Surf San Francisco
Cold water, heavy waves, and iconic views — NorCal surfing at its finest.
10+
Surf Spots
160+
Sunny Days/Year
September–March
Peak Season
4–12ft
Wave Height
Surf Spots
View all
Crissy Field
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Fort Point
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Eagles Point
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Deadmans
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Ocean Beach VFW
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Ocean Beach Noriega
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Ocean Beach Kellys Cove
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Ocean Beach Sloat
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Fort Cronkhite
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Sharp Park
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Rockaway Beach
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Linda Mar
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Pedro Point
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Stinson Beach
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Montara
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Bolinas
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
The Patch
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Princeton Jetty
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Mavericks
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Why San Francisco?
Challenging surf with unforgettable scenery and raw Pacific energy.
- Powerful beach breaks at Ocean Beach — a favorite among experienced surfers
- Chilly water, but uncrowded lineups
- Close to the city yet feels wild and remote
- Stunning backdrops like the Golden Gate Bridge and coastal cliffs
Travel Information
Getting There
- • Fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- • Take BART or rideshare to the Outer Sunset district
- • Ocean Beach is just 20 minutes from downtown
Best Time to Visit
- • Fall for clean, powerful surf and light winds
- • Winter for big-wave swells and serious surf
- • Spring can offer windows of smaller, rideable days
Local Tips
- • Wear a thick wetsuit — water is usually 50–58°F
- • Know your limits — Ocean Beach can get gnarly fast
- • Check for rips and shifting peaks before paddling out