Surf Spots

Sands

Santa Barbara, United States

Sands is a mellow sandy beach break with a shifting sandbar that faces northwest, best approached at medium to high tide when the wide beach holds shape. The sandbar responds best to shorter wind-swell periods under ten seconds or southwest to northwest groundswells, with offshore northeast winds grooming the face into long, peeling walls ideal for learning. The break walls out and becomes choppy and dumpy during low tide, when submerged rocks and kelp beds create hazards underfoot; southeast winds turn the shore onshore and messy in the afternoon, and crowd management can be significant given its popularity with UCSB students. Sands became a regular destination for local surfers beginning in the early 1960s, alongside neighboring Campus Point, when the area was still lightly trafficked. By 1963, it had established itself as a consistent student break, with enough history that nearby Campus Point later warranted erosion-protection work by the university in 1971. The spot occupies cultural significance for Isla Vista's surf community and has served as a foundational learning break for generations of UCSB-affiliated riders. Access is via a dirt trail along the bluffs from the end of Camino Majorca in Isla Vista, descending through wooden staircases and footpaths to the sand. The beach occupies the western tip of Isla Vista adjacent to the Coal Oil Point Reserve, a marine-protected area that hosts sensitive dune and plover habitat and tide pools at low water.

intermediate · shortboard

Sandspit

Santa Barbara, United States

Sandspit produces long-tube right-hand waves that can spin barrels for 10 to 15 seconds when hit by substantial west swells at low tide. The break forms on a continuously shifting sandbar tucked against the Santa Barbara Harbor breakwater, requiring regular dredging to maintain the boat channel—this means bottom conditions are inconsistent between sessions. The heavy backwash from the breakwater structure makes paddle-out and position control difficult, and scattered rocks near the breakwater present a collision hazard. Sandspit functions as a key indicator of South Coast swell quality; when conditions are good here, they're typically excellent throughout the region. The sandbar itself is an artifact of the 1929 harbor breakwater construction. Sand began accumulating against the structure immediately afterward, gradually building the now-persistent sandbar. Beyond its role as a local benchmark, specific documentation of surf history—contests, notable surfers, or historical sessions—does not appear in publicly available sources. Access is via a paved path from Santa Barbara Harbor, requiring roughly a 1.5-mile walk to reach the breakwater tip where the break sits. Parking is available in the harbor area near Stearns Wharf, though availability can be tight during peak times.

advanced · shortboard

Sandy Beach

Hawaii, Oahu, United States

Sandy Beach near Hawaii Kai is an advanced beach break with a powerful shallow shorebreak, strong currents, and sharp lava rock/coral that result in frequent spinal injuries and closures on big swell days. The break receives swell from both directions with ESE swell preferred and best conditions in NW winds. The spot hosts the Sandy Beach Challenge (Hawaii Bodyboarding Pro Tour).

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Santa Claus (Padaro Beach)

Santa Barbara, United States

Santa Claus at Padaro Beach is a gentle beach break best suited for beginners and longboarders, with rolling waves that rarely develop significant size. The break produces both left and right-hand peaks along a sandy bottom. It responds best to southwest swell combined with northeast offshore winds, with winter months—particularly November—offering the most consistent conditions, though even these rarely produce powerful surf. The spot has minimal recorded surf history, having developed primarily as a teaching beach where local schools run lessons for beginners. It lacks the established culture or notable sessions that define more prominent California breaks, positioning it squarely as an accessible learning destination rather than a destination break. Access requires parking in free street spots or a small dirt lot along Santa Claus Lane, then crossing active Amtrak and freight railroad tracks before reaching the beach. The crossing demands care, especially during train schedules. Beyond the tracks lies a sandy area with some rocks; the beach offers no facilities and can get crowded on small-swell summer days. Tar from offshore natural oil seeps is a persistent but manageable hazard—removable with oil-based cleaners—and rip currents pose risk during larger winter swells.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Santa Monica Beach North

South Los Angeles, United States

Santa Monica Beach North is a sand beach break that works best during small to moderate swell periods, typically producing waist-to-shoulder-height waves when conditions align. The break generates waves that peel both left and right, making it accessible for learners. Peak conditions occur around low tide combined with west-southwest swell energy and northeast offshore winds; the break is more consistent during winter months, particularly January, while summer tends toward smaller and choppier conditions. As a sandy bottom, the break can shift and reshape seasonally. Santa Monica's broader coastal area holds significant place in early California surfing, with the region documented as a surfing destination since the early twentieth century. Santa Monica Pier has hosted competitions and events that drew surfers throughout the modern era of the sport, and the area near the pier remains culturally tied to Southern California's surf heritage, though most notable competitions and development have centered on the pier itself rather than the north beach section specifically. Santa Monica Beach North lies immediately north of the pier and provides direct public beach access. Multiple streets including Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Arizona, and Broadway connect from the town above to sand level. The main parking facility serving this area is Lot 1 North, the largest lot along Santa Monica's waterfront with 1,200 spaces, located at 1550 Appian Way; parking ranges from $12 to $15 daily. The break faces potential hazards including strong rip currents, sudden underwater drop-offs, heavy shorebreak during larger swells, and cold water that requires a wetsuit most of the year.

Santa Monica Beach South

South Los Angeles, United States

Santa Monica Beach South is a beginner-friendly beach break with a sandy bottom and sandbars that consistently produces small, predictable waves year-round. The right-breaking peaks are best in the 2–4 foot range, driven by southwest swell and favorable during northeast offshore wind conditions. Low tide brings the most rideable waves. The spot works well for lesson programs and progression-stage surfers who want frequent, small, mellow conditions without technical difficulty. The south Santa Monica beach area holds historical significance in Southern California surfing, particularly for African American surfers and those excluded from other spots during the mid-20th century. The Inkwell, a two-block stretch immediately south of the pier, became an important gathering place, and notable early surfers including Nick Gabaldon learned to surf in this area. Modern events like the Pier 360 beach festival occasionally include tandem surf contests in the zone. Access is straightforward via Beach Parking Lots 1–4 South, located along Appian Way and Ocean Avenue with convenient restroom facilities and accessible parking. Morning sessions before onshore winds pick up offer the cleanest conditions; the break is exposed and receives consistent wind by mid-day.

Santa Monica Pier, North

South Los Angeles, United States

Santa Monica Pier North is a sand-bottomed beach break positioned directly north of the pier, with waves that peel consistently to the right across extended sections ideal for maneuvers and cruising. The break works best when westerly to west-southwest swell arrives paired with northeast wind, performing strongest at low tide. Waves range from waist-high to overhead, and winter months—particularly January—deliver the most frequent and reliable conditions. Hazards include rip currents and water quality issues from urban runoff pollution, and the break attracts enough surfers that crowds are common. The pier has hosted surfing competitions and ocean sports events for many decades, with formalized competitions dating at least to paddleboard racing traditions that established themselves at Santa Monica Pier in the 1930s. The annual Pier 360 festival celebrates this heritage, featuring tandem surfing bodyboard contests that draw multiple teams, alongside lifeguard races and paddleboard competitions. The broader Santa Monica coastline became a recognized focal point for California's surf culture as the sport expanded through the 1960s. Beach Parking Lot 1 North sits directly adjacent to the pier and provides the primary public access to the break, accessible via Pacific Coast Highway with parking rates ranging from $7 to $15 seasonally. An accessible parking area with an elevator serves visitors and sits near the pier entrance at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company.

Santa Rosa Creek

San Luis Obispo County, United States

Santa Rosa Creek is a pebbly sand beach break with scattered rocks and boulders, breaking in both directions over sandy bottom with frequent rocky features throughout. It performs best on low to mid tide with southwest to west swell and east-northeast winds, working year-round but producing cleaner, more consistent conditions during winter months, particularly January. The spot suits intermediate surfers; the bottom composition creates dynamic wave patterns but also presents hazards for less experienced surfers, and cold water with strong coastal currents requires caution. The area has been surfed as part of the Cambria coastal lineup, functioning as a relatively quiet local wave between better-known Central Coast spots like San Simeon and Cayucos. Early morning sessions draw surfers seeking uncrowded peaks and clean conditions. Santa Rosa Creek runs along Moonstone Beach Drive in Cambria with parking directly adjacent; the spot is accessible but remains less congested than other regional breaks despite growing visitor traffic to the scenic coastal town. Sneaker waves occur here, warranting respect for ocean conditions, and careful navigation over rocks is necessary—both in the water and when accessing the beach.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Sapphire St.

South Los Angeles, United States

Sapphire Street is a right-hand sandbar break on the south side of the Redondo Beach jetty at King Harbor's southern end. The wave works on southwest to northwest swell with west swell being ideal, producing waves from 1 to 6 feet. It performs best at low tide with easterly wind, and while it picks up considerably less swell than the nearby Topaz Street jetty break, it becomes a reliable option when northwest wind blows out other local peaks. The break tends to stay smaller and cleaner than breaks to the south, delivering quick, peeling rights over sand. The spot has drawn a consistent local following as a beginner-friendly option in the Redondo area, with easy parking available on the Esplanade and Knob Hill. Access is straightforward through Topaz Street to reach the beach. Winter from November through March produces the most consistent surf, with January historically among the best months.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Scott Creek

Santa Cruz, United States

Scott Creek is a right reef break on the north end of the beach where the primary wave action centers, generating fast, hollow sections when overhead winter swells arrive from the northwest. The reef handles size well and can produce barrels extending 100 meters on strong swells. Wave heights range from small summer peaks of 3–5 feet to double overhead in winter storms. The best conditions align northwest swell with offshore east winds. Water temperature stays around 59°F year-round, demanding a spring or full wetsuit. The break works through all tidal stages, though it favors intermediate to advanced surfers comfortable with a technical, powerful wave that can churn aggressively in larger conditions. The spot sits in a protected county park setting between two large coastal bluffs, roughly half a mile of beach with a rocky point creating the consistent reef break on the northern end. Parking is free along Highway 1 shoulders, though crossing the narrow two-lane highway can be hazardous. There are no facilities—no restrooms, water, or services—keeping the beach relatively uncrowded compared to more developed coastal breaks. The area has become a dual-use spot, with morning and evening surfers coexisting with afternoon kite and wind surfers who take advantage of the steady sea breeze.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Scripps

South San Diego, United States

Scripps is an intermediate-level sand-bottom beach break with multiple peaks shaped by shifting sandbars on either side of the pier. It breaks both left and right, working best during low to medium tide with west-northwest swell and southeast offshore wind. The break holds more size than comparable nearby beaches, typically offering waves in the 3–6 foot range during favorable swells, particularly through winter months when conditions are most consistent. Scripps has hosted the Legends of Surfing Invitational for decades, an annual event that has raised significant funds for cancer research and brought together prominent figures in surfing history. The pier's proximity to top-tier breaks in the region has made it a longstanding part of the local La Jolla surf scene. The beach is accessed via parking near La Jolla Shores Drive and El Paseo Grande, with a path and staircase leading down to the sand. The main hazard is the pier structure itself—strong currents and rip zones form around the pilings, requiring awareness and attention to conditions. Crowds can be heavy, especially with surfers of varying skill levels in the water.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Seal Beach Jetty

North Orange County, United States

The jetty sits at the San Gabriel River mouth where waves break as shifting sand peaks over a sandy bottom, with both lefts and rights depending on swell direction and tide. On smaller south swells the break can offer long, fun walls, while larger west-northwest swells produce steep, hollow sections that demand more skill. The break works best with southwesterly swell, offshore northeast wind, and middle tide—contrary to the current description, low tide does not produce the best shape here. Seal Beach is particularly notable for stingrays, attracting roughly one-third of all recorded stingray injuries in the United States. The warmer water near the river mouth and the soft sandy bottom created by river sediment draw the rays, making the stingray shuffle essential. Additionally, the San Gabriel River brings water quality problems after rain events, with high bacterial contamination flowing out during discharge. Access is straightforward off Pacific Coast Highway via Main Street into Seal Beach, with paid parking available near the beach at 1st Street. The break draws a mixed crowd of beginners on mellow days and stronger surfers when conditions align, with the nearby pier creating rip currents and channels that demand awareness of the structure.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Seal Beach Pier, Northside

North Orange County, United States

Seal Beach Pier's north side is a sheltered beach break where waves refract off the seawall into fast, hollow lefthanders across an inside sandbar, with an additional shorter right peak breaking near the wall. On most days it produces small, well-shaped waves that are beginner-friendly, but large west-northwest swells transform the pier bowls into steep, demanding surf. The spot needs southwest groundswell combined with northeast offshore winds to work best, favoring early morning sessions and low to incoming tide stages. Hazards include strong localized currents, stingrays on the bottom, and a heavy local presence. Access involves two parking lots at Eisenhower Park: one entered from 8th Street on the north and another from 10th Street on the south, with additional free parking available at First Street. The pier is reached via Seal Beach Boulevard (which becomes Ocean Avenue) heading toward Main Street, with the location sitting at Orange County's northernmost beach town.

Seal Beach Pier, Southside

North Orange County, United States

Seal Beach Pier Southside is an a-frame beach break on sand with shifting peaks ranging from mellow to occasionally hollow depending on sand positioning. Wave size typically works from waist-high to overhead, with the spot firing best on west to northwest swell during cooler months and northeast offshore winds. The break tapers quickly below waist-high and tends to close out in larger swells. Tidal influence is notable: lower tides produce fast, hollow sections near the pier structure, while mid-rising tide provides the best push and shape without closing out. Rip currents, stingrays, and post-rain runoff from nearby river mouths are consistent hazards. Seal Beach developed into a significant surfing destination during the 1960s, producing or hosting accomplished surfers including the Haley brothers—Jack and Mike—both West Coast champions in consecutive years, as well as Robert August, whose prominence in Bruce Brown's Endless Summer films helped define an era of California surfing. Other notable figures from the era included Bill Fury, the Buehl and Lenahan brothers, and Eddie Bonham. The pier's sheltered position means it receives and refines distant groundswells, creating more manageable peaks than nearby breaks. The 1,865-foot pier—California's second longest wooden pier—sits between two steep beach driveways, with the southern access slightly more negotiable for getting to the water. Metered parking runs five dollars per day with free one-hour spots available on nearby side streets. Water quality sits at fair best, bracketed by Long Beach and river outflow, making it advisable to avoid paddling after heavy rain due to pollution and runoff.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Seaside

Oregon, United States

Seaside Point breaks as a long, hollow left-hand wave peeling along a boulder-strewn point. The break works between 4 and 15 feet, with best conditions arriving from September through February when southwest swells wrap around the headland under east winds. The wave moves fast and demands precision, offering barrels with minimal room for mistakes—winter swells can prove punishing even for accomplished surfers. Two distinct sections exist along the point, with the inner break handling full-sized swells and an outer peak providing earlier indicators of quality. Dana Williams pioneered this stretch in 1962 after migrating from California, and despite initial local resistance that included a city surfing ban, he established the area as a serious destination. The break gained widespread recognition after a 1972 Surfing magazine feature documented Oregon localism, and Seaside's reputation for fierce wave-protection has only intensified over decades. A territorial local group informally known as "the Tribe" maintains a no-visitors policy that is enforced rather than theoretical, and stories of confrontations with outsiders are widespread. Accessing the break requires navigating Highway 101 to the southern end of Seaside, then hiking roughly 600 meters across large slick boulders to reach the water. Shore pound on entry is severe except during the most southerly swells. The slimy boulder bottom and rip currents present serious hazards alongside the localism, and isolated reports of sharks add to the risk calculus.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Seaside Reef

North San Diego, United States

The break creates long, smooth left-hand walls that peel consistently across the reef—walls that can stretch hundreds of yards on quality swells. Best with westerly to northwesterly swells and offshore east winds; the reef works across tide ranges but excels when tide is low or falling. The shallow rocky bottom demands precise positioning and clean technique, making it a genuine expert-only break except in smaller summer waves. Surfers have surfed this reef regularly since at least the 1950s. Rob Machado, a Cardiff native, honed his fluid style on these reefs and continues to surf the spot frequently. The break has hosted competitive events including the Volcom Blowfish Surf Series. The 45-million-year-old sandstone reef formation creates tide pools visible at low tide. Access is via South Cardiff State Beach parking lot on Coast Highway 101, with a paid lot that opens at 7am. The break sits just north of Solana Beach and offers views along the coast. The shallow rocky reef requires respect for local knowledge and hazard awareness, particularly the unforgiving bottom on wipeouts.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Second Bay

United States

Second Peak

United States

Sewer Peak

United States

Shark's Cove

United States

Sharp Park

Pacifica, United States

Sharp Park is a steep, dynamic beach break featuring black sand substrate that sits one of California's few iron-oxide sand beaches. Sandbars shift seasonally and after storms, making the break's shape and character unpredictable. The wave consistently provides both left and right-handers and works year-round, though winter conditions turn violent with powerful shorebreak and difficult water movement. Spring and fall produce the more manageable sessions. West swell with east wind creates optimal conditions around low tide, and the break tends to be largest near the municipal pier and smaller moving south. The hazards that draw only advanced surfers are substantial: violent rip currents make paddling out laborious and returning to shore treacherous. The steep beach drop creates powerful shorebreak, and metal debris from storm drainage infrastructure near the pier adds injury risk beyond the usual ocean dangers. The beach has eroded significantly since the 1980s due to coastal armoring with seawalls and riprap, which blocks natural sand replenishment, so the exposed beach area has shrunk while the breaks persist in deeper water. Sharp Park sits in Pacifica adjacent to a municipal pier built in 1973, now closed as of June 2026. The beach is accessible from a public promenade running along the levee, which connects to Mori Point trails to the north. The black sand and steep profile make the beach distinctive among Bay Area surf spots, though the crowded conditions and hazard level keep it primarily a local's spot where experience matters.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Shell Beach

San Luis Obispo County, United States

Shell Beach features two reef peaks over a boulder-studded bottom that produces quick takeoffs requiring precision and awareness of the rocky substrate. Best surfed at low to mid tide with solid NW or SW swell and east-northeast winds, the break can accommodate swell from various directions. When small swells arrive, the waves turn mushy and accessible for beginners, but stronger conditions draw intermediate and advanced surfers who navigate the exposed rocks with skill. Street parking along Ocean Boulevard provides access via stairs that descend the bluffs to a compact, tide-dependent rocky cove. The small beach area absorbs heavy foot traffic from tourists, kayakers, and tide poolers, particularly at lower tides when rock formations and tide pools become exposed. Walking to the water requires footwear or toughened feet because of the rocky beach.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Shelter Cove

Humboldt, United States

Shelter Cove contains multiple distinct breaks across a system of reef and point formations. Deadman's is an exposed reef suitable for intermediate surfers that peels cleanly on southwest groundswells. Third Reef, the most demanding of the main breaks, features both left and right-hand options that require larger swell and a low tide to properly shape up, making it suitable primarily for intermediate to advanced surfers. The breaks handle a range of sizes depending on tide and swell direction, from chest-high near the boat ramp to overhead+ waves off the nearby point. Cold water, sea urchins, scattered rocks, and strong currents characterize the break environment, along with the region's white shark population and absolute isolation. Surfing arrived at Shelter Cove in 1953 when pioneering figures brought the sport to this remote corner of California—the first waves ridden in Humboldt County. The spot has remained central to the county's surf culture since. Big Flat, a separate and legendary break located nine miles up the Lost Coast Trail from the main cove, produces exceptionally clean, well-formed waves and extended rides in a setting of dramatic coastal isolation, though reaching it requires either serious hiking commitment or air access. Shelter Cove sits on the rugged Lost Coast, a stretch of geography so remote and steep that highway infrastructure never reached it. Access roads have remained essentially unchanged since pack-animal days; development proposals in the 1960s withered under the combined weight of local resistance and prohibitive construction costs. The break is southwest-facing and seasonally variable—consistently rideable in spring and fall when southern swells reach it cleanly, largely unreliable during most winter months, and small through summer. Tide and wind direction significantly influence wave quality on any given day.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Shitpipe

South Los Angeles, United States

Shitpipe is a left-hand break that forms over a man-made reef of concrete chunks positioned around a submerged sewer pipe caisson roughly a mile offshore. The wave requires several feet of swell overhead to produce rideable sets; west-facing swells with east-northeast wind shape the best conditions, and high tide offers the most consistent shape. The bottom is sand and rock in deeper water, and the break is known for producing powerful, hollow peeling sections that appeal to experienced surfers but intimidates newcomers. Shitpipe appears to be a relatively modern phenomenon rather than a long-established spot—its reputation has grown among Southern California surfers through word-of-mouth as a rare, fickle break that activates only in specific winter and early-spring swell windows, with January and February being the most reliable months. The spot has cultivated a cult-like following among experienced locals but has not generated notable historical sessions or competitions of record. The spot lies about 100 yards offshore just north of the El Segundo jetty and south of the Hyperion sewage treatment plant's outfall. Access is from Vista del Mar, with parking across from the treatment plant; reaching the break requires paddling from shore or boat access. Heavy localism and aggressive territorial behavior from established regulars are defining features of this break.

advanced · shortboard

Short Sands

Oregon, United States

Short Sands is a protected beach break in a horseshoe-shaped cove within Oswald West State Park, producing sandbars that generate both left and right-hand waves. The break works best on low to mid tide across a range of southern to southwestern swell directions. It offers waves year-round but peaks from September through February, with October and November typically grinding the bars into their sharpest form—occasional barrels appear during larger winter swells. The break caters naturally to beginners with a forgiving character in average conditions, though winter swells provide plenty for advanced surfers. The cove's geographical shelter from prevailing northwesterly winds makes it one of the least-wind-affected spots on the Oregon coast. Cold water temperatures from December onward and dangerous rip currents pose the main hazards. The spot lies roughly two hours south of Portland and within a few miles of Cannon Beach. Access involves a straightforward half-mile downhill walk on a paved trail from the Oswald West State Park trailhead, where parking incurs a day-use fee and fills fastest during summer months. The park provides restrooms at the lot. Winter and spring offer the quietest conditions and best solitude, as summer brings heavy crowds and some seasonal access constraints.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Silver Strand

Ventura, United States

Silver Strand is a mile-long beach break with lefts and rights peeling across hard-packed sand, framed by the Channel Islands Harbor jetty to the south and the Port Hueneme jetty to the north. The break is reasonably consistent and performs best when west-northwest swell combines with easterly offshore winds, producing clean barrels particularly during winter. High tide is optimal for most sections, and the wave ranges from waist-high to triple overhead when conditions align. Crowding increases noticeably on good swell days. Silver Strand holds significance within Oxnard's surf lineage, with surfers including Nathaniel Curran and Sage Erickson having developed their craft here. The beach area has deep roots in the local creative scene, particularly the punk-rock culture that has thrived there since the 1970s. Access to Silver Strand requires entering via Victoria Avenue, a single road that creates intentional isolation and keeps the break less crowded than many Ventura County alternatives. It sits roughly seven miles from Highway 101, requiring extra effort to reach. Parking is available near the beach but fills during peak times; overflow street parking offers a nearby alternative. Hazards include sea urchins, rip currents, undertow, rocks, and water quality concerns, with some localism present.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Solimar

Ventura, United States

Solimar is a sustained right-hand reef break that extends across a boulder-and-sand base, producing long peeling walls under favorable conditions. The wave reaches eight feet on solid southwest swells with northeast offshore wind, performing best at low tide. It requires intermediate to advanced ability—the steep entry demands power and snap, while winter's kelp infestations grow so dense early in the season that they effectively choke the wave, making it unrideable despite swells pumping through. Solimar sits on Highway 1 roughly four miles north of downtown Ventura, within a private gated residential area about a mile above Emma Wood State Beach. Free public parking is available near the southern edge of the development; surfers typically paddle out in around ten minutes from the beach. Parking remains plentiful on weekdays but fills by early morning on weekends.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

South Beach

Humboldt, United States

South Beach is a sheltered sand-bottom beach break that produces both left and right-hand waves, though the sheltered geography means incoming swell size is roughly 40 percent of what's hitting the coast. The spot works best in winter and spring when west-southwest groundswells meet northeast offshore winds, and conditions are cleanest at low tide. The break is accessible to all skill levels and draws minimal crowds even when waves are present. South Beach has anchored Del Norte County's local surf scene for decades, serving as the region's primary wave venue in an area with few breaks. The North Coast surfing community is known for its tight-knit character; notably, legendary big-wave surfer Greg Noll settled in Crescent City later in his career, and his son has operated a local surf shop there, embedding one of surfing's most iconic figures into the region's lineage. The Crescent City Classic Longboard Surf Competition and Festival, held each September, brings the community together with multiple days of competition and celebration. South Beach sits just west of US Route 101, directly adjacent to Crescent City Harbor and Marina. Parking is available along Anchor Way and Redwood Highway. The beach is accessed through town near waterfront restaurants and Local Boys Surf Shop, where visitors can rent boards and wetsuits. The area includes accessible tide pools and is located near the famous Crescent City Lighthouse, reachable on foot during low tide windows.

beginner · intermediate · funboard

South Beach OR

Oregon, United States

South Beach is an exposed sand-bottom beach break with multiple peaks distributed along its miles of shoreline. West swell pairs with offshore easterly winds for optimal conditions, producing more defined, hollow sections at low tide—particularly near the south jetty—while higher water stages offer gentler, more forgiving walls. The break favors left-hand turns and accommodates all skill levels from steep sections for advanced surfers to mellow spooling waves for beginners and longboarders. Waves tend to be smaller and milder closer to the jetty, with more powerful shape developing southward. Organized surfing in the Newport area began in 1964 when Scott Blackman started riding at nearby Agate Beach after returning from military service, quickly inspiring a growing local crew. The Agate Beach Surf Club formed the following year and held the region's first competition in August 1965. The community maintains this tradition through annual contests, most notably the Agate Beach Surf Classic in September with divisions for shortboard, longboard, and paddleboard, plus youth-focused events like Otter Rock and Roll. South Beach sits roughly a mile south of Newport within South Beach State Park, adjacent to the South Jetty. Day-use parking requires an on-site permit. The site permits horse access and supports fishing, clamming, scuba diving, and windsurfing depending on conditions. Extensive sandy beach enables low-tide exploration with views toward the Yaquina Bay Bridge. Winter months, particularly January, bring the most consistent swell; strong currents near the Yaquina Bay entrance present a navigational hazard.

South Padre Island

Gulf Coast, Texas, United States

South Padre Island is a beginner-friendly beach break on the Gulf Coast with a sandy bottom and waves from both directions. Best approached with southeast swell and west-southwest winds, preferably around a combination tide. Watch for rip currents and urchins near the jetty rocks, and note the area hosts the Texas State Surfing Championships and TGSA South Padre Open.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Spuds

Gulf Coast, Alabama, United States

Spuds is a beach break in Orange Beach, Alabama, with a sand bottom and waves that work from multiple directions, best approached during mid to high tide. SSE swell works best with NNW winds. Watch for strong currents, shallow sandbars, and nearby jetties.

St Augustine Pier

South East, North Florida, United States

St Augustine Pier is a sand beach break located near St. Augustine Beach in North Florida. Best conditions arrive with eastern swells and westerly winds, though the break is known for hazards including rips, undertow, pier pilings, sharks, and crowds. The spot hosts the Hugh Shaw Memorial Longboard Classic and Florida Cup events.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

St. Joe's Island

Gulf Coast, Texas, United States

St. Joe's Island is a sandy beach break located near Port Aransas on the Gulf Coast of Texas. The spot works best on mid tide with northwest wind and southeast swell direction. Large vessel traffic in the Port Aransas Ship Channel, Portuguese man o' war jellyfish, and washed-up debris are hazards to be aware of.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Staircase Beach

North Los Angeles, United States

Staircase Beach breaks over a sandy bottom with both left and right peeling waves that favor southwest and west-southwest groundswells. The break works best when northeast wind keeps the faces clean, and mid tide produces the most workable shape. Conditions are relatively mellow, particularly during southwest summer swells, making it accessible to both beginners and intermediate surfers depending on swell size. Winter swells, especially in January, bring the most consistent rideable conditions. The primary hazard is the rocky terrain scattered across the beach, particularly near the water line, which can make entry and exit challenging especially at lower tides. Staircase Beach sits at the northern edge of Leo Carrillo State Beach. Access requires parking at the manager's residence lot at 40000 Pacific Coast Highway and descending a zigzagging dirt trail down the bluff—despite the name, there is no actual staircase. The beach narrows significantly at this location compared to the main Leo Carrillo sections, and rocks dominate much of the shoreline. A small sandy patch exists about 200 yards south along the shore where you can rest without a packed sandy beach. No facilities exist at this spot, and the narrowness means high tide can restrict beach access.

Stanley's

Ventura, United States

Stanley's was a hollow right-hand reef break that peeled over shallow sandbars formed between two creeks north of Ventura. Spring and summer swells from the Channel Islands combined with afternoon offshore winds to create glassy barrels. Surfers described it as one of the best waves on the California coast during its prime. Stanley's was destroyed in 1970–1971 when Highway 101 was extended over the coastal site; the decision to route the freeway through the break rather than inland reflected infrastructure priorities of the era. The wave sat in front of Stanley's Dinners, a steak house on the old Pacific Coast Highway about ten miles north of Ventura, and the spot has become a symbolic loss in California surf culture. The Stanley's Reef Foundation was subsequently established to attempt rebuilding the habitat through an artificial reef project, though recent progress on that effort is unclear from publicly available sources. The original break is now inaccessible, buried beneath the Seacliff Highway 101 exit.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Steamer Lane

Santa Cruz, United States

The four sections of Steamer Lane—The Point, Middle Peak, The Slot, and Indicators—handle different swell sizes and rider abilities. The Point absorbs the largest northwest groundswells and delivers fast, hollow rights that demand expert-level skills, while Middle Peak offers more manageable 4–12 foot waves with consistent quality, making it the typical venue for competitions. The entire break works year-round with excellent consistency when northwest swells arrive on mid-to-rising tides. Heavy currents and sharp rock formations create genuine hazards; only experienced surfers should attempt this break. Jack O'Neill, who pioneered neoprene wetsuit design, relocated his business to Santa Cruz in 1959 and used Steamer Lane as a proving ground for cold-water surfing. The O'Neill Cold Water Classic, held at Steamer Lane since 1987, stands as North America's longest-running professional surf contest. The event has featured both rising stars and established names—Nat Young won it at age 17, while Kelly Slater and world tour standouts like Joel Parkinson and Bobby Martinez have also claimed victories. The steep coastal cliffs create a natural amphitheater that makes it among surfing's most visually dramatic competition venues. Access is via West Cliff Drive about 10 minutes north of downtown Santa Cruz; parking lines the road near Pelton Avenue. Rocky stairs descend to the water, and the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse overlooks the break, housing a surf museum. Surfers can observe conditions from the clifftop before committing to the approach.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Stinson Beach

Marin County, United States

Stinson Beach is a mellow beach break where both left and right-hand peaks peel off a sandy bottom over a roughly two-mile crescent. Waves typically run 2 to 6 feet, with occasional 8 to 12-foot swells during winter. The break works best on southwest swell with northeast offshore winds, ideally around high tide, though the beach is prone to closing out in larger swells and tends toward mushy conditions that make it suitable primarily for beginners and intermediate surfers. The combination of fine sand, exposed orientation, and shelter from surrounding headlands creates fairly consistent waves year-round, though winter and early spring deliver the most powerful and cleanest conditions. Marin County's first surfers emerged in the early-to-mid 1950s, with Stinson Beach lifeguards Bill Wilson and Jim Sylvia among the pioneers who began riding local breaks in the pre-wetsuit era. Stinson has never developed into a major competition venue or core surf destination; instead it functions as a accessible teaching beach, hosting a seasonal summer surf camp program for children. More experienced surfers in the area typically head to nearby Point Reyes or elsewhere in Marin for serious waves. The beach sits about 35 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge via Highway 1, which winds along dramatic coastal cliffs to reach it. Three parking lots serve the beach, though they frequently fill before noon on warm days with no overflow parking. The site operates year-round with gates opening at 9 a.m. Beyond typical hazards like rip currents, rocks, and heavy shorebreak, Stinson has documented shark activity, including a bodyboarder attack in the early 2000s.

beginner · funboard

Strands

South Orange County, United States

Strands is a shifty beachbreak that often closes out, sitting in a small cove between the Headlands and Salt Creek. When conditions line up—short-period South or West-Northwest swells, Southeast to South winds, and mid-tide—it can produce fast, steep barrels, particularly on bigger days reaching head-high to triple overhead. The bottom is a mix of sand and rocks, with a significant hazard of randomly submerged rocks throughout the break that make the spot sketchy and better suited to intermediate and advanced surfers on shortboards. Winter north Pacific swells provide the most consistent energy. Strands has been part of Dana Point's surf culture since at least the late 1950s, though it remains less visited than the more famous Salt Creek break immediately to the north. The area's broader surfing heritage dates back to the 1930s and 1940s with legendary breaks like Killer Dana, though that particular wave was destroyed by harbor construction in the late 1960s. Access is from free parking at Strands Vista Park on the bluff, with a long flight of stairs descending to the beach—steep and sometimes slippery with sand in places. A funicular is available for those unable to make the walk. The beach becomes very narrow at high tide, and water conditions can be affected by runoff after rain.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Suicide's

United States

Summer Beach

Ventura, United States

Summer Beach offers a series of scattered sand-bottom peaks stretching roughly two miles that are accessible to a wide range of skill levels. Conditions are most consistent during summer when gentle south swells create small to medium waves with a mushy, closeout-prone character. Northeast offshore winds help shape cleaner surface conditions. Riptides present a regular hazard, and during major winter swells the seawall on the inland side can send backwash bouncing 30 feet into the air, creating chaotic water conditions alongside the normal shore break. The broader Ventura region developed a significant surf culture through the 1960s and 1970s, with the C-Street Classic becoming California's longest-running longboard competition and attracting prominent surfers like Dane Reynolds and Eithan Osborne. Summer Beach itself does not figure prominently in documented surf history or competition records, functioning as a straightforward local wave rather than a destination break. Access involves parking along PCH, which can be severely limited on weekends. During rare winter storm sequences, Pacific Coast Highway has closed north of the beach due to flooding and debris, with boulders occasionally washed onto the roadway. This hazard is most serious in El Niño or extreme weather years rather than typical winter swells, but it establishes Summer Beach as a location sensitive to the coastal storm surge that affects the entire Ventura County shoreline.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Sunny Cove

Santa Cruz, United States

Sunny Cove holds a right-breaking point break where a rocky formation juts nearly perpendicular to shore, creating a relatively narrow takeoff zone that typically accommodates only two riders comfortably before conditions become congested. The wave responds well to south-southwest and west-southwest swell components and works through all tidal stages, though evening high tides can steepen the face and degrade wave shape. Waves typically range from waist to shoulder height, peaking around head height on larger days, and the sand bottom provides forgiving conditions for developing surfers. The cove's geography naturally funnels and refracts swell, allowing the break to function even on minimal swell days with clean conditions. The spot carries a significant bodysurfing legacy—it was where the Santa Cruz Bodysurfing Association originated in 1983, and the community's first contest followed the next year. While once a gathering place for bodysurfers, boogie boarding gradually became the dominant discipline there, though traditional board surfers and bodyboarders continue to share the lineup. The break has maintained a reputation primarily as a beginner spot rather than a destination for advanced surfers seeking challenging peaks. Access requires street parking along Sunny Cove Drive or nearby residential areas, with the descent to the beach being steep in places. The cove sits in an eastern Santa Cruz location between Pleasure Point and the harbor, nestled into low sandstone bluffs. Rip currents pose a genuine hazard, especially during winter months or when swell heights increase, and no lifeguards or facilities are present on the beach. The small community-oriented vibe attracts mostly local beginners and casual swimmers rather than crowds seeking high-quality waves.

Sunset Beach

Gulf Coast, Florida, United States

Sunset Beach near Treasure Island is a sand beach break on Florida's Gulf Coast. Best conditions come from SW swell with NE wind.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Sunset Beach

North Los Angeles, United States

Sunset Beach is a beginner-friendly right point break where waves produce long, mellow right-hand rollers that provide extended rides ideal for learning, particularly on longboards. The break works best on low tide when a southwest swell combines with northeasterly wind, and is most consistent during the winter months. The bottom is rocky with boulders creating the point, and hazards include exposed rocks along the inside sections and occasional water-quality issues from storm runoff and urban runoff during rain events. The beach sits at the northern end of Will Rogers State Beach, part of Pacific Palisades' broader surfing culture. While Pacific Palisades has been featured in surf-related television and film, specific historical information about this particular break's role in local surfing heritage is limited. Sunset Beach is accessed at the end of Sunset Boulevard where it meets Pacific Coast Highway, with parking available along the highway shoulder and at the adjacent Gladstone's Restaurant. This is one of the least crowded point breaks in the Los Angeles area, making it relatively peaceful compared to other local options.

Sunset Beach

Hawaii, Oahu, United States

Sunset Beach is an expert-level reef break on Oahu's North Shore near Pūpūkea with right-hand waves responding to NW swell. The shallow reef bottom and powerful shorebreak create hazardous conditions intensified by rip currents, crowds, and strong localism. It hosts major competitions including the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing and the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Sunset Cliffs

South San Diego, United States

Sunset Cliffs is an A-frame point break with a reef bottom that produces waves from both left and right directions. The break works best on 4-6 foot swells with easterly offshore winds, typically during winter. A thick kelp bed several hundred yards outside the lineup helps flatten windswells and keeps conditions cleaner than nearby breaks. Most peaks at Sunset Cliffs max out around 8 feet, making it primarily an intermediate to advanced spot depending on specific sub-breaks and swell size. Hazards include shallow reef and rocks, sea urchins, strong rips and currents, heavy crowds, and extended paddle-outs through dense kelp and seagrass. Lifeguards were surfing at Sunset Cliffs as early as the 1930s, with rayguard Raymond "Skeeter" Malcolm credited as the first in 1935, riding homemade boards fashioned from plywood and redwood. The Sunset Cliffs Surfing Association, established in 1951, formalized the local surf community and worked to manage the breaks through hierarchies and etiquette as crowds increased over the decades. Beach access requires navigating steep cliff trails along the Point Loma shoreline. The Ladera Street staircase provides the most direct access to the rocky beach and breaks, though larger swells and higher tides create challenging and potentially dangerous exit conditions. Other entry points like Garbage Beach involve steep scrambles and require daylight and proper footwear. Named sub-breaks including Ab's Reef and Pescadero offer varying conditions, though all require comfort with the area's terrain and current patterns.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Sunset Point

North Los Angeles, United States

Sunset Point breaks as a slow, rolling right-hand point, producing predictable waves that maintain their shape across the reef for extended rides. The break favors south swells, particularly during fall and winter, and performs best during early morning sessions when light winds and incoming tide create the cleanest conditions. The wave characteristics make it ideal for intermediate and beginner surfers practicing longboarding, though the rocky bottom and narrow beach configuration present some hazards compared to other nearby breaks. Access is straightforward but constrained: the spot sits where Sunset Boulevard meets the Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades, separated from the broader Will Rogers State Beach by a rocky stretch. Parking is available along the PCH shoulder north and south of Gladstone's Restaurant, or in their lot. The narrow beach north of the point becomes rocky and conditions deteriorate in afternoon hours as onshore winds develop and tide deepens.

Surf Beach

North Santa Barbara County, United States

Surf Beach is a fairly consistent beach break that works year-round, with both left and right-hand waves that can turn fast and hollow when conditions align. The sand bottom responds well to northwest swell combined with southeast offshore winds, and the best performance typically occurs around high tide, with winter months (particularly January) showing more reliable, larger swell. The beach rarely crowds with surfers, partly due to strong rip currents and the hazards detailed below. Fatal great white shark attacks in October 2010 and October 2012 remain the most significant documented incidents at this site. The 2012 incident claimed the life of Francisco Javier Solorio Jr., a local surfer; the 2010 attack killed a college student from inland. Researchers noted a troubling pattern—white shark incidents at Surf Beach occurred approximately every two years in October during the late 2000s and early 2010s, leading to speculation that an adult female great white may have been returning on a roughly biennial migration cycle. The combination of these attacks and persistent rip currents has made the spot actively discouraged for recreational water activity. Surf Beach occupies the only publicly accessible section of Vandenberg Air Force Base's coastline, about nine miles west of Lompoc. Free parking is available at an Amtrak station lot near the beach entrance. The beach is closed to the public from March through September during snowy plover nesting season, and occasional closures occur around military exercises or rocket launch operations.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Surfside

North Orange County, United States

Surfside is a summer-focused sand break where south swells refract off the Huntington Harbor jetty to form pronounced A-frame wedges. The break has two distinct named sections—The Bowl and The Hole—that generate hollow, shapely waves when conditions align. During massive west swells the jetty can produce steep, powerful wedges, but this is expert terrain requiring clean winds and significant swell period to hold shape. The sand is mobile due to ongoing replenishment, which means conditions vary season to season, and the break performs most consistently when that sand is stacked correctly. Access is guard-gated and awkwardly routed. Entry from the south requires driving nearly half a mile into Seal Beach to find a turnaround, then returning northbound on PCH to access Surfside. This access friction keeps the spot quieter than nearby Seal Beach or Huntington Beach piers.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard