The Ultimate Surf Road Trip Exploring California’s Coast
Planning the perfect surf road trip along California’s coast is easier than you might think. First, select several locations that interest you – this will help narrow down your transport and lodging choices.
Renting a travel van is the easiest and most comfortable way to move between locations while providing yourself with a cozy place to sleep at night.
1. Malibu
Surf lovers en masse flock to Southern California for its golden shores and world-class waves at spots such as Malibu, Lower Trestles and Swamis – and there’s plenty of charming beach towns along PCH that make exploring this surf haven worthwhile.
While in the area, don’t miss a visit to iconic surf spot Rockaway Beach. Gidget first brought surfing onto film at this beach break; today it remains an essential must-see for surfers of all levels. When conditions allow it, this break offers ideal conditions for practicing shortboard turns or hitting airs.
Head up to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for an enjoyable hike that overlooks the coast and rewards you with stunning views of McWay Falls – an eye-catching reminder of nature’s splendor that surrounds us all. Late February through April is ideal as this coincides with elephant seal pupping season and whale migration season, giving you plenty of chances to witness amazing wildlife sightings!
2. Big Sur
No trip through California would be complete without visiting Big Sur, an incredible 90 mile stretch of coast featuring rugged cliffs and gorgeous beaches. Considered one of the world’s most scenic drives, Big Sur deserves a day or two for exploration.
At Andrew Molera State Park, you can spend an entire day exploring its beach and hiking along its beach trail. Additionally, spring is a good time to see wildflowers bloom here as well. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park also makes for an enjoyable hiking adventure and boasts a gorgeous waterfall!
Take care not to disturb or leave any traces behind when visiting protected coastline areas; this means not venturing off trails for pictures and respecting local wildlife.
3. Santa Cruz
Surf enthusiasts will delight in taking this road trip along California’s coastal region, from legendary big wave spots like Mavericks in Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz with its longstanding surf history and legendary big wave spots such as Mavericks. This California coast road trip awaits!
Rockaway Beach in Pacifica is widely revered as one of California’s premier surf sites, thanks to an iconic black-and-white photo from the ’80s that cemented its place in surf culture. Depending on swell conditions, this beach also provides various breaks suitable for all levels of surfers.
Go next to County Line, just north of the city, where you can find both beach and point breaks (waves that break onto either a sandy beach or rocky point), suitable for all levels of surfer. Here lies Jack O’Neill – founder of O’Neill surfboards!
Continue to San Luis Obispo (known locally as SLO CAL). Here, the sea is brighter and California’s dream feels closer than ever.
4. San Diego
California surf road trips are an essential experience for surfers, offering world-class waves like Rincon, Malibu and Lower Trestles – renting a car is one of the best ways to discover this stunning California coastline!
From mid-late February through April is an ideal time for driving along the coast, as this marks the end of rainy season, making hills lush green with wildflowers bursting out across them. Additionally, this coincides with elephant seal pupping season and whale migration season – so keep an eye out for these magnificent animals while driving!
San Diego is a surfer’s haven. Offering beach, reef and point breaks to suit every level of surfer imaginable – from advanced surfers hitting spots like Blacks Beach (just below UCSD for those wanting a quick session between classes) to beginner/intermediate waves like Tourmaline or Oceanside; San Diego provides something to satisfy every surfer here!
