Southern California
Best Beginner Surf Beaches in Southern California
Where to learn to surf in Southern California and where to watch the pros, from La Jolla Shores and San Onofre to Malibu, Huntington Pier and Trestles.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
Southern California has gentle beach breaks from Malibu to San Diego and surf schools at most beginner beaches.
This guide covers beginner beaches by region, where to watch surfing, lessons, wetsuits and etiquette.
In This Guide
What Makes a Good Beginner Surf Beach
Look for slow waves over sand, a gradual bottom, lifeguards and few experienced surfers. Point breaks and reefs are more crowded and less forgiving.
Waves of 1 to 3 feet are ideal. A lesson is the fastest way to stand up.
Best Places to Learn to Surf in San Diego
San Diego has the warmest water in the state. My 3 days in San Diego itinerary fits in a morning lesson.
La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores is the top pick for beginners, with small waves, lifeguards and schools like Surf Diva. See my things to do in La Jolla guide.
Pacific Beach, Tourmaline and Oceanside
Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are busy beach breaks. Tourmaline Surfing Park, at the north end of Pacific Beach, is a longboard spot.
Oceanside Harbor and the pier area suit surfers who have the basics.
Best Beginner Surf Spots in Orange County
San Onofre State Beach, especially Old Man’s, has long, rolling waves suited to a big foam board. It’s just south of San Clemente.
Doheny State Beach in Dana Point has gentle waves by the harbor. Huntington Beach has lessons along the sand, including Corky Carroll’s Surf School.
Where to Surf in Los Angeles as a Beginner
Malibu’s Surfrider Beach is crowded with locals, so beginners do better at Zuma Beach or Leo Carrillo State Park. Both are on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
Santa Monica and Venice have many surf schools. After rain, check the Heal the Bay Beach Report Card and stay out for at least 72 hours.
Best Spots to Watch Surfing in SoCal
These breaks are good for watching from a pier, bluff or the sand.
- Huntington Beach Pier: over the lineup, especially during the summer US Open of Surfing
- Lower Trestles: top surfers on a high-performance wave
- Malibu Surfrider: longboarders from the beach or Malibu Pier
- Blacks Beach and Scripps Pier in La Jolla: powerful, experts only
- Oceanside Pier: easy viewing near restaurants
Choosing a Surf School and Wetsuit
A good school provides a soft-top board, wetsuit and safety instruction. Look for small groups and a city or state permit.
Water runs from the high 50s in winter to around 70 in late summer. A 3/2 mm full wetsuit covers most of the year; a spring suit often works in late summer in San Diego.
Surf Etiquette and Ocean Safety
The surfer closest to the peak has priority, so don’t drop in. Hold onto your board and paddle wide of the lineup.
Rip currents are the biggest beginner danger. Paddle parallel to shore to escape one, and surf near a staffed lifeguard tower.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best beach to learn to surf in Southern California?
La Jolla Shores and San Onofre, with gentle waves and sandy bottoms. Doheny State Beach in Dana Point is another good choice.
Do I need a wetsuit to surf in SoCal?
For most of the year, yes. A 3/2 mm full wetsuit works fall to spring; a spring suit is often enough in late summer in San Diego.
When is the best time of year to learn to surf in Southern California?
Late summer and early fall, with warm water and smaller waves. Mornings are usually less windy.
Where can I watch professional surfing in Southern California?
Huntington Beach hosts the US Open of Surfing each summer. Lower Trestles in San Clemente has hosted major pro events.
How long does it take to stand up on a surfboard?
Many beginners stand up on whitewater in their first lesson. Riding unbroken waves takes several more sessions.
Destination guide
My Orange County hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
