Surfer's Guide to the USA: Top 10 Surf Towns
What are the Most Popular Surf Towns in the US?
The United States is home to some of the world’s best surf towns, from the iconic Surf City USA to small communities spotting the country’s vast white sand beaches. Surfers come from around the world to the major centers of surf culture in Hawaii and Southern California, some eager to sharpen and showcase their skills, others just looking to relax and ride a great wave.
In these towns you’ll find top notch fish and seafood, beachside boardwalks perfect for a family getaway, and an array of surprising natural landscapes and wildlife. Choose any one of them and you’ll find yourself looking out from an idyllic beach at crystal-clear waves rolling toward the shore.
1. Malibu, California
Catching waves and sunsets in one of SoCal’s most iconic towns
Good for: Shoppers, Luxury, Adventure
Just 45 minutes outside of Los Angeles, Malibu is as much a spot for the rich and famous as for local surfers. If you’re looking to enjoy some of the most beautiful coastline California has to offer, this is the place. Named the first World Surfing Reserve, Malibu’s Surfrider Beach has long, consistent waves that have drawn surfers for decades, and the crystal-clear waters at Zuma Beach are where the locals head to avoid peak-season crowds.
After a day on the waves, grab one of the famed ahi tuna burgers from local favorite Malibu Seafood and head back to the beach to catch a golden sunset.
Malibu, California
2. Haleiwa, Hawaii
Big waves at this friendly surf town
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
Look no further than Haleiwa for world-class surf and small-town Hawaiian charm. The vibe here is relaxed, welcoming, and family-friendly, and this small surf community has restaurants and food trucks serving everything from Thai and acai to classic Hawaiian shave ice.
Located along the North Shore of Oahu, this area draws pro surfers from around the world to spots like Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, and Pipeline. If you’re just getting your feet wet, visit during the summer months, as the ocean softens to calm, swimmable waters.
Haleiwa, Hawaii
3. Outer Banks, North Carolina
Endless coastline and fresh seafood
Good for: Adventure, Food
The 100 miles of wide-open shoreline on the Outer Banks offer some of the most stunning scenery and consistent waves on the East Coast. A chain of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast, here you’ll find long stretches of white sand beaches dotted with seaside towns where you can fill up on fresh seafood at local markets and restaurants.
There are tons of great surf spots in Outer Banks, so head to the popular spots like Kill Devil Hills and the S-Curves or drive along the coast until something catches your eye. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, so don’t be surprised if you spot sea turtles, pelicans, or even wild horses roaming the beaches.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
4. Huntington Beach, California
The West Coast’s capital of surf culture
Good for: Shoppers, Adventure
There’s always something cool and exciting happening in Huntington Beach. Every year it hosts tons of events, including the US Open of Surfing, the largest surf competition in the world, the Pacific Airshow, several music festivals, and a film festival. Just steps from the beach is Pacific City, an outdoor mall with shopping, dining, and an outdoor movie theater, and if that’s not your cup of tea then to Surf City Nights, the city’s weekly street fair and farmers’ market.
With beaches for every level of surf skill and tons of surf shops, schools, and competitions, Huntington Beach offers full immersion in California surf culture. Wax your board, ride the waves, and enjoy the surfing community vibes.
Huntington Beach, California
5. Sunset Beach, California
A quiet oasis to surf and relax
Good for: Families, Food, Photo
It’s hard to believe Sunset Beach is neighbor to the bustling, crowded Huntington Beach. The vibe here is oh so different from Surf City, a quiet community with 1.5 miles of coastline, you can take up space here on one of the widest beaches in Southern California. The beach is exposed to swells from both the north and south, meaning that surfers can often find good waves year-round.
Parallel to the beach runs the “Green Belt,” 14 acres of green space where locals walk their dogs and gather with family and friends. Fix yourself a picnic or head to neighborhood fixture Captain Jack’s, which serves up a generous surf and turf in kitschy, cozy surrounds. Read more
Sunset Beach, California
6. Santa Cruz, California
Riding the waves and strolling the boardwalk in a Californian beach town
Good for: Families, Adventure
Santa Cruz is home to some of the best surf breaks in California, with waves ranging from mellow and beginner-friendly to fast and powerful. The city has been hosting surf contests since the 1960s, including the iconic O’Neill Coldwater Classic, a competition that draws surfers from all over the world both for its high-level competition and its appreciation for creative, experimental surf style.
A great spot for families, Santa Cruz is known for its beach boardwalk, featuring classic amusement park rides, games, and fair foods. While you’re here, don’t miss your chance to wander through towering redwoods at the hiking trails of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, a short drive north of the city.
Santa Cruz, California
7. Pacific City, Oregon
Great surf off the beaten path
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Pacific City is a small beachfront town in north Oregon with great surf and striking natural landscapes. You’ll find the best waves in the fall and winter months, though some prefer the warmer temperatures and smaller waves of summer. Surf conditions can vary widely from day to day, so it’s good practice to check local surf reports before heading out.
The area is home to a few natural wonders, including the Great Dune of Cape Kiwanda, a huge sand dune you can hike for an excellent ocean view. Stop at the beach and witness fishing boats navigating around Haystack Rock, a towering rock formation that juts out from the water just off the coast.
Pacific City, Oregon
8. Ocean City, New Jersey
Surfing and fun for the whole family
Good for: Families, Photo
Ocean City might be one of the best spots to take the family surfing. 12 miles south of Atlantic City, it has a welcoming, small-town atmosphere and a boardwalk hugging the beach. Stretching 2.5 miles along the water, the boardwalk has a water park, mini golf, and arcades along with classic park rides.
Come in the summer for entertainment, fireworks, and other events at the boardwalk, or in the fall for larger swells and more consistent waves. Note that Ocean City is a “dry” town, meaning that no alcohol is sold or permitted within city limits.
Ocean City, New Jersey
9. Santa Barbara, California
World-class surf breaks and award-winning wines
Good for: Couples, Food, Photo
Santa Barbara has a lot to offer, from stunning natural landscapes to a thriving food and wine culture and excellent surf breaks for all levels. Experienced surfers should head to Rincon Point, widely considered one of the best point breaks in the world, offering long waves that you can ride for up to 300 yards.
The Santa Ynez Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the town, and vineyards dotting the mountain valleys produce wines rivaling Napa and Sonoma. Stop at one of the city’s many wine-tasting rooms, stroll downtown to see its Spanish-style architecture, and end your day with an evening at an inventive farm-to-table restaurant.
Santa Barbara, California
10. New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Where to find your perfect wave in the warm Atlantic waters
Good for: Adventure, Food, Photo
Surfers around the world come to New Smyrna Beach for some of the most consistent surf breaks year-round. With 17 miles of white sand beach, great waves, and warm Atlantic waters, this is a haven for surfers and beach-lovers everywhere.
Situated on a barrier island off the Florida coast, New Smyrna Beach is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and many bird species that you’re likely to spot. The town boasts an internationally recognized arts scene, and its historic district features a unique blend of Spanish and Victorian architecture. Don’t miss local staple The Breakers, an oceanfront burger joint serving up excellent burgers and fried fish.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
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