The Ultimate Guide to Southern California Surf Spots

When you think of Southern California, you probably imagine places like Venice Beach, San Diego, and, of course, the famous Santa Monica Pier. While all these places are stunning, SoCal is also a surfer’s paradise!

With the right quiver and a willingness to drive up and down the coast, I truly believe you can surf here 365 days a year. 

The Southern California coastline has something for you, whether you’re after the adrenaline rush of big, heavy waves or just want to cruise on slow, peeling waves. 

With 70 miles of beaches and year-round sunshine, you definitely need to add this surf destination to your bucket list. Ready to discover the best surf spots in SoCal? Let’s paddle out!

Best Surf Spots In Southern California 

Before we get into it, I will mention the best surf spots in this list according to my experience in SoCal and also discuss the best time to score epic waves. 

Also, in the end, I will give a couple of extra (Less Known) spots, so keep reading! 

Malibu

Surfrider Beach is probably the most famous of all Malibu’s surf spots, and for good reason.

It’s like the ultimate right-hand point break, offering three distinct sections—First, Second, and Third Point. First point is suitable for beginners and longboarders, while the Second and Third points are shorter and faster waves and hence will be more suitable for intermediate-advanced surfers.

You can glide for what feels like miles, hanging ten, and soaking in that quintessential California vibe.

It’s also where you can feel the history under your feet, knowing that legends like Miki Dora once dominated these waves.

On the flip side, though, Surfrider’s popularity means you’ll be sharing those waves with a ton of other surfers. And I mean a ton. It’s like the Disneyland of surf spots—everyone wants a piece of it, which can make things a bit, well, crowded.

Zuma Beach

Zuma Beach has a slightly different vibe from Surfrider’s polished perfection. It is more rugged and exposed and offers a variety of waves depending on where you paddle out.

The waves here can get pretty punchy, especially during a solid swell. I’ve had days at Zuma where the waves are just relentless, one after another, but in the best way possible.

It’s less predictable than Surfrider, and that’s part of the charm. Zuma’s also got a lot more space, so even when it’s crowded, it doesn’t feel as claustrophobic as some of the other spots in Malibu.

Oh, also, get ready to have sand in places you never thought it could reach! 

Huntington Beach

This place isn’t called Surf City USA for nothing. The city has earned this title through decades of being at the forefront of the surfing world. It’s where the sport isn’t just a pastime—it’s a way of life.

Let’s start with the most famous spot—the Huntington Beach Pier. The Pier is the heart of Surf City USA. It’s where the action happens, both in the water and on the shore. 

You’ll find the more consistent breaks on the south side, especially when there’s a south swell. But the north side can also offer some excellent rights on the right day. 

The waves here are versatile, offering something for everyone. On a good day, you can catch anything from a mellow ride to a more challenging, faster wave.

It’s also a great place to people-watch; you’ll see everything from old-school longboarders to groms ripping it up on their shortboards.

Now, if you’re a surf fan, Huntington Beach isn’t just about catching waves—it’s also about watching some of the best surfers in the world go head-to-head. The city hosts several major surf competitions throughout the year, with the most famous being the Vans US Open of Surfing.

Trestles

Located on the border of Orange and San Diego counties, Trestles is more than just a surf spot—it’s a surfer playground.

It’s where you find some of the best waves in the world, where the pros come to test their skills, and where the everyday surfer can experience what it’s like to ride perfection.

What sets Trestles apart is its consistency, quality, and the sheer variety of waves that cater to all kinds of surfers, from seasoned pros to ambitious groms.

Trestles is actually a collection of several different breaks, each with its own personality and charm.

The most famous of these is Lower Trestles, known simply as “Lowers.” This spot is the crown jewel of Trestles, where you’ll find those perfect, glassy A-frame waves that surfers dream about. Lowers is a high-performance wave—fast, punchy, and just the right size for pulling off big maneuvers. It’s the go-to spot for pro contests like the WSL’s Rip Curl WSL Finals, and for good reason.

Just a short walk up the beach is Upper Trestles, or “Uppers.” While Lowers tends to attract more of the high-performance shortboard crowd, Uppers has a bit of a different vibe. The waves here are a bit softer and more forgiving, making it a popular spot for longboarders and surfers looking for a more relaxed session.

The right-handers at Uppers are super fun and offer long rides that let you really get into the flow of the wave. It’s a great spot if you’re looking to avoid the intensity of Lowers but still want to score some quality waves.

Then there’s Middle Trestles, the often-overlooked sibling in the Trestles family. Located between Uppers and Lowers, Middle Trestles is like the middle child—sometimes overshadowed, but still offering some excellent waves when the conditions line up. And I’m not saying that just because I’m a middle child! 

Black’s Beach

Located beneath the towering cliffs of Torrey Pines, Black’s is famous for its powerful, often hollow waves that break over a submarine canyon.

This spot is definitely not for the faint of heart—when it’s big, it can get seriously heavy. It’s the first and ONLY place so far I’ve surfed when it was EPIC on Surfline’s forecast. 

The paddle out was challenging, and the lineup was competitive, but the payoff was worth it.

On a good day, the waves at Black’s are some of the best you’ll find not just in San Diego, but in all of California. It’s a spot that demands respect, both for the waves and the local crew who’ve been surfing here for years.

If you’re up for it, though, it’s an experience you won’t forget. Just be prepared for a long hike down to the beach and a potentially even longer paddle back out.

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach, or OB as the locals call it, offers a bit of everything and is one of San Diego’s most iconic surf spots. The OB Pier creates some nice lefts and rights, with the waves ranging from fun and cruisy to downright challenging depending on the swell.

OB is known for its eclectic, laid-back vibe—it’s a place where everyone’s welcome, from longboarders to shortboarders, beginners to pros.

The waves here are super fun, and there’s always something to ride, whether you’re looking for a mellow session or a chance to push your limits.

Plus, after your session, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many nearby spots—OB has some killer tacos, just saying.

When To Go Surfing In SoCal 

The best time to surf in Southern California will depend on what type of waves your looking for, but generally, the region delivers solid waves year-round.

For beginners, summer (June to August) is ideal with smaller, more manageable swells, warm water, and mellow conditions, particularly at spots like Malibu and La Jolla Shores.

However, if you’re chasing bigger waves, fall (September to November) is the sweet spot. During this time, the south swells from the Pacific mix with the first northwest swells, producing consistent, quality waves with less crowded lineups.

Winter (December to February) is when the bigger, more powerful northwest swells hit, especially at breaks like Trestles and Black’s Beach. This season is better suited for experienced surfers due to the size and intensity of the waves, and the water’s definitely chillier.

Spring (March to May) offers a mix of conditions, with fewer crowds and a blend of leftover winter swells and early summer energy.

You Might Want To Check Out These Spots 

As promised, here are some more surf spots in southern California you might want to check out on your next trip. While these are not secret spots by any means, they do get fewer crowds than other popular spots in the area. 

El Porto

El Porto is located a bit north of the more famous Manhattan Beach. This was the first beach I surfed in SoCal, as it was the closest one to me at the time. 

Coming from the highway to the intersection where you start seeing the ocean, I saw a group of dolphins jumping and swimming, I already knew it will be a great surf session. 

El Porto is a beach break, meaning the sand is constantly moving, and the wave quality changes with that. Generally speaking, the waves are pretty consistent. While it’s not one of the best beaches in California, it has a special place in my heart, and I think it’s worth a stop. 

Rincon Point

It’s technically not a secret, but it’s not as crowded as spots like Trestles. Rincon is up near Ventura, and it’s often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors.

Rincon has these long, long right-handers that just keep going. And going. On a good day, you can ride one wave for what feels like forever.

It’s one of those places where you’ll find yourself grinning ear to ear after every ride. But here’s the kicker—it can get really crowded when the word gets out that it’s firing.

Topanga Beach 

Or, as I used to call it, Mini Malibu. Topanga is located between Malibu and Santa Monica. Whenever I didn’t feel like driving all the way to Malibu, I surfed Topanga. 

Just like Malibu, Topanga has a rocky/sandy bottom and a long, slow-breaking right-hander. Also, just in front of the small creek, there’s a quicker wave that, on a good day, connects to the long point break. 

Just like First and Second Point in Malibu, it’s basically a replica of Malibu but without the crowds, haha. Check it out! 

Conclusion 

Southern California is a surfer’s dream, offering a diverse range of waves and surf spots that cater to all skill levels.

Whether you’re a beginner just getting your feet wet in the summer swells or a seasoned pro chasing winter’s powerful waves, there’s something here for everyone.

From the iconic breaks at Malibu to the challenging waves at Trestles, each spot has its own unique charm and set of challenges. With year-round surf, stunning coastal views, and a rich surf culture, Southern California remains one of the best places in the world to catch a wave.

So grab your board, choose your spot, and get ready to experience the best of SoCal surfing.