10 Best Surf Spots In The United States

1. Mavericks, California

Mavericks is a world-famous surfing spot located in Half Moon Bay in northern California. Advised only for expert surfers, this fearsome surfing spot is unmissable as it offers spectacular right-hand waves that can go up to 60 ft (18 m) on some days. These killer waves are formed due to a unique underground rock formation. Other possible dangers here include a strong riptide, a rocky bottom, and shark-infested waters. None of these, however, stops serious surfers from trying to catch the perfect wave.

Maverick’s, California

Address: Pillar Point, Princeton-by-the-Sea, Calif., Half Moon Bay, CA

Opening hours: 8am - Sunset (daily)

2. Waimea Bay, Hawaii

Waimea Bay, found in the North Shore of O'ahu in Hawaii, occupies a legendary place in the world of surfing as this is the place where big wave surfing began. The surfing spot serves up incredibly massive waves during winters that can easily go up to 30 ft (9 m). The spot is a challenge in other aspects as well. It has powerful rip currents and a tricky shoreline that suddenly descends into deep waters, making it strictly accessible for experienced surfers only.

Waimea Bay, Hawaii

Website: Waimea Bay

Opening Hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)

3. San Onofre, California

San Onofre State Beach is counted among the most popular surfing destinations in Southern California. With largely consistent and mellow breaks, the surfing beach is great for beginners and expert surfers alike. Here, you will find breaking reefs left and right. The best time to surf here is during the summer months. The main spots where you can try out surfing here include Old Mans, The Point, Church, and Dogpatch.

San Onofre, California

Website: San Onofre Beach

Opening hours: Apr - Sept: 6am - 10pm, Oct - Apr: 6am - 8pm

4. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

As a surfing destination, Cape Cod is rather underrated. It may surprise many that there are several surfing spots to be found in Cape Cod. However, these are all located on the Atlantic side of the Outer Cape, ranging from Chatham to Truro. The waves in these beaches may not be as majestic as those in major surfing destinations, but surfers can choose spots that offer gentle surf breaks or those that have more challenging waves. The top beaches to head to for surfing in Cape Cod include Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, Whitecrest Beach, Wellfleet, Nauset Beach in Orleans, Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro, and Marconi Beach in Wellfleet.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Website: Cape Cod

5. The Wall, New Hampshire

Although New Hampshire’s coastline is not very extensive, there are quite a few surfing spots available along the scenic Route 1A. The Wall located near Hampton Beach in New Hampshire is popular with surfers of all levels. The exposed beach boasts consistent waves. The best time to be here is during autumn, particularly in November. You’ll find breaks here left and right and waves only go up to 3 ft (1 m). Another major surfing spot you can check out in the area is Jenness State Beach in Rye.

The Wall, New Hampshire

Website: Hampton Beach State Park

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

6. Cocoa Beach, Florida

With warm temperatures and a lively surfing culture, Cocoa Beach is known as the East Coast surfing capital. It serves as a perfect site for many surfing competitions. Head to Cocoa Beach Pier which is where most surfers line up to launch into the sea. Here, you will find a beach with a gentle and consistent wave with a right and a left break, making it popular with surfers of all experience levels. The best time to surf here is during the winter months. It is good to note that since it is a popular tourist destination, it can get pretty crowded.

Cocoa Beach, Florida

Website: Cocoa Beach

7. Narragansett, Rhode Island

Narragansett Town Beach is the place to head to for surfing in Rhode Island. Offering a beach break with consistent surf and impressive swells due to a jagged coastline, Narragansett is popular with both new and expert surfers. The breaks here are both right and left while the waves are usually short. The best time to surf here is during the winter months. The beach remains typically crowded during peak season.

Narragansett, Rhode Island

Website: Narragansett

Opening hours: May - Jun: Sat: 8:30am - 5pm (closed from Sun - Fri); Jun - Labor Day: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)

Price: From 15 USD

8. S Turns, North Carolina

Counted among one of the celebrated surfing spots of the East Coast, S Turns is located near the town of Rodanthe in North Carolina. It is also part of the famed Outer Banks. This surfing spot has become popular thanks to its unique shape, which is due to the highway making an S-curve. This is a sandbar break with consistent waves during summer. It is mostly advised that only experienced surfers should attempt the waves here. Do note that it gets pretty crowded during the summer months.

S Turns, North Carolina

Address: NC 12 Highway, Rodanthe, North Carolina 27968, USA

Website: Rodanthe Beach

9. Cape Kiwanda, Oregon

Located in Pacific City, Cape Kiwanda is a hidden gem. This beach offers the best waves available on the Oregon coast thanks to the presence of the majestic Haystack Rock. Though on the smaller side, it offers a beach and reef break that has pretty consistent waves all through the year. The best time to head here for surfing is during the winter months, especially in December as the waves can go up to 15 ft (4.5 m). Suitable for surfers of all experience levels, the beach has both left and right-handed breaks. As the area is a busy fishing area, surfers should be cautious while fishing boats and dories return to the shore.

Cape Kiwanda, Oregon

Website: Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area

Opening hours: Sunrise - Sunset

10. Salmon Creek, California

South Salmon Creek Beach is part of Sonoma Coast State Park in California. The exposed beach break provides a highly consistent surf and works great for all surfers. You will find here both right and left breaks. However, sharks are a big danger here so do be cautious. The best time to surf here is during the winter months. Since it is a popular surfing spot, expect crowds all through the year.

Salmon Creek, California

Website: Sonoma Coast State Park

Opening hours: Sunrise - Sunset

Enjoy the thrill of surfing

As a sport, surfing has been gaining in popularity across the world. Even if you are a complete beginner, most destinations have surf schools that will teach you the basics. There are also rental stores where you can borrow some equipment. Use this list of the best surf spots in the United States to plan out your next surfing adventure.