Central California Surfing
Central California's diverse coastline offers a good variety of beaches,
which
cater to all skill levels, which makes it easy to find your perfect
wave. Some of this regions best beaches are in Santa Cruz, including
Steamer Lane, a local favorite, where you'll find a consistently fun and
powerful wave. There's Cowells, an excellent beginner's spot located
inside a cove at Steamer Lane, which serves up an easy, rolling right point
break that's good for novices. Surfed by experts and pros is Maverick's in
San Mateo County, known for its' world-class, epic waves. There's also Ocean
Beach in San Francisco, where you'll find three plus miles of temperamental
beachbreak and surreal views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Ocean Beach also
happens to be the exact central point of the State, the spot where northern
and southern waters collide, which in part accounts for the constantly fluctuating
conditions. The central coast attracts more surfers than its' northern counterpart,
and more secluded spots can be found if you don't mind going off the beaten
path. Keep a low profile if you do, or suffer the wrath of the locals. Sharks
are an issue, and if you notice seals and sea lions, expect to see great
whites.
Fall, winter and spring are the better months for surfing Central California,
but some of the beaches have good wave quality and conditions year round.
The warmest month is August, when water temperatures can reach the lower
60's, and the coldest, January (low 50's). The rest of the year, water temperatures
are generally in the mid-50's, with upper 50's in July, September and October.
Full length wet-suits are a must.
Find a surf school in Central California.
San Mateo County Surf Spots and Breaks
Fort Point – San Francisco/San Mateo County |
| Surf Location |
At the south end of Golden Gate
Bridge, follow the signs to Fort Point |
| Best Swell Direction |
Medium-period West, Northwest |
| Best Tide |
Low and incoming |
| Best Wind Direction |
East, light Northwest |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
One of the most interesting surfing experiences you can have. Left point break that can be good with the right conditions, right under the Golden Gate Bridge with giant ships passing and downtown San Francisco in the distance. Though this is a fairly fickle wave, and is very wind and tide sensitive. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded, some localism |
| Boards |
Shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
Difficult during an outgoing
tide |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Boulders |
| Watch Out For... |
Sharp rocks along break, strong
outgoing tide, local hostility |
| Water Condition |
Murky to dirty |
| |
Ocean Beach – San Francisco/San Mateo County |
| Surf Location |
West coast of San Francisco. Take Geary Blvd. west until it curves left, go downhill onto Great Highway,
public parking available at either the north or south ends of the beach |
| Best Swell Direction |
Northwest, West, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Varies with swell, sandbar and
part of the beach |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
Fall and winter |
| Wave Quality |
No matter how good it gets, the biggest challenge will be getting to the right spot at the right time. Ocean Beach changes from hour to hour due to the strong currents leaving San Francisco Bay. The peaks shift constantly while you are scratching for them. But the best part of this surf spot is that it takes in swell from everywhere, and can get epic. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded when conditions/weather
are good. South of the main beach area is less crowded. |
| Boards |
Big Wave Board, Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Difficult-to-impossible. |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Expert |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Rough current. |
| Water Condition |
Relatively clean |
| |
Sharp Park – San Francisco/San Mateo County |
| Surf Location |
Several exits along Highway 1,
parking along most of the beach |
| Best Swell Direction |
North, Northwest, West |
| Best Tide |
Varies |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
Fall and Spring |
| Wave Quality |
Can hold large overhead waves, but this is rare. Often poor. If it looks like something is working, then go check it out. You have to get this spot quick while it’s working. |
| The Surfers |
Rarely crowded |
| Boards |
Shortboard to semi-gun |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Experienced |
| Bottom |
Mostly sand, some reef |
| Watch Out For… |
Nursing gray whales in the spring, big and powerful shorebreak. |
| Water Condition |
Moderately clean |
| |
Ano Nuevo – San Francisco/San Mateo County |
| Surf Location |
Look for 'Ano Neuvo'
sign off of Highway 1 |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, Northwest,
North |
| Best Tide |
Incoming to High |
| Best Wind Direction |
East, Northwest;
winds are offshore |
| Best Surf Season |
All year |
| Wave Quality |
Two main breaks. A small right that breaks on the south side of Ano Nuevo Point, and a right that wedges off the stone walls (can be hollow and good). Northwest winds provide a constant upwelling, and has the coldest water in California. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded,
especially in the summer. Some local hostility |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Expert |
| Bottom |
Sand and rock |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks and icy cold
water, parking lot thieves |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
Rockaway – San Francisco/San Mateo County |
| Surf Location |
Turn off freeway
at Rockaway Avenue, park at the end |
| Best Swell Direction |
Northwest, West,
Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Low and Incoming
to Medium |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
Fall, Winter, Spring |
| Wave Quality |
Beachbreaks form the south point to the north point. Main break is a right at the south end of the beach. It does get BIG here. Almost always worth a look to see if it’s doing it’s thing, but rarely worth going out. |
| The Surfers |
Not crowded, except
for the few good days |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Relatively easy to
tough |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Expert |
| Bottom |
Sand and reef |
| Watch Out For… |
Big swells and strong
outgoing tides, sharks, rocks |
| Water Condition |
Relatively dirty |
| |
Pacifica/Lindamar – San Francisco/San Mateo County |
| Surf Location |
Between Crespi Drive
and Lindamar Boulevard. Easy access from Highway 1. |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
North |
| Best Tide |
High and Incoming |
| Best Wind Direction |
South or East |
| Best Surf Season |
Fall, Winter, Spring |
| Wave Quality |
Mile-long beach offering;
for the most part, mediocre waves. Few epic days. Protected from swell
and wind, making it popular with beginner to intermediate surfers. |
| The Surfers |
Attracts beginners;
you will see a lot of women, relaxed atmosphere, can get crowded. |
| Boards |
Surfboard |
| Paddle Out |
Mild to moderate |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Getting smashed on the big days. |
| Water Condition |
Dirty in front of
the creek, moderate over the rest of the beach |
| |
Pedro Point – San Francisco/San Mateo County |
| Surf Location |
Highway 1 to Pedro
Point. Either park near the point (but not in the Private Property area)
or paddle from the Boat House |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
North |
| Best Tide |
Incoming |
| Best Wind Direction |
East or Southeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter |
| Wave Quality |
Made famous in the late 30’s and 40’s while surfing was still young, Pedro Point is one of the better-known Central California surf breaks. Fun waves break along the beach, but the main spot is the outside left on the point. This wave holds in really big swells. |
| The Surfers |
Locals flock to the
big left when it’s good |
| Boards |
Rhino chaser and
hood |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate to difficult |
| Skill Level |
Advanced |
| Bottom |
Rock reef |
| Watch Out For… |
Locals can get hostile, big waves. |
| Water Condition |
Moderate |
| |
Montara – San Francisco/San Mateo County |
| Surf Location |
After Pedro Point,
Highway 1 goes up into the hills and then along the ocean at Devil's
Slide. Toward the south end, there is beach access at a place called
Gray Whale Cove. |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
West, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
On small days, low
is best |
| Best Wind Direction |
East, Southeast,
South |
| Best Surf Season |
All year |
| Wave Quality |
The sandbars shift so much here that the shape can be epic, or completely closed-out. When it is smaller it is a good spot for beginners, but when it gets big it is for experts only. Rights and lefts. |
| The Surfers |
Packed on small,
south wind days |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Mild to difficult |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Shifting sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Some shark sightings,
poundings when big |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
Ross’ Cove – San Francisco/San Mateo County |
| Surf Location |
Parking is difficult. You can park south of Pillar Point, walk over the hill to a small beach
near the north jetty, paddle in (40 min.) or waverunner from Pillar Point. |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
North |
| Best Tide |
Incoming, High when
big |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
Fall, Winter, Spring |
| Wave Quality |
The place is named after a bodyboarder, and has been surfed since the 50’s. There is a left point off the north side of Pillar Point. You can see Mavericks from out in the water. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded,
some localism |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Difficult when big |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Rock and sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Big White Sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
Maverick’s – San Francisco/San Mateo County
|
| Surf Location |
Parking is difficult.
You can park south of Pillar Point, walk over the hill to a small beach
near the north jetty, paddle in (40 min.) or waverunner from Pillar Point. |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest (safer
option) |
| Best Tide |
Low and Incoming
Medium |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter, Fall, Spring |
| Wave Quality |
Mavericks is a legendary big wave surf spot. Perfect, enormous,
fast, epic waves. Peaks about a half-mile off of Pillar Point. For
the most part, a right-breaking wave. A terraced reef produces a two-speed
wave with a fast opening that spills into a yielding shoulder, which
in turn sometimes leads to another vertical, then a flat, and occasionally,
a third steep section. |
| The Surfers |
Crowded, but mostly
with onlookers |
| Boards |
Big wave gun or tow board/equipment |
| Paddle Out |
Tough |
| Skill Level |
Expert |
| Bottom |
If you ever find
out, that means you’ve drowned |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks, whales, dangerous
surf, drowning |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
Princeton Jetty – San Francisco/San Mateo County |
| Surf Location |
Right off Highway
1, easy parking |
| Best Swell Direction |
Southwest, West,
windswell |
| Best Tide |
Incoming to Hhigh |
| Best Wind Direction |
East, Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
All year |
| Wave Quality |
Right south of Mavericks, this wave can be a really good surf spot with swell in the water. It is a right that wedges off the jetty and moves fast down the beach. The wave has a pretty tight crowd on big days, but there are still waves to be had. Doesn’t get great too often. |
| The Surfers |
Small takeoff zone,
can get crowded, expect localism on good days |
| Boards |
Shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
Mild |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Intermediate |
| Bottom |
Sand and rocks |
| Watch Out For… |
Some local hostility |
| Water Condition |
Moderately clean |
| |
Half Moon Bay – San Francisco/San Mateo County
|
| Surf Location |
Accessible off
Highway 1, from Kelly Avenue to El Granada |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Varies, depends on
sandbars |
| Best Wind Direction |
East or glassy |
| Best Surf Season |
All year |
| Wave Quality |
This four-mile stretch of beach is rarely good, but when the conditions are right and sandbars formed correctly it gets amazing. If you know the winds are offshore and there is west swell in the water, get over there and have an amazing session to yourself. |
| The Surfers |
Avoidable crowds
and localism |
| Boards |
Tube-riding board |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand and rock |
| Watch Out For… |
Strong currents |
| Water Condition |
Moderately clean |
| |
Tunitas Creek - San Francisco/San Mateo County |
| Surf Location |
Heading south on
Highway 1 from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz, Tunitas Creek Road |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Beach break, varies |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
Fall, Winter, Spring |
| Wave Quality |
Occasionally a good
A-frame in the middle of the beach, but mostly too big or too windy to
be ride-able |
| The Surfers |
Empty |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand and rock |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks |
| Water Condition |
Moderately clean |
| |
Pescadero - San Francisco/San Mateo County |
| Surf Location |
Off of Highway 1,
parking is easy on the north and south ends |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, windswell,
Northwest, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Incoming to High |
| Best Wind Direction |
East or glassy |
| Best Surf Season |
All year. |
| Wave Quality |
Sometimes perfect
breaks along the rocky reefs at the north end of Pescadero Point, but
rarely |
| The Surfers |
Not crowded |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Experienced |
| Bottom |
Sand along the beach,
rocks farther south |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Santa Cruz Surf Spots and Breaks
Santa Cruz, California - Surf Video
| |
Waddell Creek - Santa Cruz |
| Surf Location |
Just south of Ano
Nuevo, parking lots available |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Incoming to High |
| Best Wind Direction |
East or glassy |
| Best Surf Season |
All year |
| Wave Quality |
Can catch a swell from almost any direction. Made up of beachbreaks with reefs. Best in the morning before the onshore winds are up, or all day when winds are blowing offshore. One of the favorite spots of Santa Cruz surfers. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded,
kite surfers and sailboarders |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard, sailboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand and reef |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks and overcrowding |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
Scott’s Creek – Santa Cruz |
| Surf Location |
Visible from the
road, easy street parking |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Incoming to HIgh |
| Best Wind Direction |
East or glassy |
| Best Surf Season |
All year |
| Wave Quality |
A dependable wave that can handle size. Right reef at the north end of a long beach that starts breaking at 2 ft. and hold up to 20 ft. waves. It can get big and unmanageable if inexperienced. Several secret spots north and south of this break...go looking if you want to know where. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded,
some localism |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate to tough |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Rock reef |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks, big surf,
cold water, sharp reef |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
4 Mile – Santa Cruz |
| Surf Location |
Four miles north
of Santa Cruz city limits, look for parking lot filled with cars |
| Best Swell Direction |
Northwest, West,
West-Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Incoming to High |
| Best Wind Direction |
East or Southeast |
| Best Surf Season |
All year |
| Wave Quality |
Well-developed shore
platform along the northern side of the beach. Can be a great right
reef and point break, especially in winter. Can also blow out easily. |
| The Surfers |
Can get very crowded |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Expert |
| Bottom |
Rock reef |
| Watch Out For… |
Parking lot break-ins
(don’t leave valuables in your car), local hostility |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
Natural Bridges – Santa Cruz |
| Surf Location |
Upon entering Santa
Cruz city limits, first visible surf spot, parking in state park, walk
from there |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Low |
| Best Wind Direction |
East, Southeast,
glassy |
| Best Surf Season |
All year |
| Wave Quality |
The first real Santa Cruz surf spot. A right reef/point
that can be a very good, shapely world-class break when the swell is
high, and can hold waves well overhead |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded on
good days |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Rock reef |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharp reef |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
Mitchell’s Cove – Santa Cruz
|
| Surf Location |
On West Cliff Drive,
easy street parking |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Low to Incoming |
| Best Wind Direction |
East, North, and
some Northwest |
| Best Surf Season |
All year |
| Wave Quality |
One of the many Santa Cruz surf spots that can get epic. Fickle right point
break, does best in low to medium tide; in winter swells from overhead
to double-overhead in size |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded |
| Boards |
Down-the-line rocket
ship |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Rock reef and sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharp rock reef,
kelp |
| Water Condition |
Moderately dirty |
| |
Steamer Lane – Santa Cruz
|
| Surf Location |
In Santa Cruz, right
in the city |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Incoming medium low
to medium high |
| Best Wind Direction |
East, Northwest,
glassy |
| Best Surf Season |
All year |
| Wave Quality |
Steamer Lane is a well-known break around the world. It is one of the gems of all the Central California surf spots. One of the most crowded surf breaks in California, and for good reason. When the swell is up, it offers world-class, epic waves that can reach triple-overhead. |
| The Surfers |
Can get very crowded |
| Boards |
Big-wave board |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate to tough |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Rock reef, kelp,
sand patches |
| Watch Out For… |
Longboarders at Cowells
Cove, kayakers, crowds, hostile locals, seals and sea otters |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz - Surf Video
| |
Cowells - Santa Cruz |
| Surf Location |
Located in the cove
at Steamer Lane |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest |
| Best Tide |
Low and Middle |
| Best Wind Direction |
East, North, Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
All year |
| Wave Quality |
An easy, rolling
right point-break |
| The Surfers |
Can get very crowded |
| Boards |
Longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Relatively easy |
| Skill Level |
Beginners |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Crowds |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
The Harbor - Santa Cruz |
| Surf Location |
Visible from the
road, limited street parking on either side of harbor |
| Best Swell Direction |
West and Northwest |
| Best Tide |
Minus tide, coming
up |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter, Fall, Spring |
| Wave Quality |
Rarely breaks, but
when it does, it’s good |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded when
conditions are good |
| Boards |
Tube-riding board |
| Paddle Out |
Easy to moderate |
| Skill Level |
Experienced |
| Bottom |
Sand, concrete “jacks”
in places |
| Watch Out For… |
Arrest (it’s illegal
to surf here), injury from rocks during big breaks |
| Water Condition |
Moderately clean
to dirty |
| |
26th Avenue - Santa Cruz |
| Surf Location |
Visible from the
road, easy street and lot parking |
| Best Swell Direction |
Southwest, West,
Northwest |
| Best Tide |
Incoming to Medium |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
All year |
| Wave Quality |
The only beachbreak in Santa Cruz, this spot can sometimes offer up some fun little waves. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded, mostly with beginners and longboarders. |
| Boards |
Hot-dog shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Beginner and up |
| Bottom |
Sand and rock |
| Watch Out For… |
Kelp, bodyboarders,
some local hostility |
| Water Condition |
Moderately clean |
| |
Pleasure Point - Santa Cruz |
| Surf Location |
Walk down the stairs
at 34th Street, paddle out |
| Best Swell Direction |
Northwest, West,
Southwest, South-Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Incoming to Medium |
| Best Wind Direction |
East, North, Northwest,
glassy |
| Best Surf Season |
All year |
| Wave Quality |
Offers up a variety
of good, ride-able waves for all skill levels |
| The Surfers |
Very crowded, some
localism |
| Boards |
Shortboard, longboard,
funboard, bodyboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate to tough |
| Skill Level |
All |
| Bottom |
Rock reef, sand,
kelp |
| Watch Out For… |
Longboarders, kelp,
sea otters, local hostility |
| Water Condition |
Moderately clean |
| |
Manresa - Santa Cruz |
| Surf Location |
Park at Manresa State
Park |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
Southwest, windswell |
| Best Tide |
Incoming to High |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
All year |
| Wave Quality |
Consistent, mostly
west-facing beach that catches a lot of swell. Can get too big to surf
at times. Best in winter when winds are offshore. |
| The Surfers |
Large area so never
crowded, enough space for everyone so no localism |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate to tough
to impossible |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Occasional shark
sightings |
| Water Condition |
Moderate |
Monterey Surf Spots and Breaks
| |
Moss Landing - Monterey |
| Surf Location |
Park at Moss Landing
State Park |
| Best Swell Direction |
Long-period West,
Northwest, big Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Variable |
| Best Wind Direction |
East. |
| Best Surf Season |
Fall, Winter, Spring,
occasionally summer on a big southwest swell |
| Wave Quality |
The water just offshore is really deep, so the swell is not slowed down as it approaches, making Moss Landing pretty heavy beachbreak. Small to huge, one of California’s best and most consistent beachbreaks. |
| The Surfers |
Heavy localism, but
plenty of space for everyone |
| Boards |
Good paddling surfboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate to high |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Very
Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Parking lot theft
(don’t leave any valuables in the car), a lot of local hostility, sharks,
cold winds |
| Water Condition |
Moderately clean |
| |
Lover’s Point – Monterey
|
| Surf Location |
Plenty of lot and
street parking |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
North |
| Best Tide |
Incoming to Medium |
| Best Wind Direction |
East and Southeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter, Fall, Spring |
| Wave Quality |
The first in a series
of rocky, left points. Big days on occasion. The downside is that it can be pretty inconsistent. |
| The Surfers |
Too small for crowds,
there is localism |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Minimal |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Expert |
| Bottom |
Sand and rock |
| Watch Out For… |
Rocks, kelp, local
hostility |
| Water Condition |
Moderately clean |
| |
Boneyard – Monterey
|
| Surf Location |
Easy parking |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
North |
| Best Tide |
Medium incoming |
| Best Wind Direction |
East and Southeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter, Fall, Spring |
| Wave Quality |
Big waves with small
takeoff area, huge winter swells. A very rocky, gnarly reef break. |
| The Surfers |
Can be crowded when
good, expect localism |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Experienced |
| Bottom |
Rock reef |
| Watch Out For… |
Rocks, hostility |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
Asilomar – Monterey
|
| Surf Location |
Plenty of street
parking |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
North, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Low and Incoming
to Medium |
| Best Wind Direction |
East and Southeast |
| Best Surf Season |
All year |
| Wave Quality |
Gets decent surf year-round, getting up to 12 feet and staying clean. There are three main breaks. Roadsides on the north end, Middles (in the middle), and Reef. Reef is the best spot, a good left up to about 8 feet, but turns into a solid right above that size. Very difficult to surf when big. |
| The Surfers |
Mostly empty, sometimes
crowded |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Can be difficult |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Experienced |
| Bottom |
Sand and some rock |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks, big surf,
local hostility |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
Mole Point – Monterey
|
| Surf Location |
Plenty of lot and
street parking |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
North, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Incoming Medium to
High |
| Best Wind Direction |
East and Southeast |
| Best Surf Season |
All year |
| Wave Quality |
Just off shore from the Pebble Beach golf course. A right reef break
that can produce some well-shaped surf, maxes out at 8 feet. Works with
swell from any direction. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded,
expect some localism |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Experienced |
| Bottom |
Rock reef and sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Rocks, kelp |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
Carmel Beach – Monterey
|
| Surf Location |
Parking at the end
of Ocean Avenue |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Incoming to High,
varies |
| Best Wind Direction |
Northwest, East and
Southeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Winter, Fall, Spring,
summer on big souths |
| Wave Quality |
Half-mile protected
area with many quality peaks, left and right beach breaks that change
constantly. The cleanest, most clear water around. When conditions are right there are clear blue tubes to be had. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded,
but roomy |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Mild to moderate |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Very
Experienced |
| Bottom |
Sand, some rocks |
| Watch Out For… |
Heavy shorepound |
| Water Condition |
Very clean |
| |
Big Sur Rivermouth / Andrew Molera State - Monterey
Park |
| Surf Location |
On Highway 1 out
of San Simeon, access from Andrew Molera State Park |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Low |
| Best Wind Direction |
East, Northeast,
North |
| Best Surf Season |
Fall |
| Wave Quality |
Outside, peaky lefts
and rights held up by consistent winds. Best in the morning when winds
are light/non-existent, produces a very ride-able right or a mushy, peeling
left. |
| The Surfers |
Small area, not much
room, expect localism |
| Boards |
Shortboard and funboard |
| Paddle Out |
Mild to moderate |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate |
| Bottom |
Sand and rock |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks and hostile
locals, strong currents and rocks during low tide |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
Sand Dollar Beach – Monterey
|
| Surf Location |
Highway 1 out of
San Simeon, watch for signs |
| Best Swell Direction |
Northwest, West,
Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Medium |
| Best Wind Direction |
East and Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Fall |
| Wave Quality |
Has several long
sand bars which provide numerous breaks. The north end offers an unshapely
right that fizzles out into the channel. Below this are gentle white-water
breakers, either long, mushy lefts or speedy, shallow rights. Either long, mushy lefts or speedy, shallow rights. |
| The Surfers |
Enough room for everyone,
mellow crowd |
| Boards |
Shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
Mild to moderate |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Some localism, sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
San Luis Obispo County Surf Spots and Breaks
| |
Moonstone – San Luis Obispo County
|
| Surf Location |
Take Highway 1 into
San Simeon Acres, turn west onto Pico Avenue, park in the cul-de-sac,
walk down the staircase |
| Best Swell Direction |
Southwest, West,
Northwest |
| Best Tide |
Lower for the reef,
medium for the beach break |
| Best Wind Direction |
Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Summer and Autumn |
| Wave Quality |
Normally flat and
unsurfable. Sandbars sometimes form after storms (which happens a few
times per year), which can provide a thick, right-hand reefbreak wave,
or peaky, rocky beach breaks on small days. |
| The Surfers |
Not a lot of room,
expect localism |
| Boards |
Shortboard or longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Mild to moderate |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate |
| Bottom |
Sand and rock |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
Moonstone - San Luis Obispo County |
| Surf Location |
Exit Highway 1 onto
Moonstone Beach Drive, park at Santa Rosa Creek lot at south end of the
road |
| Best Swell Direction |
Northwest, West,
Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Low |
| Best Wind Direction |
East and Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Fall |
| Wave Quality |
Mostly outside rights
with occasional lefts. Outer sandbars create long, peaky, peeling waves,
forgiving and not so hollow. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded,
some localism |
| Boards |
Shortboard or bodyboard |
| Paddle Out |
Mild |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate |
| Bottom |
Sand, some rock |
| Watch Out For… |
Icy cold water, shallow
shorebreaks, sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
Cayucos Pier – San Luis Obispo County
|
| Surf Location |
Exit Highway 1 onto
Cayucos Drive and go west to the pier |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Higher |
| Best Wind Direction |
Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Spring through Fall |
| Wave Quality |
Outside, consistent beachbreak with inconsistent shape and hollow closeouts. Shifting sandbars create A-frame peaks of both lefts and rights, depending upon the current. Fun waves to be had, but nothing special. |
| The Surfers |
Usually not crowded,
mild localism |
| Boards |
Shortboard and longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Mild to moderate |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Intermediate |
| Bottom |
Sand, some rocks |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks, fishing lines. |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
Morro Bay – San Luis Obispo County
|
| Surf Location |
Exit Highway 1 onto
Harbor Boulevard, take that to Embarcadero, go right and drive around
the bay’s north end until you get to Coleman City Park, park your car.
Can also take Atascadero Road. |
| Best Swell Direction |
West, Northwest,
Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Medium to High |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
Summer and Fall |
| Wave Quality |
Normally an average
beach break, occasionally provides a mile or so of shapely A-frames.
Bigger, more challenging waves can be found on the north end. A mushy left off the rock when it’s big. With big swell and good sand bars it gets epic, but nearly impossible to get out. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded,
locals are friendly |
| Boards |
Any board |
| Paddle Out |
Mild to impossible. |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Intermediate |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Stingrays |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
Pismo Beach Pier – San Luis Obispo County |
| Surf Location |
Exit 101 at Price
Street, go under the highway and take a left onto Price Canyon Road which
becomes Hinds Avenue. Parking lot at the end of the road, staircase
to the beach. |
| Best Swell Direction |
Short-period West,
or Southwest/Northwest combination |
| Best Tide |
Higher |
| Best Wind Direction |
East and Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Late Spring, Summer
and Fall |
| Wave Quality |
Often or not you will be frustrated with the endless closeouts. Best when winds are light and the tide is high. Consistent and shapely waves can be found, mostly beachbreaks holding 6 feet and under. Miles of beachbreaks down south that are rarely surfed, but if you’re up for it you’re bound to find something to yourself. |
| The Surfers |
Friendly |
| Boards |
Shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
Mild |
| Skill Level |
Beginner and up |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Nothing |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
| |
San Luis Obispo County - Pismo Beach Pier |
| Surf Location |
Exit 101 at Price
Street, go under the highway and take a left onto Price Canyon Road which
becomes Hinds Avenue. Parking lot at the end of the road, staircase
to the beach. |
| Best Swell Direction |
Short-period West,
or Southwest/Northwest combination |
| Best Tide |
Higher |
| Best Wind Direction |
East and Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
Late Spring, Summer
and Fall |
| Wave Quality |
Best when winds are
light and the tide is high. Consistent and shapely waves, mostly beach breaks
of 6 feet and under, can extend for miles on the south end. |
| The Surfers |
Friendly |
| Boards |
Shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
Mild |
| Skill Level |
Beginner and up |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Nothing |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
