Surf Santa Barbara
Refined point breaks, golden light, and SoCal surf serenity.
15+
Surf Spots
300+
Sunny Days/Year
Winter–Spring
Peak Season
2–8ft
Wave Height
Surf Spots
View all
Sandspit
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Leadbetter
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
The Pit
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Hammonds
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Miramar
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Poles
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Campus Point
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Santa Claus Lane
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Depressions
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Pescaderos
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Carpinteria Beach
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Devereux
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Sands
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Tar Pits
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Rincon
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
La Conchita
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Little Rincon
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Hobsons
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Faria
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Why Santa Barbara?
A peaceful surf escape with world-class point breaks and clean, lined-up waves.
- Rincon — the Queen of the Coast, with long, peeling rights
- Chill beach towns with upscale and artsy energy
- Family-friendly and beginner zones like Leadbetter
- Epic scenery with mountains meeting the sea
Travel Information
Getting There
- • Fly into Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)
- • Drive from L.A. on the scenic Highway 101 (~2 hours)
- • Use Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner for a coastal ride
Best Time to Visit
- • Winter for long-period west swells at Rincon
- • Spring for fun-size waves and mild weather
- • Fall for lighter winds and occasional southern pulses
Local Tips
- • Rincon gets crowded — bring etiquette and patience
- • Wear a 3/2 wetsuit year-round; water stays cool
- • Explore further north for empty lineups and hidden coves