California is known for its beaches, sunsets over the ocean, and surf life. For the most part, any beach you visit will be amazing and the views will be out of this world, especially if you have not visited the coast before. However, if you are looking for some of the surfing gems along the coast, here are five spots throughout Southern California that are aesthetically pleasing with good surf!
A short boarder slashing the wave at Swami's Beach in San Diego, CA
Swami’s
While this break is overcrowded and the parking lot is stiffer then the lineup, the consistency of beautiful sunsets make this surf spot one of my favorites to photograph. As this breaks takes almost any swell, there is always a wave to surf, as long as you have the right board in your quiver. From long boards to short boards, this break, on any given day, is a gem for Southern California. From inside peelers to outside bombs, if you are an intermediate surfer, this will be a great spot for you to play. PRO TIP: If jocking for position isn’t your thing, just stay late, watch the moon rise, and enjoy this spot to yourself!
Also, Swami’s tends to be a great spot to grab a burrito and chill after your surf session. Downtown isn’t far away, so walking to the Taco Stand or a cafe is a great option. Best of all, go on a date here, the beach is nice at a lower tide, and watch the sunset together.
Surf Check! CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE CAM
Two surfers walking out of the La Jolla Shores surf spot at sunset in San Diego, CA. Click on the image to see an abstract print from this sunset!
La Jolla Shores
If you are a lover of sunsets, surfing La Jolla Shores should be on the top of your priority list. Undoubtedly, La Jolla shore has some of the best sunsets I have watched along the California coastline. There is something about the latitude, the direction of the beach, the air pollution, and clouds that make the evening light on this beach phenomenal!
The crowd, the vibe, the area is a perfect spot for those who are learning to surf. Why? Well, the wave isn’t heavy, so don’t worry about getting pounded. The paddle out is short. The views are outstanding. And best of all, the humans in the water friendly. Yup, you get all that goodness wrapped up in a single break, what else could you ask for if you are just dipping your toes in the water as a surf.
Surf Check! CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE CAM
Morro Rock at sunrise with a flower bloom on the sand dunes in early spring.
Morro Rock
Make sure to bring your wet suit, as this water is cold! Averaging between 55-57F, the water here is no joke. However, the easy access to this break and casual paddle out—as long as the swell isn’t pumping— makes it quite popular among locals. While this spot used to be a locals only, it’s popularity has grown with surf media coverage in the last few years. Additionally, this break beauty comes from Morro Rock, which is a huge granite outcropping along the sandy beach. What makes this even better is that the whole beach and break is a sand bottom.
Morro Rock, just north of San Louis Obispo, CA is a gorgeous place to visit just for a walk on the beach, a picnic, or a place to let the kids run wild. I also think dogs are allowed here, but don’t quote me on that! If you are road tripping, I would put this stop on your radar, especially for sunset!
Surf Check! CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE CAM
A surfer rides a wave at the Pismo Pier with the golden hills of California in the background.
Pismo Pier
Pismo Beach, to me, is the beginning of Northern California or the very top of Southern California. As the golden hills are your backdrop, this spot is packed with both tourists and locals. Now, most would this that the mix of tourism and locals wouldn’t be good, but the vibe is mellow. As this break break is peaky, you can find your own little spot to surf up and down the beach if you are willing to walk a little. One of this reasons this surfing spot of California is on the list for aesthetics are those golden hills. California is known for its golden hills—aka dead grass glowing at sunset—which light up the sky during golden hour.
The best part of this shore break is the ability to surf both sides of the pier, sneaking through the pier, and the barrels—often closing out— you can catch. Additionally, the town of Pismo has a great vibe if you want to hang out for a few days in-between swells. Better yet, go explore the rugged coastline of Big Sur just an hours drive north!
Surf Check! CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE CAM
A surfer taking a last look over their shoulder while walking the goat path back to their car in San Diego, CA.
Black’s Beach
With a deep-water canyon, this break will pack a punch! Give it the right swell direction and barrels you can stand in are commonplace. Getting down to the water is a commitment and scope from the top isn’t the easiest. One of my favorite parts about this break is how Surfline and Magic Seaweed downplay reports to keep the crowds from coming. Black’s is not only a great wave, but the goat path and morning light make this break one of the most gorgeous breaks in California.
Now, why is this spot called Black’s beach? Well, the sand is black! Just check out how dark this sand gets in this sunset abstract print!
Surf Check! CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE CAM
Conclusion
California has more breaks to surf than we have days in our lives, so deciding where to stop and surf can be hard. In the end, this list is just a sample of what Southern California has to offer in terms of beauty. As articles like this do lead to more traffic to locations, be respectful when you visit. If you show up on a good swell, bring good vibes. It’s easy to get territorial over spots, especially as surfing continues to grow, but let’s all remember that we are there to enjoy the power of the ocean, get some exercise, and let go of our daily stressors. Keep being awesome, keep living your lives to the fullest, and if you think a location should be on this list, drop it in the comments below.
