10 Best Surf Spots in the US

The North Shore of Oahu is one of the surfing capitals of the world, attracting surfers and spectators to its stunning beaches and incredible surf breaks. Experienced surfers flock here in the winter season for the massive 30-foot waves and major surfing competitions like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Some excellent surf breaks on the North Shore can be found at Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and the infamous Banzai Pipeline.

The summer months are a great time for less experienced surfers to visit, as the waves are much more friendly to beginners and the waters are warm and swimmable. After a day at the beach, head over to the charming surf town of Haleiwa, where you can check out the local shops and grab some grilled shrimp or shave ice from one of their many food trucks.

Known as “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach, California, boasts a deep-rooted surf culture and consistent waves all year round. This 10-mile coastline located just south of Los Angeles has beaches for surfers of every skill level, with the best waves typically in the winter months and smaller waves in the summer.

Lined with surf shops, restaurants, and hotels, Huntington Beach makes it easy to access everything you need for a great surfing experience. A number of competitions are held here, including the US Open of Surfing, which attracts hundreds of thousands of surfers and spectators in the summer months. Whether you enjoy the vibrant surf culture and bonfire-lit summer nights on the beach or prefer the bigger swells and smaller crowds of winter, Huntington Beach has it all.

San Diego County’s 70 miles of coastline has an incredible variety of surf spots, with beach breaks, point breaks, and reef breaks to choose from and waves for every skill level. Seasoned surfers should head to Black’s Beech and Seaside Reef and surf in the early mornings or weekdays to avoid crowds in the peak season of August through November.

For beginner and intermediate surfers, we recommend heading to Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach, or allowing a local guide from one of the many surf schools in the area take you to their preferred spot. With a lively surf culture and tonnes of surf options, you’re sure to find a spot you love in San Diego.

Banzai Pipeline is the stuff of legend—pro surfers from all over the world come to surf its huge, barreling waves and take part in the prestigious Triple Crown of Surfing competition. As the currents here are strong and waves break over a shallow reef, we recommend peak season surfing at Pipeline only to the most experienced surfers.

Located on Oahu’s famous North Shore, the surf culture here revolves around a deep respect for the local community and the Hawaiian spirit of aloha, which values harmony and respect for others, oneself, and the environment. Whether you’re a pro looking for a challenge or a spectator looking to observe the world’s best, Pipeline is a place where surfers come together to share their love of the sport.

Many say that Trestles is home to the perfect wave. This San Diego spot has three waves—Lowers, Middles, and Uppers—and Lower Trestles is known for its consistent conditions, easy paddle-outs, and well-formed, glassy waves. With waves this great you’ll naturally run into crowds, so head out in the early mornings for a bit more paddle room.

Trestles is a great place to learn to surf, and the waves at Middles are excellent for beginners. The surf community here is friendly, inclusive, and environmentally aware, and locals work to make sure the beach and surrounding area stay free of big developments so you can keep on surfing.

Not a spot for the faint of heart, Mavericks has some of the biggest and most challenging waves in the world. Situated 30 minutes south of San Francisco, this beach has winter swells that can reach up to 60 feet high, generated by North Pacific storms propelling waves over a deep underwater canyon.

Although these waves are for only the most experienced surfers, beginning and intermediate surfers are welcome to relax on the beach and watch the pros do their thing. Characterised by a feeling of camaraderie among surfers, the culture here values skill, knowledge, and respect for the power of the ocean.

The surf capital of the East Coast, Cocoa Beach offers balmy waters, gentle waves, and a relaxed, non-competitive surf culture. With waves smaller and more consistent than many Pacific surf spots, this is a great beach for beginner and intermediate surfers.

Just off the wide white sand beach is the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, where you can grab a drink, rent fishing gear, or catch some live entertainment. An all-around great beach holiday spot, head to Cocoa Beach if you’re looking for a laid-back surf getaway with a little more.

The Outer Banks is a long chain of barrier islands where locals and visitors alike enjoy some of the best surf on the East Coast. Known for its long stretches of white sand along crystal-clear waters, the area boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Stretching 100 miles along the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks has plenty of spots to choose from, with waves ranging from small and mellow to large and powerful.

Check out some of the top surf spots like Kill Devil Hills and the S-Curves or head to Nags Head to try out other water sports popular in the area like kiteboarding, hang gliding, and kayaking. The Outer Banks is also home to a variety of wildlife, so don’t be surprised if you spot sea turtles, pelicans, or even wild horses roaming the beaches.

Montauk is a seaside town at the eastern tip of Long Island popular with East Coast surfers and holidaying New Yorkers. The best swells hit Montauk in late fall and early winter, although you may need to brave some bitterly cold temperatures to ride them. We recommend venturing out in March or April before the summer crowds to catch some last-minute winter swells. If you don’t mind sharing the beach in the summer, the waters are warmer and there are gentle waves suitable for beginners.

After your surf, get your fill of local seafood at a longstanding spot like The Lobster Roll or Gosman’s Dock. Montauk also has several beautiful state parks nearby with great hiking trails, and the Montauk Point Lighthouse offers stunning views of the Atlantic.

The picturesque Kaanapali Beach draws surfers from all over the world to Maui’s west coast and is regarded as one of North America’s most beautiful beaches for its natural beauty and clear blue waters.

Waves vary depending on season and weather conditions, with large, powerful waves hitting the beach in winter and gentler, beginner-friendly waves in summer. Black Rock is a popular spot for surfing as well as cliff jumping and snorkelling—or check out ziplining experiences for a breathtaking view of the coastline and West Maui mountains.