From mellow waves to infamous tides, find out what Orange County has to offer the surfing scene.
With 42 miles of pristine coastline, surfing is one of the best things to do in Orange County. You can have a variety of experiences in just one place, thanks to the region’s mix of mellow rollers and powerful breaks. One moment you’re paddling out to sea, and the next you might be chasing your first perfect barrel.
So, whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced ripper, here are the best surf breaks in Orange County for every skill level.
For Intermediate: Easy Rollers and Gentle Starts
Doheny State Beach is the beginner spot—slow, forgiving waves over a cobblestone bottom makes it ideal for surf schools and first-timers. The relaxed vibe and shallow inside sections are perfect for finding your footing.
Just north of Huntington, Bolsa Chica State Beach offers long, easy waves and a sandy bottom—great for building confidence. On smaller days, Huntington Beach Pier’s south side can offer beginner-friendly conditions. It just can get crowded.
For Intermediates: Pushing Progression
Once you’re comfortable on your board, Salt Creek in Dana Point delivers a rewarding challenge. With shifting breaks and the occasional fast section, it’s a versatile spot that suits both longboarders and shortboarders looking to level up.
In Newport Beach, Blackies is a classic longboard wait—usually mellow and consistent, but capable of turning punchy with the right swell. It’s a staple in the local surf scene, with roots going back to the 1950s.
Just down the coast, the Jetties (centered around 56th Street) offer a faster, more responsive wave—ideal for shortboarders who want to improve their timing and control. This spot delivers high-performance potential without the heavy consequence of more advanced breaks.
For Advanced Surfers: Hollow, Heavy, and High-Performance
When conditions line up, Corona del Mar Jetty can pack a punch. Powerful and hollow, these waves are best for experienced riders who can handle closeouts and heavy drops. Strands and Surfside (near Sunset Beach) are equally challenging, with shifting beachbreaks that favor confident positioning and quick reactions. But be warned: these are not places to test your skills, they’re where you sharpen them.
For the Experts: Legendary Lines and Limitless Risk
No list is complete without the infamous Wedge in Newport Beach. Known for its punishing shorebreak and occasional 30-foot walls, this freak wave is more a rite of passage than a daily surf spot, reserved for bodyboarders and daredevils who know exactly what they’re doing.
At the southern border of Orange County, Trestles is a pilgrimage site for serious surfers. This high-performance pointbreak delivers some of California’s cleanest, most rippable lines. It’s less intimidating than The Wedge, but the competition is fierce.
MAKE SURFING PART OF YOUR EVERY DAY
If sunrise checks and sandy car mats sound like your kind of routine, why not live closer to the lineup? As a lifelong local with over $1.25 billion in Orange County real estate sales, I’ve helped countless clients find homes that match their lifestyle, from Dana Point bungalows with board racks to sleek coastal retreats near Newport Beach’s best breaks.
Let’s find the neighborhood that fits you best. Call 949.295.5676 or reach out to start your Orange County journey today.