Surfing and the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) go hand in hand. The PCH is a scenic road that runs along the coast of California, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and some of the best surf spots in the world. From San Diego to San Francisco, the PCH offers endless opportunities for surfers to catch waves and experience the thrill of riding them.
In this blog post, I will be exploring the top 8 best surfing spots on the Pacific Coast Highway in California. I will take a deep dive into each of these surf spots, providing detailed information about the waves, the surrounding area, and any other pertinent details that surfers need to know. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting out, this list has something for everyone.
So, if you are planning a surfing trip to California, or if you are just looking for some inspiration for your next adventure, keep reading to discover the top 8 best surfing spots on the PCH.
1. Malibu
Malibu Beach is one of the most iconic surfing destinations in the world. Located in Los Angeles County, this beach offers long, peeling waves that are perfect for intermediate to advanced surfers. The beach stretches for over 21 miles, and there are numerous breaks along the coast that offer something for everyone.
The most popular break at Malibu Beach is Surfrider Beach, which is located just east of the Malibu Pier. Surfrider Beach is known for its consistent waves and long rides, and is a favorite among longboarders. The waves here can be quite powerful, so this spot is recommended for experienced surfers only.
Zuma Beach is another popular spot at Malibu Beach, offering a mix of left and right-hand breaks that are ideal for shortboarders. The waves here are generally more forgiving than those at Surfrider Beach, making it a good spot for intermediate surfers.
2. Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, also known as “Surf City, USA,” is a world-renowned destination for surfers. Located in Orange County, California, this beach offers consistent waves and a vibrant surf culture that draws surfers from around the globe.
The most popular surf break at Huntington Beach is the Huntington Beach Pier. This spot is known for its powerful, hollow waves that are perfect for experienced surfers. The waves here can get quite large, especially during the winter months, and are best tackled by shortboarders.
Another popular surf break at Huntington Beach is the Bolsa Chica State Beach. This spot offers a more mellow surfing experience, with smaller waves that are ideal for beginners and longboarders. The beach can get crowded, especially during the summer months, but there are plenty of breaks to choose from.
In addition to the waves, Huntington Beach also offers a thriving surf culture. The city hosts several surf events throughout the year, including the US Open of Surfing, which draws top surfers from around the world. There are also plenty of surf shops and surf schools in the area, making it easy for surfers of all levels to enjoy the waves.
Huntington Beach is also home to the International Surfing Museum, which celebrates the history and culture of surfing. The museum features exhibits on the evolution of surfboards, the history of surfing in California, and famous surfers who have made a mark on the sport.
3. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a popular surfing destination located on the northern coast of California (Pacific Coast Highway). Known for its consistent waves, beautiful beaches, and vibrant surf culture, Santa Cruz is a great spot for surfers of all levels.
One of the most famous surf breaks in Santa Cruz is Steamer Lane. Located near the Santa Cruz Lighthouse, this break offers powerful, steep waves that are best tackled by experienced surfers. The waves here can get quite large, especially during the winter months, making it a challenging but rewarding spot for surfers.
For beginners and intermediate surfers, Cowell Beach is a great option. Located near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this beach offers mellow waves that are perfect for learning how to surf. There are plenty of surf schools in the area, making it easy for visitors to take lessons and improve their skills.
Pleasure Point Beach is another popular spot for surfers in Santa Cruz. This beach offers a long, peeling right-hand wave that is ideal for longboarders. The wave can be quite powerful, but is generally more forgiving than the waves at Steamer Lane, making it a good option for intermediate surfers.
In addition to the waves, Santa Cruz also offers a thriving surf culture. The town is home to several surf shops, including O’Neill Surf Shop and Rip Curl, as well as the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. The museum celebrates the history of surfing in Santa Cruz, and features exhibits on famous surfers, the evolution of surfboards, and the local surf culture.
4. Mavericks – Half Moon Bay
Mavericks is a legendary surfing spot located near Half Moon Bay, California, and is one of the best surfing spots on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). This world-renowned surf break is known for its massive waves, which can reach heights of up to 60 feet during the winter months, making it a challenging and thrilling spot for experienced surfers.
The waves at Mavericks are generated by a unique underwater rock formation that causes large swells to rise up and break into massive, hollow waves. Because of the challenging conditions, surfing at Mavericks requires experience, skill, and a high level of physical fitness. Many professional surfers consider it to be one of the most challenging and dangerous surf spots in the world.
Surfing at Mavericks is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are up to the challenge, it offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience. In addition to the waves, the scenery at Mavericks is also stunning, with views of the rugged California coastline and the nearby Pillar Point Harbor.
Due to the challenging conditions, surfing at Mavericks is not recommended for beginners or inexperienced surfers. However, for those who are up to the challenge, there are several surf schools and local guides who can provide instruction and guidance on surfing at Mavericks safely.
5. Rincon
Rincon is a world-renowned surfing spot located along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Southern California. Known for its long, peeling waves, Rincon is a favorite among surfers of all levels and is often considered to be one of the best surfing spots on the West Coast.
Rincon is divided into three distinct sections: the Cove, Rivermouth, and Indicator. The Cove is the most popular section and offers long, mellow waves that are perfect for longboarders and beginners. The Rivermouth section is known for its powerful, fast-breaking waves, and is best suited for experienced surfers. The Indicator section offers a mix of both, with long, fast waves that are ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers.
One of the unique aspects of Rincon is its consistent wave conditions. The waves at Rincon break at almost any tide and can be surfed year-round, making it a favorite spot for surfers who want to avoid the crowds and inconsistent surf conditions found at other beaches.
In addition to the waves, Rincon also offers stunning scenery, with views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. There are also several hiking trails and parks in the area for visitors to explore, making it a great spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
6. Trestles
Trestles is one of the most famous surfing spots in California and is located along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in San Clemente. It is a favorite among surfers for its consistent waves, stunning scenery, and vibrant surf culture, making it one of the best spots along the PCH for surfers.
Trestles is divided into five distinct breaks: Uppers, Lowers, Middles, Cottons, and The Point. Each break offers a unique surfing experience, with Uppers and Lowers being the most popular among surfers of all levels. The waves at Trestles are known for their consistency and quality, with long, peeling waves that are perfect for performance surfing and aerial maneuvers.
In addition to the waves, Trestles also offers stunning scenery, with views of the San Mateo Creek and the surrounding wilderness area. There are also several hiking trails and parks in the area for visitors to explore, making it a great spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Because of its popularity, Trestles can get crowded, especially during peak surf season. However, there are several surf schools and local guides in the area who can provide instruction and guidance on surfing at Trestles safely and respectfully.
7. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a popular surfing spot located along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Southern California. Known for its consistent waves and stunning scenery, Santa Barbara offers a variety of surf breaks for surfers of all levels, making it a great spot to catch some waves along the PCH.
One of the most popular surf spots in Santa Barbara is Leadbetter Beach, which offers consistent waves and is perfect for beginner to intermediate surfers. The waves at Leadbetter Beach are known for being fun and forgiving, making it a great spot to learn and improve your skills.
Because of its popularity, Santa Barbara can get crowded, especially during peak surf season. However, there are several surf schools and local guides in the area who can provide instruction and guidance on surfing at Santa Barbara safely and respectfully.
8. Cardiff Reef
Cardiff Reef is a world-renowned surfing spot located along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in the city of Encinitas, California. Known for its consistent waves and stunning scenery, Cardiff Reef offers a variety of surf breaks for surfers of all levels, making it a popular spot to catch some waves along the PCH.
The reef at Cardiff offers several different breaks, with the most popular being the Main Break and the Point. The Main Break offers a long, peeling left-hand wave, while the Point offers a steeper, more challenging right-hand wave. Both breaks can provide surfers with epic rides and a variety of challenging sections to navigate.
In addition to the waves, Cardiff Reef also offers stunning scenery, with views of the ocean and the surrounding cliffs. The beach itself is also a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing between surf sessions. Cardiff Reef is less crowded than some of the other spots on this list, making it a great option for those looking for a more relaxed surfing experience.
Also, don’t miss my list of the best beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway: Pacific Coast Highway – 12 BEST MUST-VISIT BEACHES along the West Coast Road Trip
👍 Find out more:
Discover the best stops along the PCH in my travel guide, “Pacific Coast Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops”, which is available on Amazon. This is the ultimate travel guide and pocket reference for anyone wishing to experience the adventure and wonder of THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY! MUST-HAVE for all West Coast travelers. Visit 202 places on the PCH with “Scan QR and go” for easy navigation.
Author:
Mark Watson is a California-based member of a Los Angeles motorcycle club and an avid traveler. He has completed seven full journeys along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway on his Harley-Davidson and is passionate about promoting this historic drive to others. Mark has also explored the Alaska Highway and Route 66, and has authored three bestselling travel guides on Amazon: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places,” “Alaska Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops,” and “Pacific Coast Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops.”