Surfers sitting on their surfboards in the water

15 Best Surf Spots in America

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When it comes to surfing, America offers some of the world’s most iconic and diverse surf spots, with coastlines that deliver incredible waves for every skill level. Not only does surfing provide an excellent full-body workout, but with so many amazing locations to choose from, you’ll get the chance to challenge yourself in different conditions. Each coast—Pacific or Atlantic—carries its own unique vibe, surfing culture, and set of challenges, making each destination worth exploring.

In this guide, Living in Sunshine has compiled a list of 15 of America’s best surf spots, highlighting everything from optimal seasons and wave conditions to insider tips for your next surf trip.

1. Trestles, San Clemente, California

Located along the Pacific coast, Trestles is a collection of high-performance reef breaks, with some of the best waves in California. Its waves break both left and right, making it ideal for various styles. Though a bit of a hike to reach, Trestles draws advanced surfers for its consistent, hollow waves.

Best Time to Surf: May to September for the best swells.
Wave Height: 3-10 feet, with high energy.
Local Vibe: Competitive but relaxed; frequent pros and locals.

2. Malibu, California

Malibu’s point break at Surfrider Beach provides long, smooth rides, ideal for longboarders. Its consistent right-hand waves and laid-back vibe make it one of the most celebrated surfing destinations in Southern California. Malibu gets crowded, but the beautiful, rolling waves and classic California surf culture are worth it.

Best Time to Surf: Summer for steady South swells.
Wave Height: 2-8 feet, suitable for long rides.
Local Vibe: Friendly but crowded, with a mix of seasoned locals and beginners.

3. Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Jacksonville Beach has consistent, approachable waves and a relaxed local vibe. It’s a great spot for beginner to intermediate surfers, with sandy beach breaks and a mellow surf scene that’s welcoming to newcomers.

Best Time to Surf: Winter for stronger swells.
Wave Height: 2-6 feet, consistent.
Local Vibe: Laid-back and community-oriented.

4. North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu’s North Shore is a world-renowned surf mecca, especially during the winter months when waves can reach up to 50 feet. This area hosts major surf competitions, including the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, attracting top talent. Pipeline and Sunset Beach are particularly famous for their powerful reef breaks and tubes, offering a thrilling (and challenging) experience.

Best Time to Surf: Winter (November to February) for massive swells; summer offers calmer surf.
Wave Height: 15-50 feet during peak season.
Local Vibe: Competitive yet welcoming surf culture; not ideal for beginners.

5. Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks features some of the best beach breaks on the East Coast. With shifting sandbars that produce powerful waves, this spot is known for its unpredictable surf and solid hurricane swells. The area around Cape Hatteras in particular sees consistent waves that keep locals and visitors entertained year-round.

Best Time to Surf: Fall for hurricane season swells.
Wave Height: 3-12 feet, depending on conditions.
Local Vibe: Laid-back with a loyal local following.

6. Cocoa Beach, Florida

On the East Coast, Cocoa Beach is one of the most popular surf spots, especially among beginners. This beach is famous for its long, shallow beach breaks, making it great for first-timers. Cocoa Beach is also home to the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop and the birthplace of surf legend Kelly Slater.

Best Time to Surf: Winter and early spring for better swells.
Wave Height: 1-5 feet, typically mellow.
Local Vibe: Friendly, accessible, and family-friendly.

7. Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz, California

Pleasure Point offers a variety of breaks, from beginner-friendly waves to challenging reef sections. Known for its welcoming community, Santa Cruz has a surf vibe that’s both relaxed and skilled, often called the birthplace of mainland surfing. The scenic coastlines and dependable waves make it a year-round favorite.

Best Time to Surf: Fall for optimal conditions.
Wave Height: 3-10 feet, offering variety with consistent quality.
Local Vibe: Relaxed, community-focused surf culture.

8. Mavericks, Half Moon Bay, California

Mavericks is one of the world’s most famous big wave spots, with swells that can reach 60 feet or more during peak season. This break is challenging, with waves generated by deep-water reefs, attracting only the bravest surfers. It’s not a spot for the faint-hearted, as powerful currents and cold waters add to the intensity.

Best Time to Surf: Winter for giant, high-risk waves.
Wave Height: 20-60 feet; extremely powerful.
Local Vibe: Intense and serious; for highly-skilled surfers only.

9. Montauk, New York (Eastern Tip of Long Island)

Montauk offers reliable surf breaks on the eastern tip of Long Island, with solid waves and a vibrant surf scene. Fall brings the best conditions, with larger waves and fewer crowds. Montauk has become a popular surfing spot, combining classic surf culture with upscale beach town vibes.

Best Time to Surf: Late summer to fall.
Wave Height: 3-8 feet; variable with powerful swells.
Local Vibe: Friendly yet trendy; draws locals and city visitors.

10. Newport Beach, California

Newport Beach is well-known for “The Wedge,” where waves can reach up to 20 feet during south swells. This spot is thrilling but dangerous, as the waves break close to shore with powerful force. It’s mainly for advanced surfers or bodyboarders willing to take on its unique, heavy waves.

Best Time to Surf: Summer for south swells.
Wave Height: 5-20 feet at The Wedge.
Local Vibe: High-energy with experienced locals; best for thrill-seekers.

Surfer watching another surfer in the water

11. Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica is a great spot for beginner surfers, with gentle waves and ample surf schools. The iconic pier and lively boardwalk provide an accessible, friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for families and casual surfers alike.

Best Time to Surf: Spring and summer for calm conditions.
Wave Height: 1-5 feet, mellow.
Local Vibe: Easygoing with a friendly crowd.

12. Huntington Beach, California (Surf City USA)

Huntington Beach earned its nickname “Surf City USA” for good reason. It’s known for its consistent beach breaks and year-round waves, ideal for all skill levels. It’s a major surf spot in Southern California, especially known for hosting the U.S. Open of Surfing, one of the largest surf competitions in the world, showcasing both pros and locals.

Best Time to Surf: Summer and fall for south swells; year-round surfing is possible.
Wave Height: 3-8 feet; very consistent.
Local Vibe: High-energy surf scene with competitions, surf shops, and a lively pier.

13. La Jolla, San Diego, California

La Jolla, especially Windansea Beach, is a go-to spot with reef and beach breaks. It has waves for various skill levels, though Windansea is best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers. The setting is picturesque, with steep cliffs and clear waters.

Best Time to Surf: Fall for optimal swells and fewer crowds.
Wave Height: 3-8 feet; consistent.
Local Vibe: Friendly and vibrant, with a mix of locals and visitors drawn to its stunning beauty.

14. Waimea Bay, Oahu, Hawaii

Waimea Bay, another North Shore gem, is known for its towering winter waves, which can reach over 30 feet. It’s a historic big wave spot, and only the most experienced surfers can handle its power. For spectators, it’s equally awe-inspiring to watch pros ride these giants.

Best Time to Surf: Winter for big wave season.
Wave Height: 10-30+ feet.
Local Vibe: Serious and skill-focused, for expert surfers only.

15. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach offers reliable beach breaks on the East Coast, with smaller waves that are perfect for beginners. This surfing town has a fun and friendly surf culture, making it ideal for those just starting out.

Best Time to Surf: Summer and early fall.
Wave Height: 1-4 feet, typically gentle.
Local Vibe: Welcoming with an active surf community.

Final Thoughts

America’s coasts offer a surfing experience unlike anywhere else in the world. The Pacific Coast, with its long stretches of sandy beaches and rugged reef breaks, is home to legendary surf destinations like Malibu and Huntington Beach, where the surf culture is as rich as the waves are thrilling.

Meanwhile, the East Coast’s breaks—think Outer Banks and Cocoa Beach—provide a laid-back, welcoming surf vibe, perfect for those seeking waves for every season and skill level. From coast to coast, the best surf spots in America offer more than just great waves.

Ready to explore waves outside of America? Check out our guide on the Best Surf Spots in the World to discover more iconic destinations across the globe.