Surf's Up: The Central Coast Surf Spots to Add to Your Itinerary

While the mention of the Central Coast may conjure up images of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, road trips to Big Sur, and a weekend in Carmel, the region is also known for some pretty epic surfing. From reef breaks and beach breaks to point breaks and river-mouth swells, the long stretch of the Pacific Ocean along California’s Golden Coast has it all.

12 central coast swells you won't want to miss

The drastic coastline changes that occur between Monterey and Santa Barbara make for incredibly distinct regions that offer something for everyone. So whether you are wanting to learn how to surf or are looking to upgrade to pro-status, you can find your perfect wave on the Central Coast. 

Santa Cruz Surfing Spots

Santa Cruz is filled with plenty of incredible surf shops and spots. Its unique position along the California coastline allows the wind and waves to behave differently than they do anywhere else in the state. 

1. Steamer Lane Santa Cruz

Steamer Lane is one of the most classic Central Coast surf destinations, made surfable by its distinct geography. The swells meet the northwest winds offshore to create some truly epic 10-foot point breaks. 

But because of its location, Santa Cruz’s Steamer Lane is not a great place to learn how to surf. Judgemental eyes can be felt from every direction along the region’s towering cliffs, and the good waves are greeted by dozens of other surfers looking to capitalize on them while they have the chance. 

2. Cowell’s Beach Santa Cruz

While Steamer Lane is legendary, Cowell’s is the go-to Santa Cruz surf spot due to its long reef breaks that ease into shore. The onlookers here tend to be more accepting and less on the lookout for world-class surfers, making it a more laid-back place. Cowell’s location near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk also attracts tourists, but they traditionally stick close to shore.

3. Pleasure Point

Like Cowell’s, Pleasure Point is filled with reef breaks, but thanks to its location on the eastern edge of Santa Cruz, it is more secluded than other surf spots in the coastal town. The variety of waves at this beach also makes it ideal for surfers of all skill levels. 

Where to surf in Monterey County

Monterey is a stunning destination with endless activities. From relaxing on the sandy shores, to finding the perfect waves, to spending some time in Carmel-by-the-Sea, there is plenty to do at all times of the day.

The terrain here is also considered to be among the most beautiful in the entire state—and there are plenty of world-class golf courses and million-dollar homes to prove it—but the waters are surprisingly uncrowded. With so much rugged beauty in Big Sur and beyond, the surf can get pretty choppy, making it a prime destination for experienced surfers. 

4. Asilomar State Beach

Full of reef breaks and consistent waves, Asilomar State Beach is great for intermediate surfers. But the popular spot also draws droves of kayakers and tourists, so be prepared to dodge your fellow water-sports enthusiasts. 

5. Carmel Beach

Known for its ideal surfing conditions during the fall and spring (the waves in winter and summer can be disappointing), Carmel Beach offers some of the best Monterey County waves to ride into the sunset.  This Central Coast surf spot might be better suited for experienced surfers—the swell height averages around 9 feet during the winter months. 

6. Moss Landing

Moss Landing’s powerful sandbars produce some of the best beach break waves in California. Heavy barrels and thick, fast-moving waves are to be expected here. The break is especially challenging during the winter—it's even gnarlier the farther north you go. Advanced surfers will enjoy surfing at the dunes, while beginner and intermediate surfers will find the jetty more suitable. Just note that this surf spot is pretty localized, so a visitor who doesn’t surf like Laird Hamilton may get judgmental stares from the locals.

Surfing in San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo County boasts 85 miles of coastline bordered by long swells in the Pacific and by sandy beaches and dunes on land. The temperate climate and incredible surf make San Luis Obispo the perfect destination post–Labor Day when the majority of tourists have tucked in for the season.  

7. Cayucos Beach

Cayucos Beach offers soft and easy waves during the warmer months—ideal for beginner surfers. Unlike many other Central Coast beaches, Cayucos shines during the summer (when south swells flow in) and the spring (when the region experiences north wind). Fall is still the star when it comes to surf conditions, however, and the warm temperatures pair with the west swells for picture-perfect surfing. If you’re new to surfing, practice at Cayucos during the warmer months to confidently ride the 8-foot waves alongside the pros during the winter.

8. Pismo Beach

This gorgeous stretch of sand is a hot spot for tourists and surfers alike, so the waters can get crowded, especially in the fall when epic beach breaks occur. Though the surf can become unpredictable, Pismo Beach can accommodate both beginner and experienced surfers alike.  

9. Morro Bay

Morro Bay—a long stretch of sand facing west and offering consistent reliable swells—is quite the crowd-pleaser. If the main peaks are too crowded, surfers can spread out and explore the area northward for more comfortable surfing. The beach breaks at Morro can be powerful when big and fast and fun when small. This Central Coast surf spot accommodates wave chasers at any level; make sure to go for the smaller waves when you’re just starting out, though.

Sweet Surf Spots in Santa Barbara County

While we consider Santa Barbara County to be a part of the Central Coast, its unique surfing conditions break the region in half: The lower portion from Point Conception and below has Southern California surfing traits, while the section above Point Conception offers typical Central Coast waves. With questionable surf in Santa Barbara year-round, consider creating a backup plan—like grabbing donuts and coffee at one of the local eateries.

10. Sandspit

Though the surfing destinations in Santa Barbara are limited, this beach draws crowds when the swells are good. But leave this spot to the pros; the 6-foot groynes and beach breaks bring surfers ashore forcefully. Despite its tumultuous conditions, when Sandspit peaks in the autumn, you can bet that hundreds of surfers will make their way out to join you in the Central Coast surf.

11. Leadbetter Point

Are you a beginner and looking for an ideal surf spot in Santa Barbara? Search no further. Leadbetter Point is the place for you. Situated just west of Santa Barbara Harbor, the waves at this Central Coast surf spot are generally mushy and not too powerful. Very mellow during the summer months, Leadbetter is best around wintertime. The break picks up west swells, allowing for fun (but safe) waves.

12. Rincon Point

You’ve probably seen pictures of Rincon Point in surf shops you’ve wandered into. Consistent, world-famous, and reliable, this famous break is known as “The Queen of the Coast” among surfers. This Central Coast surfing destination is a go-to testing ground for surfboard technology, so you know it’s good. Rincon can be good at all tides, but low tides usually provide the hollowest sections. The Cove, The Rivermouth, and The Indicator are the three different sections that make up the break. Practice at The Cove (when not too crowded) if you’re a beginner. But in general, due to how crowded this popular spot gets, it’s advised to leave it to the more experienced surfers.