Not many people associate surf towns with Northern California, but there are actually quite a few ideal spots for surfers to hang ten in the Bay Area. From the outskirts of San Francisco to the reaches of the South Bay, and a bit further into San Luis Obispo, some of the best surf towns are actually up north. With that said, don’t let the cold waters (or the great white sharks that roam those waters) of the Bay Area pull you away from the allure of some of these surfer-friendly towns. 

Sunset - San Francisco

Surfers at Ocean Beach in the Sunset neighborhood / Photo by Surf CRS / CC BY

Ocean Beach in the Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco is one of best surf spots within the city limits. In fact, Surfer.com mentioned this spot among its top 10 best surf cities in the world. Ocean Beach is one of the heaviest beachbreaks in the world, thanks to its shifting sandbars and northwest exposure. Pro surfer fans are likely all too familiar with this surfing spot because, during the winter months, the surf can produce long swells and waves up to 20 feet high. If you absolutely must be in the city, but you’re still interested in the Bay Area swells, this is where you’ll want to roost.

Pacifica, CA

Sunset and surfer at beach in Pacifica, CA

Folks who want to catch waves and still be close to the city will love Pacifica. With only a 20-minute drive into the city, it’s among the closest areas you’ll find with great surf spots. Just be aware that both Sunset and Pacifica have “Karl the Fog” as a resident neighbor. Be prepared to wake up to many foggy days with ole’ Karl. He may impact your surfing capabilities.

Half Moon Bay, CA

Pro surfer in Mavericks Competition held at Half Moon Bay, CA

Half Moon Bay is a world-famous location for surfing. If the waves are right, you’ll see many pro surfers head to Half Moon Bay to grind high waves or show off their surfing techniques on a half-pipe. Half Moon Bay hosts monstrous swells as well as the famous Titans of Mavericks big-wave surfing event which is held every year on the beach just two miles away. This spot isn’t for the novice surfer as it’s extremely treacherous and known to produce 60-foot waves under foggy conditions. Even the most seasoned surfer will face challenges in this location.

Santa Cruz, CA

Group Surf in Santa Cruz

If you’re looking for a home and surfing is high on your list, you’d be foolish not to explore this surf-friendly town. Santa Cruz has had a thriving surf culture scene since 1885 when Hawaiian royalty introduced the sport to the town. It’s said that the first waves were ridden in Santa Cruz by the legendary brothers Jonah, David, and Edward Kawananakoa, according to Surfer.com. Because this spot offers cold-water surfing, big waves, and plenty of breaks dotting the coast, local surfers hold Santa Cruz in very high regard.

Cambria, CA

Waves crashing along beach in Cambria, CA

Cambria is a beautiful coastal town in the Bay Area, and it’s home to Moonstone Beach. This small town is ideal if you’re looking a tranquil surf scene, rocky tidepools, and an easily accessible boardwalk that extends along the bluffs above the sandy beaches. The gorgeous Moonstone Beach is well-known for its dramatic coastline as well as its scattered moonstones, which draw people from all over the country. Moonstone Beach features flat-bottomed beachbreaks, high tides, and small swells. It isn’t too crowded on the weekends, which may be a great time to learn how to surf.