10 Best Surf Towns In The US
Not every spot with good waves makes for a good surf town. Some places have the swell, but the vibe’s off—too commercial, too crowded, or just missing the soul that makes you want to stick around after your session. The truth is, great waves are only half the story.
The best surf towns in the US offer more than just good breaks. They’ve got personality, a strong local scene, and that hard-to-pin-down energy that makes you feel at home. If you're chasing iconic point breaks, year-round consistency, or just a laid-back place to park your board, these ten towns deliver—both in and out of the water.
1. Malibu, California
Just 45 minutes from Los Angeles, Malibu stands out as one of California’s most iconic surfing destinations. Home to Surfrider Beach—recognized as the first World Surfing Reserve—Malibu draws surfers from around the world for its long, peeling right-hand point breaks, and best surfing areas. These clean, consistent waves make it an ideal spot for both seasoned longboarders and beginners finding their rhythm.
If you're after fewer crowds and a more relaxed lineup, Zuma Beach offers wide-open swells and crystal-clear water. Between the wave quality and the variety of breaks, Malibu delivers a surf experience that’s both world-class and accessible—no Hollywood budget required.
And if you’re surfing here regularly, it’s worth having proper board storage that matches the vibe—The Spirit Rack offers a clean, wood-finished way to display and protect your board when you’re not chasing sets.
2. Haleʻiwa, Hawaii (North Shore, Oʻahu)
If surfing in the USA had a spiritual home, Haleʻiwa would be it. Sitting along Oʻahu’s famed North Shore, this small town transforms every winter into a global surf arena with spots like Pipeline, Waimea, and Sunset Beach. The waves here are fast, heavy, and world-famous—ideal for confident surfers, but still worth witnessing even if you're just there to watch from the sand.
Haleʻiwa isn’t just for the pros, though. While winter brings massive swells, the shoulder seasons offer more manageable waves for experienced intermediates. The town is steeped in surf culture—board shapers, surf schools, and low-key contests keep things authentic year-round.
For locals and travellers alike, keeping your gear dialled in is part of the lifestyle—and having something like The Sun Rack makes it easy to store your board with care and style between sessions. Whether you're paddling out or just taking it all in from the sand, Haleʻiwa offers a true taste of what makes surfing in Hawaii so legendary.
3. Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz is a pillar of California surf culture, offering a variety of consistent waves and iconic breaks. Steamer Lane stands out as the centerpiece—known for its powerful right-hand point break and dramatic cliffside views. Just down the road, Pleasure Point offers long, rolling waves with multiple take-off zones, ideal for intermediate surfers and longboarders alike.
The coastline features a mix of spots suited for all levels, from easy beach breaks to challenging reef and point setups. The water’s cold, the mornings are often misty, and the local surf scene runs deep. It’s common to see surfboards strapped to bikes heading toward the cliffs before sunrise—surfing is simply part of daily life here. With a strong community of local shapers, surf shops, and committed locals, Santa Cruz is more than a surf destination—it’s a true surf town.
4. Encinitas, California
Encinitas is a Southern California surf town where the rhythm of life follows the tides. It’s home to a variety of breaks that cater to every level of surfer. Swami’s, a world-famous right-hand point break, draws stylish longboarders and experienced riders looking for smooth, peeling waves. Just south, D Street serves up punchier beach break peaks ideal for shortboarders, while Cardiff Reef delivers long, rolling waves that suit cruisers and mellow sessions.
What makes Encinitas stand out is its consistent swell, warm water for most of the year, and a laid-back surf culture that welcomes newcomers without losing its soul. Dawn patrols are part of the routine here, and it’s not uncommon to spot surfboards strapped to bikes heading toward the beach at sunrise. With its accessible coastline and variety of breaks packed into a few miles, Encinitas earns its place as one of the best surf towns in the US.
5. New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Florida might not be known for powerful waves, but New Smyrna Beach consistently delivers when it comes to surfable conditions. It’s one of the most surfed beaches on the East Coast, with dependable sandbar breaks and rideable waves almost every day. The warm Atlantic waters and mellow, forgiving waves make it a prime spot for longboarders, beginners, and anyone looking to spend hours in the lineup.
The town has deep surf roots, with local surf schools, board shapers, and a tight-knit community that lives and breathes wave culture. It’s not unusual to see early morning grom sessions, pros doing laps on the inside, and old-school longboarders cruising the same break—all on the same day. New Smyrna Beach has earned its reputation as Florida’s surf capital for good reason.
6. Montauk, New York
Montauk might surprise some people, but yes—New York has a surf town, and it’s legit. Sitting at the eastern tip of Long Island, it’s home to some of the most reliable waves on the East Coast. Ditch Plains is the crown jewel: a consistent beach break with long, clean rides ideal for all levels. For more advanced surfers, nearby breaks offer heavier conditions and less crowded lineups if you're willing to explore.
Autumn’s really the magic season here. The summer crowds clear out, the water’s still warm, and the Atlantic starts sending in solid swell from hurricane systems. You’ll see locals out at sunrise, boards strapped to their roofs, chasing clean conditions before the wind picks up. There’s a tight-knit surf community that rides all year, and they take it seriously. Montauk isn’t just a side note—it’s the real deal for East Coast surf.
7. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks is a surfer’s playground shaped by shifting sandbars, Atlantic swells, and an unpredictable coastline that keeps you on your toes. Breaks like Cape Hatteras, Nags Head, and Kill Devil Hills consistently deliver some of the most dependable waves on the East Coast—especially when hurricane swells roll through. It’s one of those rare spots where epic conditions can appear almost overnight.
Surfing here feels raw and untamed. Mornings often start with glassy barrels, followed by seafood from a roadside shack, and end with another session before the sun dips below the dunes. The scene is grounded, with a loyal local surf crowd and a DIY attitude that fits the rugged setting. The Outer Banks isn’t just a place to surf—it’s a place to live in the rhythm of the ocean.
8. Cocoa Beach, Florida
Cocoa Beach is a cornerstone of East Coast surfing, known for its consistent, beginner-friendly waves and deep surf culture. It’s the hometown of 11-time world champion Kelly Slater, but it’s also where countless first-timers catch their first wave. The breaks here are mellow, making it ideal for longboarders, surf schools, and anyone working on their style without the pressure of heavy sets.
Surf shops are everywhere—including the legendary Ron Jon Surf Shop—and there’s no shortage of gear rentals, lessons, and friendly locals willing to share tips. With a wide sandy shoreline and year-round warm water, Cocoa Beach is built for all-day surf sessions. You can paddle out at sunrise, cruise easy peaks all morning, and still have time to explore a different break before sunset.
9. San Clemente, California
San Clemente is a core surf town through and through. It’s home to legendary breaks like Lower Trestles, San Onofre, and Church—spots that consistently draw top-tier surfers and host major contests. The wave quality here is world-class, with long, rippable point breaks and consistent swell year-round. But it’s not all pro-level—there are mellow beach breaks around town that make it accessible for newer surfers too.
The local surf culture runs deep. Many of the biggest surfboard and wetsuit brands are headquartered here, and you’ll see groms, longboarders, and seasoned pros all sharing the lineup. Dawn patrol is a way of life, with pre-sunrise cafés fuelling early surf checks and board racks lining nearly every beach cruiser. San Clemente isn’t just surf-friendly—it’s surf-obsessed, and that’s exactly what makes it one of the best surf towns in the US.
10. Rockaway Beach, New York
New York isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of surfing—but Rockaway Beach has long been the exception. Located in Queens, it's just a subway ride away from the city, but it feels like a world apart. The waves can get surprisingly good when the Atlantic decides to cooperate, and locals are fiercely passionate about their stretch of coastline.
The surf community here is tight, scrappy, and creative. Pop-up surf shops, beachside taco trucks, and live music give it a gritty charm that feels unmistakably New York. You might be paddling out in a full wetsuit, but there’s something undeniably cool about catching waves with the skyline just a train ride away.
Where the Surf Life Lives On
Great surf towns offer more than just waves—they're built around a lifestyle shaped by tide charts, early mornings, and a deep connection to the ocean. What sets these ten apart is how surf culture runs through every part of daily life. From the points of Malibu to the raw energy of Rockaway Beach, these are places where surfing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of being.
At Living in Sunshine, we celebrate that lifestyle with thoughtfully designed surfboard racks and accessories that bring the spirit of the coast into your everyday space. Whether you're chasing swells or want your home to reflect your love for the ocean, we've got something that fits right in. Feel free to contact us anytime at contact@livinginsunshine.com or call us at +1 (269) 533-7127.
FAQs
What time of year is best for surfing in the US?
Fall offers ideal conditions across much of the country, with clean swell and lighter winds. Many of the best surfing towns in the US come alive this time of year, as the East Coast sees hurricane swell, while the West Coast and Hawaii begin firing consistently.
Which US surf towns are best for beginners?
New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach, and Encinitas are great for learning, thanks to their mellow waves and accessible surf schools. These towns make it easy to build confidence without battling heavy conditions.
How cold does the water get in these surf towns?
Spots like Rockaway and Santa Cruz often require full wetsuits year-round. Florida towns stay warm, while Southern California sits comfortably in between with cooler winters.
Are there surf-friendly accommodations in these towns?
Yes—many places offer rentals or lodges with board storage, rinse stations, and beach access. Locations like Haleʻiwa, Montauk, and Encinitas cater especially well to surf travellers.
