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Top Surfing Spots
Courtesy of Visit Dana Point

Top Surfing Spots

From the balmy shores of San Diego to the chilly waters of Northern California, the Golden State’s coastline offers a wide and wonderful variety of waves and surf culture. Take this road trip to experience California’s iconic beaches, soak up the scene, and observe some of the world’s best surfers.

Start:Windansea Beach, La Jolla
End:Mavericks, Half Moon Bay
4 - 7Days,9Stops,616Miles
Windansea Beach, La Jolla
Sburel/Getty Images
Swami’s State Beach, Encinitas
Marcel Fuentes/Getty Images
Dana Point
Courtesy of Visit Dana Point
The Waterfront Beach Resort LA
Courtesy Hilton
Venice
Ludhi85/Getty Images
Surfrider Beach, Malibu
Benedek/Getty Images
Pismo Beach Pier, Pismo Beach
Harri Jarvelainen/Getty Images
Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove
Chris Axe/Getty Images
Mavericks, Half Moon Bay
Jeremy Borkat/Getty Images
Stop 1

Windansea Beach, La Jolla

6600 Neptune Pl, La Jolla

This classic La Jolla reef break solidified its place in wave history in 1937, when surfing pioneer Woody Brown first rode here. Since then, the famed wave has become one of the most well-known in San Diego County, and even appeared in Andy Warhol’s 1967 film, San Diego SurfWindansea’s wave can be sizable (ranging from two to ten feet) and conditions tend to be unpredictable. Because of its difficulty—along with its reputation for being a competitive atmosphere—it best suits skilled surfers. Beginners may feel more comfortable at the calmer La Jolla Shores.

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Stop 2

Swami’s State Beach, Encinitas

1298 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas

Part of Swami’s State Marine Conservation Area, this classic right point break in Encinitas (honored as one of the World’s 20 Best Surf Towns by National Geographic) gets its name from the golden, lotus-shaped towers of the Self-Realization Fellowship high on the bluffs. Swami’s is most suitable for intermediate skill levels and up. The fellowship grounds provide a nice perspective on the waves corduroying the ocean below, plus the gardens are positively gorgeous. Cruise through town on Highway 101 to get a taste of this surf-centric neighborhood—you’ll find surf shops, cafés, yoga studios, and record stores.

SPOTLIGHT

The Waterfront Beach Resort LA

21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach

Cap off your wave-filled day at The Waterfront Beach Resort across from Huntington Beach, where you can luxuriate at the spa, kick back on the rooftop lounge, or watch your kids splash down the water slides. Poolside cabanas are decked out with high-tech entertainment systems. 

SPOTLIGHT

Venice

1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice

There’s a rebellious strain to surf culture, and it’s on display here. Stroll the eclectic Venice Beach boardwalk to catch a glimpse of the free-spirited street performers and quirky locals. While you people-watch, grab a fresh-pressed juice or taco, or head straight for boho-chic Abbot Kinney Boulevard to explore one of L.A.’s best shopping districts (don’t miss a stop at Mollusk Surf Shop, a California institution).

Stop 6

Surfrider Beach, Malibu

23050 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu

If you need evidence of Surfrider Beach’s significance, consider the fact that this right cobblestone point break at Malibu Lagoon State Beach was honored as the first World Surfing Reserve by the Save the Waves Coalition. It’s no wonder. The waves are virtually perfect, the likes of Miki (Da Cat) Dora surfed here, and Surfrider played a pivotal role as surfing moved into the cultural mainstream (thank you, Gidget). Surfrider isn’t for beginners—newbies should watch from the beach—but this is a wave to aspire to.

Stop 7

Pismo Beach Pier, Pismo Beach

100 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach

A classic beach town needs a classic wave and in Pismo Beach, you’ll find outstanding surfing on both sides of the landmark pier. Much of the time the waves here are suitable for beginners but are also high enough in quality to host the World Surf League Qualifying Series SLOCal Open at Pismo Beach early in the year. (Ed. note: As of December 2023, portions of northbound Highway 1 in Big Sur are closed. See this page for details.) 

SPOTLIGHT

Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove

Sunset Dr, Pacific Grove

While ephemeral Ghost Tree off Pebble Beach is Monterey County’s biggest and most notorious wave, Asilomar State Beach offers a much safer and consistent option for mere mortals. Asilomar is usually pretty mellow but it can get pumping on occasion, so check conditions. And when you need to warm up and refuel, just head over to Phoebe’s Café at the Asilomar Conference Grounds for a cup of coffee.

Stop 9

Mavericks, Half Moon Bay

Pillar Point, Princeton-by-the-Sea, Half Moon Bay

Mavericks in Half Moon Bay may be the most famous wave anywhere on the mainland, and it comes by its renown honestly. Celebrated in books, documentaries, and the feature film Chasing Mavericks, waves here can rise to 80-foot faces when conditions are right. (In other words, do not attempt to surf here). Big wave icon Jeff Clark pioneered Mavericks (which was named for his dog) and you’ll find hoodies and other cool gear at his Mavericks Surf Company.

Road Trip Snapshot

Learn more about the amazing locations featured in this road trip. Ready to plan your trip? Print the itinerary or map your adventure to get started.

Stop 1Windansea Beach, La Jolla
6600 Neptune Pl, La Jolla
Stop 2Swami’s State Beach, Encinitas
1298 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
Stop 6Surfrider Beach, Malibu
23050 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu
Stop 7Pismo Beach Pier, Pismo Beach
100 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach
SPOTLIGHTAsilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove
Sunset Dr, Pacific Grove
Stop 9Mavericks, Half Moon Bay
Pillar Point, Princeton-by-the-Sea, Half Moon Bay

Car & RV Rentals

Trusted car & RV rental companies make your trip much easier

Avis Rent a Car
Enterprise Rent a Car
Hertz Rent a Car
Budget Rent a Car
Payless Car Rental
Zip Car
Alamo
National
Thrifty
Dollar
Fox Rent a Car
Sixt Rent a Car
Advantage OPCP
Silver Car
E-Z Rent a car
Midway Car Rental
Mex Rent a Car
United Auto Rental
Auto Distributors
Cruise America
El Monte RV

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