Surfing
Surfing
Best surfing in San Francisco: 10 spots you need to check out
These locations offer some of the best surfing in San Francisco.
Despite the fact that the ocean temperature rarely reaches more than 60 degrees, Northern California's Bay Area offers some pretty fantastic surfing locations. With waves that appeal to both experienced surfers and beginner surfers alike, there's something for all skill levels when it comes to surfing in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Red Bull Switchboard in California is a great event for students from San Francisco to travel and show off their surfing skills. But before packing the board and heading out to the coast, it’s important to know a little about these locations, as some are better suited to advanced surfers. Learn more about these San Francisco area surfing spots.
01
Bolinas
Bolinas surf spot, located between Bolinas Lagoon and the Gulf of the Farallones, is split into two sections. For those with longboards, head to The Patch, which is on the right. It's a section of the beach where you'll find the more mellow waves that are a little too long and slow for shortboards. Turn left instead of right to head to The Channel, which is better suited for a shortboard. This is where the ocean and the lagoon meet, creating gentle waves that are perfect for those just learning to surf.
This beach is pretty easy to find, although locals supposedly remove the sign to keep visitors away. Parking can be a problem, though, so get here early to find a legal parking space on the street.
For those who want to surf this location, keep in mind:
- This spot is also popular with stand-up paddlers.
- Surfing is best here at the incoming tide.
- It's a good spot for beginners.
02
Ocean Beach, San Francisco
Finding a great beach to surf that offers ideal conditions for both beginners and experts alike isn't easy. Ocean Beach is an exception. Consistently good waves and easy parking, thanks to the lots located along the Great Highway, make this an excellent place for visitors and locals alike. Wind in the fall makes for warm and hollow conditions, while waves can get monstrous in the winter. It's another beach with two zones, so surfers of every skill level can find a wave to ride.
A few things to note about Ocean Beach include:
- It's perfect for beginners as well as intermediates and experts.
- Fall and winter are the best times to surf here.
- Winter surfing at Ocean Beach may include swells up to 15 feet high.
03
Linda Mar Beach, Pacifica
Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica is located in a large cove, which creates excellent surfing conditions for beginners. Although the weather can change quickly in this part of the Pacific Ocean, larger waves can be found the further north you go. In fact, this beach is practically split into three sections: the south end, the north end, and the middle.
It seems obvious, but the waves really do split themselves this way. The north end is where the more experienced riders hang out, the middle is for intermediate surfers, and the south end has small waves that are perfect for beginners.
Important things to keep in mind about this beach are:
- It can be clear here when it's foggy elsewhere.
- Surfing conditions can fluctuate but are typically good for all skill levels.
- There are restrooms with showers near the parking lot.
- It's also known as Pacifica State Beach.
04
Montara Beach, Montara
Located just north of Moss Beach, Montara Beach is another excellent spot for surfing around San Francisco. Entry-level surfers can catch waves alongside intermediate surfers — and maybe pick up some new moves along the way. The beach is wide and open, with consistent waves suitable for beginners on calmer days, while offering more challenging conditions for intermediate surfers when the swells pick up. The beach can be chilly in the summer, but the scenery is stunning, with cliffs providing a dramatic backdrop to a surfing session.
Key things to know about Montara Beach:
- The swell and tide are constantly changing in the winter.
- It can be less busy than other beaches but the crowd level is growing.
- The smaller windswell days are when beginner surfers typically flock to Montara Beach.
05
Mavericks Beach
World-renowned for its big-wave surfing competition, Mavericks Beach is located about 20 minutes south of San Francisco near Half Moon Bay. It's well-known for being a dangerous place to surf, and the surfers must be invited to participate in the event. The geology of the area creates ideal conditions for big waves. Just under the surface of the water is a rock formation that forces the water through a channel, which results in waves that can reach heights of up to 50 feet.
Mavericks has been surfed by professionals like Jeff Clark, Matt Warshaw, and Grant Washburn. The first woman to ever surf here was Sarah Gerhardt.
Some important things to note about this surfing location are:
- It should be reserved for advanced surfers.
- The ideal time to surf is December through February.
- Rough, dangerous surf is the norm here.
06
Princeton Jetty, Half Moon Bay
Princeton Jetty isn't far from the big-wave mecca that is Mavericks, but don't let that be a deterrent. The beach break here is perfect for a wide range of skill levels. The Mavericks Beach point protects it on the north side, making it ideal for surfing the south swells or the north swells. Even experienced surfers can find waves to carve up when the conditions are just right. While the waves here aren't exactly challenging, the break is quite short, making it difficult for beginners to stand up.
Anyone who's surfed here will say that the hike from the parking lot to the waves is a hefty one, so be prepared. Of course, they'll also say it's well worth it, especially for a surfer group of mixed skill levels. The north end of the beach is where the experienced surfers will be, and the easy waters at the south end are perfect for getting a feel for the motions of surfing and being on the board.
A few things to remember about this location are:
- There's space to spread out.
- Waves are good for beginner, intermediate, and experienced surfers.
- It's very popular with locals.
- Riptides are prevalent but narrow and easy to get out of.
07
Fort Point, San Francisco
Surfing, San Francisco style
© Silvin Morgan/Red Bull Content Pool
Doesn't surfing with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the background sound appealing? With the right experience, Fort Point is just the place. It consistently features swells of at least 4 to 6 feet high, and riding the left-hand breaks right below the bridge is an unforgettable experience that every surfer should have on their California surf spot bucket list. The views of the Marin Headlands and city skyline are incredible as well, adding another reason to put this place on anyone’s must-surf list.
The main complaint from surfers about Fort Point is in regard to the rocks. They're not only slippery because they're always wet, but they're also challenging to maneuver over when carrying a surfboard, especially in the early morning or late evening.
Other things to note about this location are:
- It can be unsurfable in the winter.
- It's good for intermediate and advanced skill levels.
- Many people consider it to be in the top five most unusual places to surf.
08
Stinson Beach
The conditions at Marin County's Stinson Beach can vary quite a bit, making it more suited to those with at least some surfing experience. This is because each winter, sandbars are moved along the ocean floor, which ultimately changes how waves form, break, and crash. If the swell gets too big, make sure to watch out for strong currents. The largest waves are typically found near the lifeguard tower, but there are plenty of smaller waves to ride in other areas.
When you surf at Stinson Beach:
- Try to go at high tide for the best conditions.
- Know that waves can get up to 7 feet tall.
- It's one of the most popular spots to surf in Northern California.
09
Rodeo Beach
Situated in the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Rodeo Beach is a cove for surfers who don’t mind the crowds. The waves here are powerful and can be unpredictable, making it better suited for those with advanced skills. The beach is unique with its mix of underwater chert and basalt red and green pebbles.
The tide, swell, wind, and bottom contour constantly change which can mean unpredictable swells. Surfers typically won’t know the conditions until they arrive. However, the north end is one of the few surfable places on the coast during the doldrums, or periods of windless waters.
Important things to keep in mind about Rodeo Beach:
- All of the surfing happens at the north half of Rodeo Beach.
- This is a year-round surfing beach, but the best time to surf in the summer and fall.
- The waves are calmer on most days, but they can be quite challenging when they’re not calm.
10
Rockaway Beach, Pacifica
Head north of Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica and you’ll find Rockaway Beach, a more challenging surf spot for those ready to step up their game. The waves here can be heavy and powerful, especially on a strong swell, making it a favorite among surfers looking for a more exhilarating ride. The beach is moderately crowded, and the rocky surroundings can create tricky conditions, so it's better suited for those with intermediate to advanced skills.
Key points to consider about Rockaway Beach:
- This spot is best for strong swimmers and surfers because the south side can trap beginners in waves, cliffs, and currents.
- Keep an eye on the water because sharks and whales visit the area.
- The exposed beach and reef break make it surfable year-round.
- The best time to hit the waves at the West Coast’s Rockaway Beach is usually winter when offshore winds from the southeast are strong.
Final wave: Surfing the best of San Francisco
While surf spots are more common in Santa Cruz and further along the coast in Central and Southern California, these locations offer some of the best surfing in San Francisco. The Bay Area has something for everyone no matter the skill level. Contact a local surf shop to find out about taking lessons and getting gear.
