Summary
Surfing in Southern California is simply part of everyone’s daily life. Ever since Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku visited Southern California to introduce the sport of surfing on the mainland, back in 1912, California quickly adopted the sport and developed a strongly implemented surf and beach culture.
It is also in California that the sport evolved the most when people started using different types of boards instead of strictly long boards like they would before. Many pro surfers are from California as well as a lot of surfing brands like Channel Islands Surfboards and Hurley.
Conditions vary from Northern California to Southern California whether we look at temperature, swell or crowd. The southern region is where most of that surfing culture is gonna be found as well as milder temperatures.
From San Luis Obispo all the way to the San Diego-Tijuana border, every surfer will find its wave in Southern California as long as crowds don’t scare you. This region is home to some of the world’s most famous surf spots such as Trestles, Huntington Beach, The Wedge, Malibu and Santa Barbara just to name a few.
Traveling in California is very easy and convenient with a lot of facilities and accommodation. You will be charmed by the Californian lifestyle and laid back atmosphere.
| January-February | March-April | May-June | July-August | September-October | November-December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for: | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers |
| Air temperature | 15°C 59°F | 17°C 63°F | 19°C 66°F | 22°C 72°F | 18°C 64°F | 16°C 61°F |
| Water temperature | 14°C 57°F | 14°C 57°F | 16°C 61°F | 20°C 68°F | 18°C 64°F | 16°C 61°F |
| Crowd | Fairly crowded | Fairly crowded | Very crowded | Very crowded | Very crowded | Fairly crowded |
| Swell consistency | 75% | 70% | 65% | 40% | 45% | 60% |
| Swell height | 5ft | 4ft | 4ft | 3ft | 3ft | 4ft |
When to go
The best time to surf Southern California is during winter, from November to April when the swell is more consistent and crowds are not as heavy. The summer months will obviously still offer great surfing days with warmer temperatures.
Where to stay
A great place to settle on a surf trip to Southern California is San Clemente, which is right next to world-class surfing spot, Trestles.
Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in San Clemente!
Best vacation rentals in San Clemente
Spanish-style Studio (2 guests)
Whitewater Ocean Views (4 guests)
Surfside Beach Escape (up to 7 guests)
Best surf hotels in San Clemente
Hampton Inn & Suites San Clemente
Getting there
Getting to California is fairly easy with many international airports and great highway access. The best way to get around is by hiring a car or a campervan.
Safety/things to know
-Localism in certain spots can be intense
-Crowds get heavy
Surf Spots in Southern California
Trestles
Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Reef and sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : NE
Santa Cruz
Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef and sand
Best tide : Low
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : NW
Rincon point
Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef and sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : NE
Huntington beach
Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : NE
The Wedge
Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Mid tide
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : N
Malibu
Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : N
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