West Coast Beaches That Are A Must-Visit For Surfers

Often a beach lover's go-to, the West Coast has amenable weather practically all year round, making it the perfect destination for catching a wave or honing your surfing skills. So die-hard surfers looking for some first-rate beaches should definitely head west. Not only are the swells and waves larger on the West Coast compared to the East Coast, but California, Oregon, Washington State, and Hawaii all offer a variety of surfing hot spots that are truly next-level.

Whether you are a beginner or a pro surfer, access to the Pacific Ocean in all its glory is more than possible in this region of the U.S. In fact, many of these incredible beaches are just a short drive away for most west coasters. That said, if you are just visiting or new to the West Coast surf scene, choosing the right hot spot may prove to be somewhat challenging. So, to help, here are the top West Coast beaches that are must-visits, especially for surfboarders and adventure-types on holiday.

Affectionately nicknamed Surf City, Huntington Beach is one of California's premier surfing towns worth checking out. Situated in Huntington Beach, Orange County, California, Huntington City Beach is your classic surfers' paradise with manageable swells. For beachgoers looking to enjoy the waves sans the crowds, winter is often the best time to grab a longboard and make your way out for bigger swells than the ones typically seen in the summer.

From a rich surfing history, ample surf shops, surfboard rentals, and other fascinating surf-related activities to an iconic pier, Huntington City Beach is a beach with it all, including the attention of many pro-surfers. And, with around 10 miles of phenomenal coastline in Surf City, you can venture out and experience other beaches in this area if you do not want to spend all your time at Huntington City Beach. A few other superb wave rider hot spots nearby include Huntington State Beach (popular with body surfers and boogie boarders), Bolsa Chica State Beach (great for beginners), and Sunset Beach, which has good conditions for all forms of boarding.

Yet another beach town with several places to shred is Westport, Washington. Visitors will find a dazzling coastline with three main breaks — The Jetty, The Groins, and The Cove. Located on the outskirts of Westhaven State Park, The Jetty promises consistent surf for all experience levels. Still, newbie surfers ready to take their skills to the next level tend to opt for The Jetty. On the other hand, the Groins, which is just off the Westport marina, attracts intermediate to advanced wave riders who are aware of the extreme tidal changes.

Alternatively, The Cove at Half Moon Bay is for advanced surfers. Due to the hazardous shorebreak, The Cove is not as popular as it once was. Moreover, surfing at The Cove is no easy task as the waves, currents, and occasional giant swells here can be outright dangerous. So, if you are not a highly skilled wave rider, then it is strongly recommended that you enjoy the other two hot spots instead. That said, Westport Beaches are undeniably must-visits if you are passionate about surfing and happen to be on the West Coast.

Another must-visit in Southern California is none other than Black's Beach, also known as Torrey Pines State Beach or Torrey Pines City Beach. A truly spectacular beach as a whole, the lower portion of Black's Beach is what makes this surfing hot spot famous. With powerful breaks, deepwater canyons, strong currents, and winter swells, catching some waves here is a real treat. Of course, this particular San Diego beach is not for the timid and requires a certain skill level when riding its waves. Still, interested surfers can opt to take semi-private lessons here if they are not quite sure they are ready for the breaks at Black's Beach.

Black's Beach is also a stunning state park with phenomenal coastal views on land or sea. Plus, there are plenty of other interesting reasons to make your way out to this San Diego gem, including its frequent nudist beachgoers, incredible Catalina Island vistas, and abundant recreational activities, including the revered Gliderport Trail. However, it is worth noting that convenient access to standard beach amenities like parking and bathrooms is limited, so plan accordingly.

Mavericks Beach is a favorite among most wave riders in Northern California, and this spectacular beach offers access to Pillar Point Harbor's perfect conditions that create larger-than-life waves. Mavericks Beach is yet another surfing hot spot that truly shines in winter with its towering swells. The world-class surf here can accommodate all surfing styles — from boogie boards and short boards to paddleboards. Many intermediate surfers come to this 5-mile stretch of beach to learn from the best of the best all year round, as a variety of tours and classes offer the "Mavericks Experience."

That said, Mavericks Beach is mellower with serene rolling waves during the warmer months, so if this is more your scene, head to this must-visit West Coast treasure in spring or summer. Mavericks Beach, overall, is a great destination for surfers up for a real challenge — especially given the cooler waters, giant waves, and frequent shark sightings. For these reasons alone, Mavericks Beach is the place to be to get your adrenaline pumping, and visiting will allow you to cross one of the world's deadliest surfing havens off your bucket list.

For many surfing fans, Long Beach, in Washington State, may not be their first choice when they hear the name. But Long Beach, and most of the coastline along the Long Beach Peninsula, promises a nice little go-to for surfers of all levels. This destination boasts more than 28 miles of serene, unpopulated white sandy beach, abundant whitewater, and substantial waves, often larger than anticipated. It is an excellent choice for those seeking to enjoy the Pacific's warmer waters with the added comfort of a wetsuit.

Wave riders headed to Long Beach can expect swells from almost every direction and an all-around peaceful surf. If you are a beginner, this boarding paradise is particularly agreeable, and several places offer lessons. Still, there are a handful of things to remember when enjoying this West Coast region, including the occasional shark, rips, and choppiness (blown-out or hard-to-ride waves). Besides this, Long Beach is a wonderful, family-friendly destination with a notably gentle spindrift. So, you should make it a point to partake in this seaside oasis on holiday in The Evergreen State.

In Northern California, not too far away from San Francisco, Bolinas is a hidden oasis for surfers and is touted as having one of the Bay Area's premier coastlines that new wave riders can delight in. Thanks to its unique landscape, almost anywhere on this stretch is great for surfing. That said, many surf enthusiasts head to Bolinas Jetty for a thrilling day at the beach.

With its steady breaks, clean waves, and ideal conditions in the warmer months, Bolinas Jetty is undoubtedly a good go-to for beginners. Though, when out and about in the Jetty, it is important to watch out for sharks and overcrowding. Alternatively, for slightly more experienced wave riders, a quick trip to Stinson Beach (less than 4 miles from Bolinas Jetty) is a popular spot for all boarding, sunbathers, and beach lovers. The surf at Stinson Beach is not too challenging, but it is worth considering if you are in the area as an add-on. Beachgoers can expect first-rate waves, consistent swells, and superb scenery here.