You don’t have to travel to a tropical island to experience incredible surfing. With surfing now recognized as an Olympic sport, it’s gaining popularity, and both beginners and experts are finding great waves all over the United States. This includes famous surf spots as well as hidden gems.
When visiting a surf town, it’s wise and courteous to drop by local surf shops to chat with the owners and customers about the surfing scene and etiquette in the area. You’ll get the best advice by following their recommendations before heading out into the water.
Here are some top surfing destinations you can explore across the country:
**Coastal Delaware** might seem like an unexpected surf spot, but it offers some exciting waves in charming towns like Rehoboth Beach, Dewey, Fenwick Island, and Bethany Beach. Dewey Beach is a popular spot for skimboarding due to its close-to-shore waves and is even considered the East Coast capital for the sport. If you’re looking for lessons or rentals, places like Rehoboth Beach Surf Boarding School, Dewey Beach Surf & Sport, and Bethany Surf Shop have experienced instructors ready to help. The towns also boast beautiful sandy beaches, along with cafes, bars, and unique shops. If you visit in August, don’t miss the “Summer Vibes” festival for some summer fun.
**Atlantic City, New Jersey**, is where legendary surfer and Olympic Gold medalist Duke Kahanamoku rode the waves in the early 1900s. The beaches are wide and stunning, and surfing happens year-round, especially during winter swells. Beginners can take lessons at AC Surf School or Stacy Surf and Paddle in nearby Margate. Explore surf shops on the Atlantic City boardwalk like Jersey Devil Surf and Flying Point Surf Shop, close to landmarks like the Hard Rock Hotel and Ocean Casinos.
**The Rockaways in Queens, New York,** are just a train ride from Manhattan and welcome surfers of all levels. Although hit hard by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the area has transformed into a key surfing hub with a strong local community. You’ll want a wetsuit in winter since it gets chilly, but summer offers much warmer waters. Sierra Surf School, known for its long history in the area, provides lessons, and the nearby town offers plenty of cafes, boutiques, and restaurants to explore after surfing.
**Cocoa Beach in Florida’s “Space Coast”** is home to surfing legends like Caroline Marks and Kelly Slater. Suitable for all levels, the breaks at “first peak” or “second peak” challenge even seasoned surfers. Newbies can seek lessons at Cocoa Beach Surf Company and Ron Jon Surf Shop. This family-friendly town offers more than just surfing, with activities like strolling the Cocoa Beach Pier or visiting Historic Cocoa Village.
**Oahu’s North Shore in Hawaii** is a dream destination with famed surf competitions and gigantic winter waves. Beaches like Banzai Pipeline draw thousands of spectators each year during wave peaks reaching over 40 feet. Even if not surfing yourself, the sights are worth the visit. Keep traffic and limited facilities in mind when planning your trip.
Hawaii also boasts **Maui,** home to the Pe’ahi surf break, or “Jaws,” a hotspot for surf contests. Beginners should head to Lahaina, where surf schools like Goofy Foot Surf School offer friendly waves and comprehensive lessons. Maui Surfer Girls provides classes for everyone in a supportive environment.
**Waikiki Beach on Oahu** offers long, gentle waves perfect for surfers of every skill level. With stunning views of the Diamond Head Monument and plenty of surf schools with gear for rent, it’s an ideal place to learn and enjoy world-class conditions.
**Kauai, the “Garden Isle,”** offers diverse surfing conditions with beaches like Poipu Beach and Hanalei Bay, each recommended for different experience levels throughout the seasons. Surf schools like Kauai Surf School and Poipu Beach Surf School offer lessons catering to both beginners and advanced surfers.
**Huntington Beach, California,** nicknamed Surf City USA, is a Southern California mecca with a vibrant surfing culture and even a surfing museum. Beginners can find lessons and gear at schools like Toes on the Nose, while seasoned surfers tackle impressive breaks near the pier.
The **northeastern U.S.** offers unexpected yet thrilling cold-water surfing off rustic coastlines, such as those in York and Portland, Maine. With winter swells and milder waves at places like Higgins Beach, make sure to pack a full wetsuit. Local surf shops like Liquid Dreams Surf Shop provide lessons and gear.
**La Jolla in California** and **Santa Monica** both offer legendary surf spots for various levels of surfers, with plenty of nearby entertainment and dining options. La Jolla’s Windansea break is for the experienced, while La Jolla Shores accommodates beginners. Santa Monica’s beach culture is accessible for everyone, with lessons available through Poseidon Surf and Paddle.
The **Outer Banks of North Carolina** offer a scenic surf experience with charming towns like Nags Head and Kitty Hawk, great for both beginners and experts. Conditions vary, but with consistent spots like Avon and Duck, there’s surf for everyone.
**South Padre Island, Texas,** offers consistent year-round waves thanks to its unique ocean shelf, welcoming surfers of all skill levels in a laid-back atmosphere. Surf lessons and rentals are available at Surf Vive to enhance your beach adventure.
**Santa Cruz, California,** is at the heart of surf culture on the central coast. Here, expert surfers find challenges at Steamer Lane, while beginners can practice at Cowell’s Island with guidance from local surf schools like Club Ed Surf School.
With ample coastlines, **Florida** features optimal surf spots like Jacksonville, known for its mellow waves and nearby surf shops offering everything needed for a perfect beach day, including Sunrise Surf Shop.
**Folly Beach in South Carolina** is a laid-back spot offering fun breaks throughout the year. Enjoy the local shops and eateries and take advantage of lessons at Oceans Surf Shop and McKevlin’s Surf Shop.
Up in **Rye, New Hampshire,** a tight-knit surf scene persists year-round despite harsh winters. Lessons and rentals can be found at Summer Sessions Surf Shop, where you can relax at their cafe after a session.
On the Pacific coast, **Otter Rock in Oregon** is renowned as a beginner-friendly location within the Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area. Adequate protection from the cold is essential, but the spectacular surroundings and nearby service from Otter Rock Surf Shop make it worthwhile.
Yes, even the **Midwest has surfing**! About an hour from Chicago, New Buffalo, Michigan, offers delightful waves and a welcoming beachfront town. Third Coast Surf Shop provides lessons and rentals, making it easy to enjoy this unexpected surf spot.
