positioning, sharp rocks underfoot, and a localized crew protective of the break.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Mole Point

Monterey, United States

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Mondos

Ventura, United States

Mondos is a sand-bottom beach break that works most swell directions but produces consistently small, mellow waves ideal for progression. The break generates soft, rolling peaks best handled on longer boards. West swell combined with north-to-northwest wind produces the cleanest shape, with autumn delivering the most consistent conditions as swell direction, wind patterns, and water temperature align most favorably. The beach carries significance in Southern California surfing history—early woman surfer Mary Monks, nicknamed Mondos Mary, pioneered the area in the mid-1950s after learning in Hawaii. The spot has supported generations of local learners and remains recognized as one of the easiest beginner breaks in the region, requiring minimal power or technical ability to catch and ride waves. Mondos sits three miles north of central Ventura along Pacific Coast Highway between Solimar and Faria Beach Park. Free but limited parking sits adjacent to railroad tracks where trains pass close to the lot; access involves crossing the highway and navigating rocks at the western end of the beach. No lifeguards or commercial facilities are present, and watch for vehicle traffic when entering.

beginner · intermediate · funboard

Montara

Half Moon Bay, United States

Montara is a steeply sloping, exposed sand beach break with rocky outcrops at the north and south ends, located between dramatic coastal bluffs about eight miles north of Half Moon Bay. The beach produces consistent lefts and rights from roughly one to three meters depending on swell size. Winter, particularly December, offers the most reliable conditions with clean waves as a northwest swell combines with southeast winds to produce surfable conditions nearly half the time. Montara has hosted the Jetty Classic annual surf competition and is sometimes called the mini-Mavericks by locals due to its ability to produce spectacular, dangerous waves during major winter storm swells. The beach's bottom constantly shifts with swell and tide, and during big swells the conditions can close out dramatically. Low tide reveals rocky tide pools at both ends of the beach. Access is via Highway 1 with limited free pullouts and short trails leading down, or via two more formal parking areas near Second Street with portable toilets and steep stairs to the beach. The steep beach slope and powerful winter waves create genuine hazards; the water is considered too rough for swimming and dangerous for wading. Rip currents and sharks pose additional risks during bigger swell periods.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Montauk

New York, United States

Ditch Plains hosts a primarily right-breaking reef with A-frame peaks that both left and right handers can work. The rocky bottom holds shape consistently and produces hollow sections on larger swells. The break responds best to southeast swells and north or northwest offshore winds, though east swells wrap in cleanly as well. On higher tides the waves tend to become choppy and sectioned; lower tides often produce cleaner faces. Conditions vary significantly by location—Ditch Plains itself is suitable for intermediate and learning surfers in summer, while Turtle Cove at the point demands experienced ability due to strong currents and boulder fields. Surfing in Montauk began in 1950 when a soldier named Richard Lisiewski rode a surfboard there, and by 1965 a competition at Ditch Plains attracted over 300 surfers from across the eastern United States. The area has sustained a continuous community and has hosted the annual Rell Sunn contest since around 1998, drawing surfers of multiple age groups and ability levels. Modern competitors including Chase Lieder and Quincy Davis have emerged from the Montauk lineup. Ditch Plains sits two miles east of Montauk village at 10 De Forest Road, accessible by foot or bicycle free of charge. Vehicle parking requires an East Hampton Town beach sticker, limiting access to residents of the township. The beach has lifeguard coverage in season, restrooms, and food trucks, with adjacent hiking trails at Shadmoor State Park. Winter surfing demands thermal protection against water that regularly drops well below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The area experiences significant shark activity during June through September, strong rip currents and turbulence during Atlantic storm swell, large submerged rocks, painful stings from Lion's Mane jellyfish, and crowding during quality swells.

Monterey Bay

Monterey, United States

Monterey Bay's surf landscape is fragmented across several breaks scattered along the peninsula and northern coast. Sandy beach breaks at Moss Landing produce powerful barrels when swells and winds align, while rocky reef and point breaks dominate around Asilomar and the Monterey Peninsula proper. The Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon funnels swell directly onshore, and western to northwestern winter swells bring the most consistent, largest waves from fall through spring. Water temperatures remain frigid year-round, ranging from 54 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit, demanding thick wetsuits. The area has supported active surfing since at least the 1970s and '80s, with the Surfabout competition emerging around 1980 as a local fixture. Created by local shapers Brad Johnson and Tom Knight to channel rivalry between Pacific Grove and Carmel surfers into community rather than conflict, the event has persisted as a regional tradition and reflects an established local scene with strong participation and geographic attachment. Asilomar State Beach, the most accessible anchor point on Sunset Drive in Pacific Grove, sees year-round activity but demands respect for submerged rocks and rip currents. Marina State Beach and Capitola offer gentler entry points for beginners. Great white sharks patrol the bay—documented attacks have occurred here, though fatal incidents remain rare—and kelp forests, cold water shock, and unpredictable currents are routine hazards.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Monterey State Beach

Monterey, United States

Monterey State Beach is a beginner-friendly sandy beach break with waves that peel gently across the shoreline. The sand bottom slopes gradually into the bay, producing mellow, rolling waves that work year-round but are most consistent during fall, the region's primary swell season. The break remains somewhat inconsistent compared to nearby alternatives, as the protected sandy bay is less optimally oriented for the dominant south and southwest swell directions that fuel the surrounding Monterey Peninsula's better-known breaks. Hazards include occasional rip currents and cold water temperature. The beach lies between Monterey and Seaside as part of a larger state park system, accessible by car with ample parking and amenities. It functions more as a family recreation and swimming beach than a dedicated surf destination, with locals using it for casual sessions during small-swell days when the gentle peaks suit beginners.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Monterey Wall

Monterey, United States

Moolack Beach

Oregon, United States

Moolack is a mixed beach and reef break that offers multiple peaks across its wide sandy shore, backed by rock features and dramatic headlands. Conditions are fickle—the exposure to open ocean often creates shore-break wash that obscures clean lines, but when a west swell combines with east offshore wind, typically in winter months, the break produces waist-to-stomach-high waves with rideable shape. The water is extremely cold, requiring a sealed spring wetsuit with booties and hood. Hazards include strong rip currents, sneaker waves, and driftwood, though sharks inhabit the area at very low encounter rates. Access to Moolack is straightforward and free along Highway 101 north of Newport, with multiple pullouts and parking areas between mileposts 134 and 136. The northern approach via Wade Creek offers an easy 0.1-mile forest walk to the beach, while the southern access near Yaquina Head involves steeper, occasionally slippery terrain. The beach stretches roughly 3.5 miles and draws fewer crowds than nearby popular breaks, making it less pressured when conditions do align.

Moonlight State Beach

North San Diego, United States

Moonlight State Beach is a broad, multi-peak sand bar with numerous breaks suitable for novices and early intermediates. It receives winter swells from the northwest and west that typically produce waist-to-chest-high waves, with summer conditions considerably smaller and calmer. The break responds best to southwest swells paired with east or northeast winds, and performs most consistently around mid tide when the rising water gives the peaks shape; too much tide softens the faces, while low water causes the sand to crumble and closeouts become common. The shore confronts both rip currents and strong shorebreak that demand caution. Stingrays are a documented hazard, particularly after warm summer spells. Water quality is a significant concern—Cottonwood Creek discharges at the beach, and after heavy rains the mouth becomes unsafe for two days or more owing to urban runoff; even on calm weather days the beach has historically carried elevated bacteria counts. Moonlight has been surfed since at least the 1950s, when it emerged as the region's primary beginner destination. The addition of volleyball courts and bonfire pits in that era reflected the beach's role as a community gathering place. In modern times the beach has hosted the Switchfoot Bro-Am, a charity surf competition with live music, and the Wavecrest Woodie Meet, an annual vintage car show in September. Access is straightforward—the beach sits at the terminus of Encinitas Boulevard where the coastal bluff drops to sea level, making it the most convenient entry point among Encinitas' breaks. Ample parking, lifeguard presence, and nearby amenities make it heavily used, particularly on weekends and during summer.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Moonstone

San Luis Obispo County, United States

Moonstone's primary draw is a right-hand reef break that allows extended rides regardless of swell direction, working best on strong west to southwest swell and east winds, particularly during low tide when the wave stretches past the shoreline. Winter months from December through February see the most consistent and reliable conditions with nearly all ground swell, producing waves in the 4 to 8 foot range regularly. The break is reliably consistent year-round but decidedly intermediate-plus due to the rocky composition of the seafloor and shore, which requires paddlers to navigate carefully and time entries at low tide to avoid excessive shore break. The rocks that define the break extend throughout the break area and create the reef structure but also present the greatest hazard. Additional safety concerns include cold water, strong rip currents generated by Santa Rosa Creek, sea urchins in the shallows, and documented shark presence in the region, with no lifeguards stationed at the beach. Access is from Moonstone Beach Drive in Cambria off Highway 1 via Windsor Boulevard, with free parking available at the Santa Rosa Creek day-use area, Leffingwell Landing, or pullouts along the drive itself. The boardwalk provides scenic walking, though surfable water access is strictly at low tide from the rocky foreshore.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Moonstone Beach

Humboldt, United States

Moonstone Beach is a sandy beach break with rocky sections that produces consistent waves year-round, breaking both directions off shifting sandbars. Winter swell from the northwest with easterly offshore winds creates the best conditions, particularly during January; the spot works best on a medium tide with 2–4-foot swells. Waves are notably mellow and forgiving, making it accessible for beginners despite having rip currents, sharks, sea urchins, and cold water. The north coast began surfing in 1959 when transplants from Southern California rode the first waves here. Moonstone has since become one of the two most established and well-known surf breaks in Humboldt County, though this prominence has brought persistent overcrowding from parties, competitions, and group ceremonies that strain the beach's capacity. Access is via the first Westhaven exit (726A) northbound on Highway 101; head left under the highway on Westhaven Drive, then left onto Scenic Drive, and right to the end of Moonstone Beach Road. A small county park offers limited free parking and a portable restroom; additional parking is available via a public easement on the west side of the gravel lot. The beach is open from 5 AM to 11:45 PM daily. Given tight parking, many visitors walk from nearby Scenic Drive when the lot is full.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Morro Bay

San Luis Obispo County, United States

Morro Bay is a highly consistent beach break that produces A-frame waves peeling in both directions with fast barrels during solid swells. The break responds best to west-northwest groundswells combined with east-southeast offshore winds; it also accepts southwest to northwest swells more broadly. Low to mid tide generally produces the cleanest shape. Winter and autumn deliver the most reliable conditions, with January typically offering the year's most consistent waves. The break works through much of the year but becomes choppy or mushy during poor swell angles or onshore wind. Morro Bay has hosted World Surf League qualifying competitions since at least 2023, with the annual SLO CAL Open drawing professional surfers. Recent years have seen strong performances from younger competitors, including back-to-back winners at the 2024 and 2025 events. The spot has attracted increasing competitive attention rather than featuring as a historic pilgrimage site for established names. Access is available at multiple points along the Morro Bay shoreline. Morro Rock Beach offers parking, restrooms, and showers, while Morro Strand State Beach and North Point Beach provide additional entry points with varying levels of parking infrastructure. The Sandspit area is accessible by water. Hazards include powerful rip currents, undertow capable of sweeping through apparently dry sand, great white sharks (a fatal attack occurred here in 2021), and closeouts during large winter swells. The break can draw substantial crowds when conditions align.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Morro Bay Harbor

San Luis Obispo County, United States

Morro Bay Harbor is primarily a beach break with sections that develop into reef break characteristics, particularly around the breakwater and jetties. The spot handles a wide range of swell sizes, producing fast, playful waves on smaller days and more powerful, hollow waves during larger swells. Conditions favor medium-period groundswell from the west combined with short-period windswell from the northwest, best approached on a rising or high outgoing tide. Light winds from the east are ideal; onshore wind can deteriorate shape. The break accommodates intermediate and advanced surfers, though the most challenging conditions occur at the breakwater and Mouse Rock reef section. Morro Bay has become established as a notable competition venue through the SLO CAL Open, a World Surf League Qualifying Series event held annually at Morro Rock that draws regional pro and semi-pro surfers from North America. The spot maintains a local high school surf team and consistent participation in scholastic surf competitions, indicating it has become a recognized training ground for Central Coast surfers over the past several years. Access is straightforward via parking lots at Morro Rock or at the Sand Spit road end, with most surfers entering directly from the rock or paddling across the harbor mouth to reach the South Jetty breaks. The spot presents significant hazards including powerful rip currents, occasional closeout conditions, and a documented risk of shark encounters—a fatal great white shark incident occurred here in 2021, making awareness of ocean conditions essential.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Morro Strand

San Luis Obispo County, United States

Morro Strand is a sandy beach break that faces due west, catching swell across a broad window from southwest to northwest. The break produces punchy A-frame peaks with occasional tubes, working best between 2 and 6 feet; below that it flattens out, and above 6 feet it tends to close out completely. The ideal conditions occur at mid-tide during the fall and winter months when northeast to east winds hold the faces clean. The break suits surfers from beginner to advanced levels, though the beach environment makes it prone to losing shape on larger swells. Central California's board-shaping tradition took root in the 1960s and 1970s with local craftspeople operating in the San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay area, but I found no records of particular competitions, landmark sessions, or named surfers specifically associated with Morro Strand itself. The break has simply served as part of the region's working wave lineup. Morro Strand sits along a three-mile state park beach north of the iconic Morro Rock. Access is straightforward with multiple parking areas off Highway 1 and a nearby campground, with day-use fees typically running $5 to $10 depending on season. The December 2021 shark attack that killed a local bodyboarder was the first great white fatality recorded in San Luis Obispo County in 18 years, confirmed through DNA analysis and a shark tooth found in the victim. This incident underscores a genuine hazard: the area has documented at least 11 great white encounters since 1956.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Mussel Shoals (aka Little Rincon)

Ventura, United States

Little Rincon is a right-hand point break that wraps around rock and boulder formations, peeling off fast and hollow sections that can stretch 150 meters or longer on quality days. The bottom is rocky rather than purely sandy, creating the sharp, defined walls this break is known for. It handles swell best during the winter months when west to west-northwest swell combines with offshore winds from the northeast. Low to mid tide brings the best shape, though higher tides can still work. The break is demanding enough that it draws intermediate and advanced surfers; beginners find the combination of shallow rocks, turbulent takeoff zones, and tricky exit points prohibitive. This area has been surfed as an alternative to the more famous Rincon Point break just north of it since at least the mid-twentieth century, though detailed historical records of competitions or notable sessions specific to Mussel Shoals are sparse in public sources. It remains primarily known as a local spot offering similar but shorter swell windows compared to the world-class point break nearby. Access is tight. Limited street parking exists along Old Pacific Coast Highway near the Cliff House Inn area, with roughly a dozen public spots available and no facilities. You can also access from the north end of Breakers Way. The spot sits just south of the Richfield oil pier that extends toward Rincon Island, so the landmark is unmistakable, but the combination of residential development and practical parking constraints means it never draws the crowds of other regional breaks.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Naples Pier

Gulf Coast, Florida, United States

Naples Pier's structure creates two distinct wave zones. The north side tends to produce steeper, more organized bowls suitable for learning to turn, while the south side generates longer, softer waves that work well for carving. Waves typically range from three to eight feet with both left and right opportunities, peaking when south-southwest swell aligns with east-northeast wind. The sandy bottom supports a mellow vibe across all skill levels, though the spot only delivers rideable waves during the narrow windows when all conditions align. Low to mid tide offers the cleanest shape. The best window for consistent swells occurs during winter months, particularly January, when more frequent and organized Atlantic-driven swell reaches the Gulf Coast. Hurricane season can also produce surfable conditions, though unpredictably. The pier sustained structural damage from Hurricane Ian and currently operates with partial public access, which may affect parking and pier-side logistics. Access is straightforward at 25 12th Avenue South, where dedicated parking facilities sit within easy walking distance of the beach. The pier area includes restrooms, showers, and a concession stand. On-site parking charges modest hourly rates, and the mellow crowd and proximity to downtown Naples make it a locally popular option, particularly for beginners.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Natural Bridges

Santa Cruz, United States

Natural Bridges is a fast, hollow right-hand reef break that peels over a sharp, flat rock shelf, with a particularly steep inside section locals call "The Sidewalk." The break handles northwest swell from 3–8 feet and responds best to northeast to north wind at low to mid tide. The take-off requires precise positioning just meters off a fringing reef, demanding strong wave-reading and a committed bottom turn to avoid the rocks below, making this an expert-level break despite its smaller wave range. Winter months, particularly January through February, bring the most consistent swell, though crowds are regular and localism is a real factor in the lineup. The spot sits within the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve, a seven-mile protected stretch of coast with deep historical ties to California surfing. Natural Bridges is accessed via West Cliff Drive where it meets Swanton Boulevard at the west end of Santa Cruz. Parking is available at a state beach lot ($10 day-use fee) or in limited free street parking nearby; the beach itself requires walking down to the intertidal rocks where surfers access the break.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

New Brighton Reef

United States

Newport

Oregon, United States

Newport encompasses several breaks spread along the central Oregon coast rather than a single point. South Beach is the most accessible beach break, consistently producing left-handers and working best with west swell combined with east wind. The Peak, north of South Beach, is a reef break offering both rights and lefts over rock and sand, usable from 3 to 8 feet and working year-round with swells from southwest through northwest. Conditions are optimal around mid tide, particularly on a rising tide. The area caters to various skill levels, from mellow beach sections to more demanding reef sections. Organized surfing arrived at Newport in the mid-1960s when Scott Blackman began surfing Agate Beach after returning from Air Force service in Guam. The early local scene included families like the Scribers, who surfed as early as the 1960s, and shaper John Kelsey established a board-making presence in the area. Nearby Nelscott Reef became a major milestone when surfers including John Forse first paddled it in 1995, leading to the creation of the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic, which made history in 2010 as the first big wave competition to include a women's division. The Agate Beach Surf Classic, held in September, has long served the community as a youth scholarship fundraiser. South Beach State Park at the South Jetty provides public access to the primary championship venue for the Oregon State Surfing Championship. Agate Beach offers another nearby access point. Both locations are administered by Oregon Parks and Recreation with standard state park facilities and coastal parking available. Hazards include cold water, rip currents, and sharks typical to the Oregon coast.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Newport Lower Jetties

North Orange County, United States

Newport Lower Jetties is a sand-bottom beach break at the Santa Ana River mouth where shifting sandbars create variable peak formation. The spot works on a range of swell directions—south, southwest, west, and northwest swells all produce waves—with the most consistent groundswell arriving in winter. Individual peaks suit different skill levels; some are manageable for beginners while others offer steeper, more challenging sections, making it less crowded and more forgiving than neighboring Upper Jetties. Waves typically run waist- to chest-high on average days, with head-high sets possible during larger winter swells. The main hazards are strong rip currents emanating from the jetties, especially on large south or northwest swells, along with submerged rocks near the jetties themselves. The Santa Ana River mouth to the north carries pollution risk—avoid entering the water for several days after heavy rain or street runoff. Surfers should enter the water on the ocean side of the jetties, never in the river proper. Access is via Orange Street off Pacific Coast Highway in northern Newport Beach. Parking is street-only along Seashore Drive near the river mouth, with metered options and limited free spots; checking the local street-sweeping schedule is important. The Huntington Beach State parking lot farther south is an alternative approach if parking is full.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Newport Point

North Orange County, United States

Newport Point is a powerful left-hand point break that requires specific swell-wind alignment to perform. The waves are steep and heavy with tight barrels in the 50-meter peeling section, particularly when overhead. It demands solid fundamentals and respect for the power, as the thick, throaty waves feel more formidable than their size suggests. It's a finicky break that only materializes during south-southwest groundswells with short periods and a northeast offshore wind, typically at low tide; most days the swell either comes from the wrong angle or passes through without triggering it, earning it a reputation as a "gadget wave" among locals. The break has been surfed since at least the 1970s, when it was photographed with surfers John van Ornum and Scott Preiss in 1973. Richie Collins surfed it in the 1980s. The spot gained notable sessions during Hurricane Marie in 2014 when coastal swell elevation created more consistent shape. While less iconic than The Wedge to the south, Newport Point occupies an important place in the larger Newport Beach lineage, a region born from the mid-century California surf boom. The break is located where the Newport Peninsula transitions from southwest-facing to south-facing coastline, just south of Newport Pier near 18th Street. Parking is street-side with scattered metered spots. The break can draw crowds during rare good conditions, and like much of central Orange County, the nearshore water quality and rip currents demand awareness.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Newport Upper Jetties

North Orange County, United States

Newport Upper Jetties is a sand-bottom beach break at the mouth of the Santa Ana River that wraps around jetty structures, with peaks that break both left and right. The waves are snappy and punchy on smaller days but can develop hollow sections when offshore winds align cleanly, working from 4 feet up to 8 feet or more on larger swells. It favors south to southwest swell energy and north to northeast winds, with an incoming or rising tide generally producing better-shaped peaks. The break requires intermediate skill—some sections favor beginners on smaller days while other peaks demand more experience, especially in the steeper, more powerful sections typical of upper jetties. The area's modern surf history is inseparable from jetty construction in 1936, which was initially driven by coastal engineering needs following a boating accident. Before the jetties were built, Corona del Mar just south of here was considered the mainland's premier natural wave, even hosting the first national surfing championship in 1928 and drawing visits from surfing pioneers like Duke Kahanamoku. The jetty system fundamentally reshaped the shoreline's hydrology and broke the wave patterns, though it created new peaks including the famous Wedge to the south. Newport's jetties remain a reliable alternative to the inconsistent natural breaks that preceded them. Access is from street parking near the Santa Ana River mouth—arriving early is important as the lot fills quickly. Walk-on access is also possible from the Huntington Beach State Beach parking area north of Brookhurst, or use metered street parking while checking local street-sweeping schedules. Strong rips and currents are hazards, and the sandbars shift frequently, creating unpredictable shape changes. Pollution from stormwater runoff after heavy rain is common, making the break less appealing immediately after storms.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

North Jetty

United States

North Jetty

Humboldt, United States

North Jetty is a consistent beach and jetty break that offers rights and lefts, with the right side toward the jetty producing punchier, shorter waves while the left side develops longer, softer walls and barrels. Swell runs through most tide stages, though an incoming tide pulls paddlers toward the harbor entrance, complicating both entry and exit. The break handles a wide range of swell sizes, from shoulder-high to triple overhead, and works best under northwest groundswell with southeast winds. The spot draws intermediate to advanced surfers; smaller winter swells may offer some beginner-friendly conditions, but strong rip currents and the jetty environment demand caution. Beyond swell size and wind direction, hazards include the concrete and rock jetty structures themselves, powerful sneaker waves that appear without warning and have proven fatal, shark presence in the bay, frigid water temperatures, and difficult water entry and exit points near the commercial harbor. The search results provide limited specific information about North Jetty's documented surf history, how long local surfers have relied on this break, or any notable competitions or prominent surfers associated with the spot. North Jetty sits on the Samoa Peninsula, the western arm of Humboldt Bay south of Eureka. Access from Highway 101 requires heading west on Samoa Boulevard (Route 255), crossing the Samoa Bridge, then turning south on New Navy Base Road toward the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area. Follow signs to Jetty Road and the parking area near the jetty base. The lot requires reasonable ground clearance and deteriorates seasonally; visitors should not drive onto the beach or jetty itself. Winter brings the most consistent and largest swells, particularly in January, making that the peak season for this spot.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

North Ocean Beach

San Francisco, United States

North Ocean Beach is a powerful, unforgiving beach break where long-period Pacific swells produce punchy, well-defined waves over shifting sand. Best swell direction is west to northwest, amplified by east winds, with waves ranging from waist-high to triple overhead. The break is suited only to advanced and experienced surfers; the combination of powerful surf, rip currents exceeding one and a half meters per second, and heavy shore break demand serious ocean competency. Conditions improve significantly from September through March as offshore winds replace summer's persistent onshore flow. Water temperatures remain cold year-round, averaging 56 degrees Fahrenheit even at the warmest time of year. North Ocean Beach remained a local secret among Northern California surfers until 2011, when it hosted the Rip Curl Pro Search—the first major professional contest at the break in decades. Gabriel Medina won the event, and the competition drew an estimated 15,000 spectators to watch elite surfers including 11-time world champion Kelly Slater navigate the break's demanding conditions. The event cemented Ocean Beach's reputation as a world-class proving ground for serious surfers. The break is accessed via free parking lots along the Great Highway, with beach entry through stairs and a paved oceanfront promenade. Point Lobos Avenue from the north or Fulton and Balboa Avenues from the east provide road access. Parking is generally available even on busy days, though lots can fill during optimal conditions and special events. Rip current hazards are persistent and severe due to the beach's 90-degree orientation to the Golden Gate Strait, which funnels tidal flows away from shore at speeds up to eight feet per second.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Ocean Beach Pier

South San Diego, United States

The break features a left-hand wave peeling off the north side of the pier alongside a separate right-hand break called The Jetty. Both work best during mid to low tide with west-traveling swell and offshore east winds, though the break is temperamental and conditions shift frequently. The sandy bottom accommodates all skill levels, and when swell is large, a channel next to the pier's north edge provides easier paddle-out access. Ocean Beach's place in surfing history centers on the 1966 World Surfing Championships held here in late September and early October. The contest marked the turning point toward modern shortboard design—Nat Young's Australian team demonstrated how smaller, more maneuverable boards opened up performance possibilities that longer boards could not. The event drew over ten thousand spectators and established both the location and the sport's direction forward. The newly opened municipal fishing pier itself became iconic to the spot's identity. Access is straightforward—the beach is fully developed with parking and facilities nearby. Hazards include the pier pilings and structural supports, rip currents common to the area, and strong crowds, particularly on weekends and during summer. River runoff from nearby streams after rain is another consideration.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Ocean Shores

Washington, United States

Ocean Shores features distinct breaks shaped by Grays Harbor's jetty and sandbars along a sand-bottom beach. The North Jetty produces sheltered, manageable peaks that suit beginners through intermediate surfers, while Damon Point with its sandbar formations generates steeper, faster walls requiring experience, particularly in winter swell. The break works best with west-southwest swell and offshore east winds; January typically brings the most consistent rideable conditions. Rip currents and undertow are present at both breaks, and water temperatures remain cold year-round. Vehicle beach access is permitted at multiple free parking areas distributed along the peninsula, providing straightforward entry to different sections and break locations. Tide tables should guide parking decisions to avoid being trapped by rising water.

Oceano Pier Ave.

San Luis Obispo County, United States

Oceano Pier Ave. is a sand beach break that breaks more consistently and with greater size than the nearby Pismo Beach break to the north. Southwest swell is most reliable, and the waves work best when offshore easterly winds align with that swell direction. Peak conditions typically occur around high tide as it begins to fall. Wave size ranges from waist to shoulder-high during good swells, with typical days producing 3- to 4-foot waves. The break suits intermediate surfers seeking to advance their skills and is steep enough that it demands more experience than some adjacent breaks. Rip currents are the primary hazard and require standard precautions—identify them by their darker, calmer appearance relative to surrounding whitewater and escape by swimming parallel to shore rather than fighting straight out. Winter months bring stronger undertow and colder water that adds to the risk profile. The spot rarely draws crowds despite receiving regular swell, and much of the beach remains isolated for long stretches. Access is available at two points: the southern entrance at the end of Pier Avenue in Oceano and the northern entrance at the end of Grand Avenue in Grover Beach. The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and charges a $5 day-use fee per vehicle. ADA-accessible restroom facilities exist at both entrance ramps, and sand wheelchairs are available free at the entrance stations. The beach allows vehicle access, so you can drive directly onto the sand to unload gear. Parking can be limited during peak times, though the overall area experiences far less congestion than nearby alternatives.

Oceanside Harbor

North San Diego, United States

Oceanside Harbor presents a reliable intermediate beach break formed by twin jetties and fine sandy sandbars that peel in both directions. The break maintains consistent form throughout the year with over 150 days of rideable conditions annually, working best during winter swells from the west with northeast winds favoring high tide. Crowd levels can be heavy, especially during warmer months, and typical hazards include strong rip currents along the jetties, sharks, and localized pollution following rainfall. Oceanside has deep roots in American surfing history. The area became a congregation point for serious surfers starting in the late 1950s when early enthusiasts built an informal clubhouse near the pier, eventually forming the Oceanside Surf Club. Phil Edwards, widely recognized as the first professional surfer, developed his skills on these waves, and the harbor's twin jetties drew other influential figures like shapers and board designers. The consistent waves attracted competitive surfing early, making Oceanside one of Southern California's premier contest venues for decades. The harbor provides straightforward vehicle access via the Harbor Drive exit from Interstate 5 or by taking Mission Avenue west to Pacific Street. Parking options range from free all-day lots near the tunnel east of the harbor to paid metered spots charging roughly a dollar per hour with an all-day cap around five dollars, plus several time-restricted free sections scattered throughout the harbor area.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Oceanside Pier

North San Diego, United States

Oceanside Pier breaks as a beach-break sandbar that produces waves on both the north and south sides of the structure. The north side offers gentler, more rolling peaks suited to beginners and intermediate surfers, while the south side develops hollower, punchier rights and lefts for more experienced paddlers. It works across all tidal stages and responds well to swell from the west-southwest, with northeast wind providing the cleanest conditions. The break handles waves from two feet up to well overhead and maintains consistency from autumn through spring, though it holds rideable waves year-round. Navigating around the pier pilings requires local knowledge, and crowds build significantly on weekends and summer days; rip currents present the main water hazard. Oceanside has hosted premier surfing competitions for nearly seven decades, establishing itself as one of Southern California's most important contest venues. The King of the Pier event traces back to 1985, while the SuperGirl Pro Series, launched in 2007, became a showcase for elite women's surfers. The break holds the distinction of being USA Surfing's official selection site for Olympic team candidates, with the national trials held each June. Phil Edwards, recognized as the world's first professional surfer, developed his craft on Oceanside's waves in the 1950s, and the area became a center of surfboard shaping and manufacturing during that era, with figures like Robert Lee "Black Mac" McClendon advancing board design locally. The US Open Adaptive Surfing Championships also convenes here. From Interstate 5, take Mission Boulevard west toward the coast, then turn right on North Pacific Street and continue to Pier View Way where the pier sits. Parking appears throughout the area with metered spots on Pier View Way and pre-pay lots scattered across Mission Avenue, North Pacific, North Myers, and North Cleveland. Free parking runs along Pacific Street, though the city enforces strict regulations near the pier and harbor, so reading posted signs carefully is essential before leaving your vehicle.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Oceanside, OR

Oregon, United States

Oceanside receives southwest swell best, with favorable winds from the east or southwest; northeast wind tends to chop conditions. Water temperatures range from roughly 48 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit depending on season, requiring a wetsuit year-round. Low to medium tide generally produces the better shape, though conditions can be quite variable. The town of Oceanside has a local surf shop and appears in contemporary surf guides, but I could not locate specific documented surfing history, notable competitions, or named surfers particularly associated with this break. A broader regional connection exists to Tillamook Head surfboard shapers from the late 1960s era, but nothing specific to Oceanside's own development as a break. Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site sits nine miles west of Tillamook and three miles north of Netarts, accessed via a stairway and ramp descending from a parking area. The spot sits within the Three Capes Scenic Loop, with Cape Lookout about 1.5 miles away. Day-use access is year-round with parking fees.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Off The Wall

North Shore Oahu, United States

Off The Wall is an advanced reef break on the North Shore of Oahu near Pupukea, with a shallow reef bottom and significant crowd density. Best conditions occur during mid-tide with east winds and northwest swell, accepting waves from multiple directions. The break presents serious hazards including shallow reef and sea urchins, requiring experienced surfers.

advanced · shortboard

Oil Piers

Ventura, United States

Oil Piers was historically a beach break with a well-defined sandbar that formed around Mobil Oil's two offshore piers, creating consistently glassy and shapely summer waves that required minimal technique. The break was particularly reliable for beginners to intermediate surfers during favorable conditions. However, the spot's character changed entirely in 1998 when Mobil Oil dismantled and removed the piers after the company's contract with California expired, altering the seafloor contours. Today it is an unremarkable stretch of sand with no reliable swell-channeling features and inconsistent beach break performance comparable to most other unstructured Southern California beaches. Oil Piers thrived as a summertime destination throughout the latter half of the twentieth century, drawing Ventura's local surfing community to its predictable waves. The piers inadvertently acted as swell drivers, trapping sand into rideable banks, making it one of the most dependable breaks in Ventura County. The spot's popularity declined sharply after pier removal left it shapeless. Discussions about artificial reef restoration emerged in the early 2000s to rebuild the waves, with engineers and environmental advocates proposing a constructed surf reef to both revive surfing conditions and address beach erosion, though these projects have not materialized into finished structures. Oil Piers Beach sits between Mussel Shoals and Seacliff Beach Colony along a quarter-mile stretch directly adjacent to Highway 101, accessible via Exit 78. Free parking is available along Mobil Pier Road from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. The beach is a short walk from parking areas and remains part of the California Coastal Trail, offering straightforward access despite the spot's degraded wave quality.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Old Man's at Tourmaline

South San Diego, United States

Old Man's produces soft, rolling, mushy waves that peel along the beach in both directions, with long, gentle rides ideal for learning and practicing stylish turns or nose riding on longboards. The sandy bottom helps create these forgiving conditions. It works year-round but peaks from November through February when Northwest winter swells arrive; Northeast offshore winds help clean up the face, and low-to-mid rising tides keep the waves organized—high tide really flattens the potential. Nearby peaks can absorb bigger swell, but Old Man's itself stays mellow even in larger conditions. Tourmaline Surfing Park has deep roots in surf culture as America's first beach area officially dedicated to surfing, formally dedicated on May 29, 1965 during the ninth annual Pacific Beach Aquafair and Western Regional Surfing Championships. The park has remained a foundational training ground and social hub in Southern California's surf scene for six decades, anchoring North Pacific Beach as a welcoming entry point for generations of new surfers. The spot sits at the northern end of Pacific Beach with abundant parking at the base of a hill and full beach facilities including restrooms and showers. Access is straightforward but the break draws very heavy crowds, especially on weekends and weekdays—finding open water and space to practice requires patience and early sessions.

beginner · intermediate · fish

Olowalu

Hawaii, Maui, United States

Olowalu is an intermediate-friendly reef break situated on Maui's southwest coast where both left and right peaks peel from the same offshore structure. The wave tends to be most consistent during summer months when south and southwest swells wrap around the island, arriving through the channel between Lanaʻi and Kaho'olawe; during larger southern swells, the break becomes bowly and barrels form. This south-facing orientation protects it from the island's heavy winter north shore swell. The paddle out and exit demand careful foot placement through a corridor between ancient coral formations to avoid lacerations, particularly during low tide when sharp coral heads surface; high tide creates its own hazard as waves slam the rocks hard, making entry and exit timing critical. Kiawe trees on the beach shed inch-long thorns that lodge in sand. Olowalu occupies the largest healthy reef system on Maui, spanning over 100 acres with some coral structures documented to be more than 500 years old. The spot has served as a natural training ground where intermediate surfers develop their skills on consistent summer peelers, though it has attracted little formal surf history or competition visibility compared to the island's more famous breaks. The break sits immediately off the Honoapiilani Highway with a parking area requiring less than two minutes to paddle in, making it one of the island's most accessible spots. The reef's ecological significance as a diverse coral ecosystem with rare species means entry and exit routes require care to avoid damaging the ecosystem and to navigate safely past sea urchins and occasional marine life.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Ormond Beach

Ventura, United States

Ormond Beach is a sand and rock jetty break producing consistent left and right-hand waves year-round. The break works best on high tide with southwest swell and northeast offshore winds. Wave heights typically range from waist-high to just overhead before closing out, making it accessible for beginners when conditions align. The beach break exposes groundswells more readily than wind-generated waves, and winter months—particularly February—offer the most reliable clean conditions, though the majority of days produce waves small enough that many experienced surfers pass it over. Ormond Beach sits within a two-mile shoreline between Port Hueneme and the Naval Base Ventura County boundary. Access is available from a free parking lot at the end of Arnold Road, with additional parking near Ocean View Drive requiring a one-mile walk to reach the water. The location is notable as part of a restored wetland area with bird-watching trails running parallel to the beach.

Otter Rock

Oregon, United States

Otter Rock is a protected beach break sheltered by rocky headlands at the base of Devil's Punchbowl, which filter out the harshest Pacific swells and produce small, slow-breaking waves ideal for developing fundamentals. The break generates both lefts and rights on a sand bottom, typically in the two-to-four foot range. It works across multiple tides with a preference for mid-tide, best with westerly swell and easterly winds, particularly during the winter months when Atlantic storms generate consistent Pacific-wrapping groundswell. The spot has developed a regional reputation as one of North America's premier beginner learning areas—with claims that more surfers have learned to ride here than anywhere else in Oregon. It hosts the Otter Rock And Roll youth surf contest each June. Beyond this modern learner-friendly designation, I found no substantial historical record of notable sessions, established local lineage, or specific surfer heritage at the break. Access is via an 85-step staircase descending from a parking lot at Devil's Punchbowl State Park. The beach sits just south of Depoe Bay and includes restrooms; parking fills quickly during good conditions and summer weekends. Cold water (45–58°F depending on season) requires a 3/2mm to 4/3mm wetsuit year-round.

beginner · intermediate · longboard

Oxnard

Ventura, United States

Oxnard Shores is a mile-long beach break with left and right peaks along an exposed sandy shore. Winter swells from the west-southwest paired with offshore east winds produce the cleanest, most consistent conditions, with January being the prime month. The break also responds well to summer and fall south swells, which can create steep, hollow A-frame peaks spanning much of the beach. Strong rip currents present the main hazard, and the break suits intermediate to advanced surfers rather than beginners. The Campbell Brothers established themselves in Oxnard in 1966 and developed the influential Bonzer surfboard design here in the early 1970s, refining the template by 1972. The area was part of a localized and progressive surf scene within Ventura County's beach break lineup at that time. Oxnard Shores sits at the Oxnard Beach Park along Harbor Boulevard with multiple parking options, including paid lots and free curbside parking. Access comes via Highway 1 through Harbor Boulevard, with several entry points to the beach scattered along the park, including access near Neptune Square on the north end and via the Mandalay Beach area to the south. The beach consistently offers uncrowded waves and remains rideable year-round.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Pacific Beach Drive

South San Diego, United States

the area is indeed a beginner beach break, works best with west-northwest swell, prefers mid-to-high tide with morning offshore winds, and is a crowded spot. The hazards (rip currents, crowds, swimmers) match documented conditions. DESCRIPTION: Pacific Beach Drive is a mellow beach break that rarely exceeds head-high, making it consistent beginner terrain. The break handles northwest swell best and comes alive when morning offshore winds clean up the shape before onshore conditions dominate by afternoon. Mid to high tide produces the most usable banks. The area became a focal point during San Diego's surf boom of the 1960s and 1970s, when Pacific Beach housed surfboard manufacturers and attracted a growing recreational crowd. No major competitions or legendary sessions are documented specifically at this break. Pacific Beach Drive offers dedicated parking at the P.B. Drive access point, with public restrooms and facilities nearby along the main beach promenade. The break fronts a wide sandy beach with foot traffic from swimmers and beachgoers year-round, creating consistent lineup crowding especially on weekends.

Pacific City

Oregon, United States

Pacific City is a composite break with exposed beach sections and reef components that work year-round, driven primarily by westerly swells. The sandy beach produces shapely left and right peaks in smaller conditions, with an offshore right-hand reef break becoming more prominent as swell increases. Winter brings the most powerful waves, often 8 to 15 feet, while summer typically sees 4 to 8 foot sets. The break responds well to east winds and works across all tidal stages, though conditions frequently turn choppy and wind-affected. The northern end near Cape Kiwanda slopes gently and suits developing surfers, while the southern section and the nearby Gas Chambers reef to the north present considerably more demanding conditions and stronger currents; Gas Chambers specifically is a specialized left for advanced surfers only. Rips and occasional sharks present typical coastal Oregon hazards. The Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic has defined Pacific City's surfing culture since 1998, when local shop owners Bob and Michelle Ledbetter initiated the event to build community among Pacific Northwest surfers. The competition now runs annually for over a quarter-century under Moment Surf Company's stewardship, drawing more than 240 competitors and becoming the region's premier longboard contest. Prize proceeds have funded local infrastructure improvements, including the ongoing maintenance of Pacific City's skatepark. Pacific City sits on Oregon's north coast in Tillamook County, accessed via the main beach at Cape Kiwanda. The location offers straightforward beach parking and facilities for a developed coastal town, making it accessible for both tourists and committed local surfers year-round.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard