Looking for the best surf spots in the US?
Whether you’re a fan of longboards, shortboards, fish boards, funboards, or guns, today’s guide showcases the ideal destinations for catching the perfect wave.
Plus, if you’re new to the world of surfing, discover why boogie boarding is a fun and easy-to-learn alternative.
Let’s start right with…
7. Cocoa Beach, Florida
Cocoa Beach is home to probably one of the most famous surfers ever, Kelly Slater.
The water here is blue, the temperatures warm, and the waves comfortable.
This beach won’t appeal as much to the thrill seeking semi-pro, but is a great beach for the practicing beginner.
6. San Clemente, California
San Clemente is home to more than one pro surfer.
This small town in Southern California has the normal cold waters, but the waves get up to 15 feet.
Expect to see experienced and even pro surfers here, especially at Trestles beach.
If you are just beginning, perhaps go to watch, but leave the waves to the more experienced surfers.
5. Kaanapali, Maui, Hawaii
Kaanapali is great for experienced and novice surfer alike.
As to be expected in Hawaii, the water is warm and comfortable.
If you are looking for surf lessons in Hawaii, Kaanapali may be the perfect place for you.
Afterwards, you can watch the sunset on the ocean.
4. Montauk, Long Island, New York
You will need a thick wetsuit for the waters off of Long Island as the water has a high of 69 degrees.
The average temperature? Much lower than that, but the waves are worth it though.
One of Montauk’s advantages? The consistency of its waves: Swell gets sucked in from the south, west, and east.
3. Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz, just as Huntington Beach, likes to call itself “Surf City”.
This town is great for any kind of surfer, but is abundant in long boarders.
Wave size varies a bit in the city, but just outside of Santa Cruz, it is not rare for 10 feet or more waves.
The chilly waters inspired O’Neill wetsuits, so be sure to pick one up on your way to the beach.
Santa Cruz deserves its ranking among the best surf spots in the US for sure!
For more beautiful beaches in the Golden State, be sure to check out the best beaches in California!
2. Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii
Surfing is just one of the best things to do in Hawaii!
Although the waves in Haleiwa are just between 2 and 4 feet big, every pro surfer’s ability will be tested due to the varying conditions here.
The Big Island’s North Shore’s ‘Banzai Pipeline’ is one of the most famous spots for surfing in the entire state of Hawaii.
Water temperatures range from between 73 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to between 79 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit in the middle of September.
And the number one in our list of the best surf spots in the US is…
1. Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach is home to an annual surf contest 50 years running, and appropriately named “Surf City”.
Don’t let its fame scare you away though, waves can range from a small 2 feet to the rare wave breaking over 20 feet.
Being on the California Coast does make for chilly waters, so a wetsuit is always recommended.
If you’re a beach enthusiast, be sure to check out our post on the most beautiful beaches in the US for more breathtaking coastal destinations.
If you enjoyed reading this list, you’ll LOVE watching it in video-format:
