California is known for its amazing surf towns, and there are plenty to choose from. If you're looking for a great place to surf, check out one of these seven amazing locations!
Each town offers something different, so you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next surf trip.
The best surf towns in California are:
- Encinitas
- Santa Cruz
- San Clemente
- Huntington Beach
- Malibu
- Laguna Beach
1. Encinitas
Encinitas is a surf town located in San Diego County. It's known for its surf spots, including Swami's, Grandview, and Cardiff Reef.
The town is also home to the surf museum, which is a great place to learn about the history of surfing.
There are plenty of great restaurants and shops in Encinitas, and the town is perfect for surfers of all levels.
Also see our guide to 8 of the best beaches in Encinitas.
2. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is located in Santa Cruz County and is another great surf town in California.
The town is home to some of the best surf spots on the West Coast, including Pleasure Point, Steamer Lane, and Cowell's Beach.
Santa Cruz also has a great selection of restaurants and shops, and is perfect for both beginner and experienced surfers.
Also check out our guide to 5 interesting north California surf spots.
3. San Clemente
San Clemente is a surf town located in Orange County. It's known for its surf spots, including Trestles, San Onofre State Beach, and Capistrano Beach.
The town is also home to the surf museum, which is a great place to learn about the history of surfing.
There are plenty of great restaurants and shops in San Clemente, and the town is perfect for surfers of all levels.
4. Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is a surf town located in Orange County. It's known for its surf spots, including Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Pier, and surf city USA.
The town is also home to the surf museum, which is a great place to learn about the history of surfing.
There are plenty of great restaurants and shops in Huntington Beach, and the town is perfect for surfers of all levels.
5. Malibu
Malibu is a surf town located in Los Angeles County. It's known for its surf spots, including Zuma Beach, Surfrider Beach, and Topanga State Beach.
There are plenty of great restaurants and shops in Malibu, including Dukes (named after the surfer Duke Kahanamoku) and Nobu.
Malibu is perfect for surfers of all levels, and is also a great place to learn to surf.
Also check out our guide to 9 of the best surf spots in Malibu.
6. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a surf town located in Orange County. It's known for its surf spots, including Main Beach, Aliso Beach, and Thousand Steps Beach.
Laguna Beach is ideal for surfing because of its surf spots, weather, and waves.
Keep reading about Laguna Beach with our guide to the best beaches in Laguna Beach CA.
7. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a great surf town because it offers surf spots for all levels of surfers.
The town is also home to plenty of great restaurants, shops, and other attractions.
Surfers will love the waves at Leadbetter Beach, while beginners can enjoy the smaller waves at West Beach.
Santa Barbara is also a great place to stay if you're looking for a surf town with a laid-back vibe.
See 6 of the best surf spots in Santa Barbara.
Common questions about these surf towns in California
Where do most surfers live in California?
Surfers in California tend to live in coastal towns, where they can have easy access to the waves. Some of the best surf towns in California are Encinitas, Santa Cruz, San Clemente, Huntington Beach, Malibu, and Laguna Beach.
What part of California has the best surf?
The best surf in California can be found up and down the coast, from San Diego to Santa Barbara. However, some of the best surf towns in California are Encinitas, Santa Cruz, San Clemente, Huntington Beach, Malibu, and Laguna Beach.
What is the surfing capital of California?
The surfing capital of California is Huntington Beach. This surf town is located in Orange County and is known for its surf spots, including surf city USA. Huntington Beach also has a great selection of restaurants and shops, and is perfect for surfers of all levels.
Is Santa Barbara a surf town?
Santa Barbara is a great surf town because it offers surf spots for all levels of surfers.
The town is also home to plenty of great restaurants, shops, and other attractions.
Surfers will love the waves at Leadbetter Beach, while beginners can enjoy the smaller waves at West Beach.
Santa Barbara is also a great place to stay if you're looking for a surf town with a laid-back vibe.
Where is the biggest surf in California?
The biggest surf in California can be found at Mavericks, located near Half Moon Bay.
This surf spot is known for its huge waves, and is a favorite of experienced surfers.
