8 Local L.A. Surf Spots. So You Can REALLY Hit The Waves
If you’re in California…surf is a must!
PHOTO Tracy Cheng
“If everybody had an ocean Across the U. S. A. Then everybody’d be surfin’ Like Californi-a”
“Surfing USA” – Beach Boys
It’s always been a childhood dream of mine to try surfing; however, it wasn’t until I moved to L.A. that I finally got my first taste of it, and have been hooked since. I was amazed that different beaches (even if they were next to each other) had different types of waves, and therefore cater to various types of surfers. Parking, beach facilities, and what kinds of bottom the beach had (i.e. sandy or rocky bottom) made a huge difference between one beach to the next. Below are some analysis on popular surf spots in the L.A. area:
1. Venice Pier/Marina Del Rey
Not to be confused with Venice Beach, Venice Pier (Washington Blvd/Pacific Ave) is a great spot for beginners, as the wave breaks further out, giving beginners a longer ride in. Venice Pier is my top choice because it has parking (or street parking if you can find any) and shower facilities. Rentals are also plentiful if needed, along with restaurant choices.
PHOTO Tracy Cheng
2. Santa Monica
Santa Monica beach is a great spot for parking and showers (and on Sundays, there is a Farmer’s Market nearby to stop by after your surf session), but waves break close to shore. While it is a beginner spot, your ride won’t be long once you master popping up in surfing.
3. Surfrider Beach, Malibu
Slow-breaking waves are the reason surfers love Malibu (and why Malibu itself is known for California surfing), but it is definitely not for beginners. Waves are bigger here, and while they break further out, Surfrider Beach has a rocky bottom – not fun if you are a beginner and fall off your board a lot! Free parking along the Pacific Coast Highway, and showers are available here.
PHOTO Tracy Cheng
4. C-Street, Ventura
Another slow-breaking wave spot, but again with a rocky bottom in some areas. Once you paddle past the rocky bottom, it becomes sandy bottom where the waves break, making it a relatively decent beginner spot. Waves break very far out in C-Street though, so be prepared to do a lot of paddling! Parking here is plentiful and very cheap. Showers are also available.
5. R.A.T. Beach, South Bay
A gorgeous spot for surfing, R.A.T is surrounded by Cliffside views. Because it is a sandy bottom and surrounded by cliffs, this spot is great for beginners (i.e. waves are not high here). Parking is free, but unfortunately there are no bathrooms or shower facilities here.
PHOTO Tracy Cheng
6. Manhattan Beach, South Bay
Another great beginner spot with a sandy bottom, parking is easy to find here if you arrive early. Shower facilities are plentiful, along with restaurant options after your surf session. There have, however, been a lot of stingrays and a few sharks spotted on this beach, though.
7. Bolsa Chica, Orange County
While Bolsa Chica may not technically be considered central LA, it is a great beginner surf spot with a sandy bottom. Parking is via the parking lot (i.e. paid parking only), but facilities are clean and the beach is clean. Stingrays come out here during the summer though, so be sure shuffle your feet in the sand to scare off any stingrays and not accidently step on them. Bonfire pits are also available here if you want to have a barbeque/bonfire after surfing!
PHOTO Tracy Cheng
8. Huntington Beach, Orange County
This is the location where the US Open takes place annually, and as such, is not a beginner surf spot. However, it is a gorgeous beach with a beach town of shops and restaurants a walk away. Showers and parking are plentiful here, along with bonfire pits for if you want to have a bonfire after a surf session.
Tracy loves photography and documenting her travels. She has lived in Hong Kong, London, Toronto and Los Angeles, and has a piece of her heart in each city.
PHOTO Tracy Cheng
