Surf Santa Cruz
The original West Coast surf town with cold waves and serious soul.
20+
Surf Spots
260+
Sunny Days/Year
October–March
Peak Season
3–10ft
Wave Height
Surf Spots
View all
Cowells
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
The Rivermouth
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Its Beach
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Steamer Lane
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Mitchells Cove
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Murph Bar
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Santa Cruz Harbor
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Getchell
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Swift Street
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Stockton Avenue
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Blacks
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Natural Bridges
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Sunny Cove
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Santa Marias
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Secrets
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
26th Avenue
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Little Windansea
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Rockview
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Sewer Peak
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Why Santa Cruz?
A surf-rich coastline with classic point breaks and a tight-knit boardriding community.
- Legendary right-handers at Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point
- Home to California’s first surf museum
- Mellow beginner spots and advanced reef setups
- Friendly local scene with deep surf roots
Travel Information
Getting There
- • Fly into San Jose International Airport (SJC)
- • Drive south via scenic Highway 17 (~45 minutes)
- • Local buses and bike paths connect beach zones
Best Time to Visit
- • Fall and winter for clean, powerful swells
- • Spring for fun-size waves and fewer crowds
- • Summer is good for longboard-friendly rollers
Local Tips
- • Wear a thick wetsuit — water is chilly year-round
- • Steamer Lane gets packed — be respectful and patient
- • Explore further south for uncrowded reef breaks