The Ultimate Guide to the Best Surfing in the US.
Across the United States, thousands of miles of coastline offer something for every style of wave rider. You'll find warm Pacific points, tropical Hawaiian reefs, and sections of the unpredictable Atlantic Ocean. Whether you're catching your first wave or hunting big barrels, this guide breaks down the best surfing spots in the US.
The Birth of American Surf Culture.
Before diving into the guide, let's learn about where US surfing began. Long before surfboards even existed on the mainland, Native Hawaiians practiced “heʻe nalu” (wave-sliding) for centuries as a central part of their culture.
Surfing first came to the US mainland in 1907 when Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer George Freeth performed riding demonstrations at Redondo Beach, California. Shortly after his 1912 Olympic victory, legend Duke Kahanamoku introduced surfing to crowds across Southern California and the Atlantic coastline between 1912 and 1915.
The Four Best Surfing States in the US.
While many coastal states offer incredible waves, these four stand out for their variety of water temperatures and swells.
1. Hawaii.
Hawaii is the ultimate surf destination. Oahu's North Shore delivers massive, world-class waves during the winter, while Waikiki on the South Shore offers an entirely different experience, great for beginners, with gentle, slow-rolling waves over soft reefs.
2. California.
California is the heart of mainland U.S. surf culture. Its diverse coastline features everything from the gentle, beginner-friendly point breaks of Southern California to the cold, powerful reefs and massive big-wave spots like Mavericks in the north.
3. Florida.
Florida is the primary hub for East Coast surfing, offering warm water all year round. While the waves are often manageable for beginners, the state consistently produces elite surf talent.
4. North Carolina.
North Carolina's Outer Banks are a chain of long narrow beaches that stick out into the Atlantic Ocean. Because of their location, these beaches catch swells from almost every direction, producing some of the most powerful waves on the East Coast.
Discover more: Surfing in Hawaii.
The Top Surfing Cities and Beaches.
Whether you're looking for high-performance point breaks or gentle, beginner-friendly waves, these cities and beaches offer some of the top surfing spots across the country.
San Clemente, California.
San Clemente is often referred to as the ultimate Southern California surf town. Advanced surfers often head to Lower Trestles (known locally as Lowers), while nearby San Onofre delivers softer waves ideal for longboarding.
Cocoa Beach, Florida.
Warm water and gentle beach breaks make this hub perfect for beginners. For a more advanced setup, experienced surfers head just down the coast to the Sebastian Inlet, known for both its consistent surf and fishing.
Malibu, California.
Malibu is famous for Surfrider Beach, where long waves are built for longboards, especially when late-summer swells roll in.
Explore: Surfing in Florida.
The Best Surfing Road Trips in the US.
Loading your boards, tuning in to your favourite playlist, and hunting waves down an open coastal highway is the best way to experience surfing in the US. Here are two of the best road trip routes to take.
California Highway 1: San Diego to San Francisco.
- The vibe: Classic Pacific coastline. Start logging in boardshorts down south; end in a thick wetsuit surfing the cliffs of Santa Cruz.
- Recommended time to go: In fall, you will get a nice combination of swells and great winds for surfing.
North Carolina Route 12: Outer Banks.
- The Vibe: Driving down a narrow road next to the open ocean while hunting empty sandbar peaks.
- Recommended time to go: For general surfing conditions, early fall is a great time to take this route. For heavier waves, wait until late fall or winter.
The Essential Gear for a US Surf Trip.
Traveling with surf gear requires the right protection and preparation for shifting coastal conditions.
- Board protection: A padded, lightweight surf travel bag or a multi-board coffin, like the Surf Pro Coffin 6 '6 - fitting 3-4 boards is non-negotiable for flights and road trips.
- Backpack and bags: Keep your gear dry with dry bags, and pack everything into a surf backpack for protection and organization on the beach.
- Wetsuits and shorts: Pack a wetsuit for Central and Northern California, while boardshorts for Hawaii and summer in Florida.
Explore: What is a dry bag?
Your Questions Answered.
What decade did surfing become popular in the US?
Surfing became wildly popular in the US in the 1950s and 1960s. The invention of lightweight boards turned the niche coastal activity into a popular hobby for many Americans.
What place in the US has the biggest waves for surfing?
On the US mainland, Mavericks in Half Moon Bay, California, creates huge waves during the winter storms with peaks up to 60 feet tall, while the Cortes Bank reef outside of San Diego creates the biggest waves, reaching 60 to 80 feet tall.