10 Best Beginner Surf Spots in the US

father teaching child to surf

When you think of the greatest surf spots in the US, destinations like Southern California and Hawaii come to mind. And don’t get me wrong, those are home to world-class breaks that attract the best surfers from around the world. 

But if you’re new to surfing and looking for beginner-friendly waves, those might not be the best spots for you. But with nearly 100,000 miles of coastline, there are plenty of other beaches to catch your first wave. 

10 Best Beginner Surf Spots in the United States

Cocoa Beach, Florida

If the greatest surfer of all time can learn to surf here, so can you. That’s right, 11x World Champion Kelly Slater grew up surfing the waves at Cocoa Beach. 

Today, the popular Florida beach is lined with surfers practicing their pop-ups and carving up the slow-breaking waves. And located just a one-hour drive from Orlando, it’s the perfect spring break destination to catch your first wave.

When to go

Like most breaks in the northern hemisphere, the best time to go is in the Winter when low-pressure systems bring consistent waves to the Atlantic coast. But don’t worry, it’s not flat during the other seasons. The occasional windswell can produce 3-4 foot waves in the warmer months, which is perfect if you’re visiting for spring break. 

Board rentals

If you didn’t pack or don’t own a surfboard, there are plenty of surf schools and surf shops that you can rent from. Check out Cocoa Beach Surf Company which has a wide variety of soft tops, epoxy boards, longboards, and bodyboards. Board rentals start at $5/hour. 

A few years ago, I was visiting a friend in Orlando when I noticed some incoming swell. We hopped in the car and headed straight to the shop where they hooked us up with some 7’ funboards for the 2-3 foot swell. It was one of the most fun days I’ve ever had surfing with my friend. 

Surf lessons

If you or someone in your party has never surfed, there are plenty of surf schools that will help you catch your first wave. We’ve never taken lessons, but if CBSC’s instructors are as good as their board selection, you’ll be in good hands. Group surf lessons start at $40.

Ideal conditions

The best conditions are a southeast swell with west offshore wind. If you’re not picky, any south or east swell with an offshore or sideshore wind will work too. 

Where to stay

If you’re staying in Cocoa Beach, the closer you can stay to the pier – the better. There are hundreds of great hotels, restaurants, and other non-surf activities to do when you need a rest day. 

Waikiki, HI

Waikiki is one of the most iconic surf breaks in the world. Though Oahu’s surf culture is deeply rooted in the big waves of the North Shore, it’s not the only gem in Hawaii.

The south-facing Waikiki is right in the heart of Honolulu with world-class hotels, restaurants, and shops all within a few steps of the beach. Beginners and experts dance across crystal clear waves as marine life plays beneath the surface. With Diamond Head just a quick walk away, this is one of the most beautiful beach breaks in the world.

Queen’s Beach (Waikiki) gets crowded on the weekends, so make sure to practice proper surf etiquette.

When to go

Summer is the most consistent season as south swells approach from the south Pacific. Summer in Hawaii is hot and expensive though, so it might not be the best time for you and your family. Fortunately, there are waves all year round. Try traveling during shoulder months between heavy travel seasons to save some money.

Unfortunately, you’re going to have to wait to surf Waikiki. The influx of tourism after COVID-19 combined water shortages with have left locals begging tourists to stop visiting. Precious resources are being diverted to fuel expensive resorts while locals are being fined for mowing their lawns and washing their cars. If you care about the planet and the people of Hawaii, please stop visiting Hawaii for the time being. 

Board rentals

This beach is full of tourist traps that will rent you a surfboard for $50/hour. You can do better. Check out Star Beachboys – they have a selection of longboards starting at $10/hour. 

Surf lessons

The Original Waikiki Beachboys are a great place for lessons too, starting at $75/hour.

Ideal conditions

South swells and offshore winds bring rolling 3-4 foot waves that are perfect for learning to surf in the summer. But thanks to the geography of the islands, Waikiki has waves all year round. 

Where to stay

The Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider hotels are gorgeous but expensive. Stay a few blocks off the beach to save hundreds of dollars and check out the best restaurants in the city. 

San Onofre, CA

San Onofre is home to Lower Trestles, the world-class wave that’s home to annual World Surf League Finals. It’s also home to three other spots that cater to beginners, so there’s plenty for everyone. 

The Point, Old Man’s, and Dogpatch are three slow moving waves that are perfect for hanging ten, learning how to pop-up, and everything in between. Make sure you bring a longboard though. You’ll be stuck paddling around all day if you pack a shortboard. 

When to go

Swells from the south pack the most punch for these picturesque breaks, so spring & summer are the best seasons to surf San-O. 

Board rentals

Unlike the other spots, there aren’t surf shops and schools right on the beach. The best place to grab a board is San Clemente Surfboard Rentals, a 10-minute drive from the break. 

Surf lessons

San Clemente Surfboard Rentals offers great small lessons, but if you’re looking for lessons for a bigger group like a corporate retreat, church group, or something else, check out Endless Summer Surf Camp

Ideal conditions

When south-southwest swells meet offshore winds, the waves at San Onofre are a longboarder’s dream. The cobblestone bottom makes this a mid-high tide break, unless you want to get ragdolled against the seafloor. 

Where to stay

We like House of Trestles, a boutique surf hostel that offers the full San-O experience. If hostels aren’t your thing, there are plenty of budget hotels within minutes of the breaks. 

Bolsa Chica State Beach, CA

A few miles north of Huntington Beach, or Surf City USA, sits Bolsa Chica State Beach. The 3-mile stretch of beach is classified as an ecological preserve and is lined with campgrounds that are constantly full of RVs. 

And for some reason, none of the campers are there to surf. Bolsa Chica offers beginner-friendly waves with little to no crowds, a rarity in southern California. As an added bonus, you might even see some rays and dolphins playing around in the surf. 

I’ve surfed this wave on more than one occasion. And when the crowd was too overwhelming at HB Pier, Bolsa Chica was empty as could be. The locals aren’t always friendly at HB, so this is a great spot for beginners. 

When to go

Southern California thrives on southern swells – Bolsa Chica is no different. The summer months consistently bring waves in the 3-4 foot range, perfect for all skill levels.

Board rentals

Huntington Beach is home to several major surf shops, most notably Jacks and HSS. They, among other shops, offer rentals at decent prices. Last time I was there, I rented a board for $40/day at HSS, strapped it to the roof rack, and drove up to Bolsa. 

Surf Lessons

Corky Carroll’s Surf School has it figured out – Bolsa Chica is better for learning than crowded HB. That’s why they’ve been teaching kids and adults to stand for 20+ years. 

Ideal conditions

South swells during the spring and summer months are ideal, but it works on west and north swells too.

Where to stay

Downtown HB has plenty of great hotels that are perfect for the whole family; you really can’t go wrong with any of them. After you catch your first wave, make sure to grab a breakfast burrito at one of the local joints. Sancho’s Tacos is our favorite (they have vegan options too).

Rockaways, NY

The upper east coast is often overlooked when it comes to surf breaks. But don’t be fooled, there are plenty of great surf spots, even in New York. 

Well, technically there’s only one – Rockaway Beach. It’s the only place where you can legally surf in the New York City metro area. But hey, it’s really good for beginners and expert tube riders alike. 

The best beginner break is 90th street, but waves at 92nd Street really turn on with the right conditions. 

When to go

You can find swell all-year round at Rockaway Beach, but you’ll have more luck in late summer and early fall (hurricane season).

Board rentals

Boarders Surf Shop is the place for board & wetsuit rentals, with a collection of soft tops and performance boards starting at $50/day.

Surf Lessons

If you need lessons, they’ve got you covered with small group sessions that run 7 days/week.

Ideal conditions

Swells from the south, southeast, and east that are met with west-northwest winds create the perfect conditions. Most of the waves are in the 2-3 foot range and mushy, great for beginners. But powerful hurricanes and winter storms can produce double overhead waves that rival any world-class break. 

Where to stay

Rockaways isn’t exactly downtown NYC. To get there, you have to take the Far Rockaway A Train to the Beach 67th Street stop. Most people don’t stay in Rockaway unless they’re there exclusively for surfing. We’ll leave this one up to you. 

Sea Isle City, NJ

Sea Isle City is another northeast wave haven for beginners. But since it’s outside of the NYC metro area, there aren’t any limitations on which beaches allow surfing. In fact, there’s a surf spot on nearly every block. 

People in New Jersey get a bad rep, but the surfers don’t fit that stereotype. They’re laid back and even willing to share some tips for even the newest surfers. 

When to go

Winter swells can light up the coastline with heavy, hollow barrels during the winter months. But like most waves on the east coast, you can surf all year-round.

Board rentals

Harbor Outfitters can hook you up with surfboards, skateboards, SUPs, and even golf carts for a pretty good rate. Check them out. 

Surf lessons

Check out Heritage Surf & Sport for small group and private lessons, starting at $45. They even have a women’s only surf group, perfect for new surfers looking to make some friends. 

Ideal conditions

Keep your eyes peeled for a southeast swell and northwest wind combination – the waves will be dreamy.

Where to stay

With hotels dotting the coastline, there are plenty of stays within walking distance of the local shops and surf breaks. 

Sheboygan, WI

Longboarders have been cruising waves in Sheboygan, WI long before Chicken Joe (from Surf’s Up) brought it to Hollywood. Known as the “Malibu of the Midwest,” this Lake Michigan surf spot is a beginner’s dream. 

Though an unlikely name on this list, Sheboygan is only a 1-hour drive from Milwaukee and 2.5-hour drive from Chicago, making it a must-do for any Midwest surfers.

a beginner surfing a longboard in sheboygan

When to go

These freshwater waves are powered by windswell, most of which occur during the colder months. Late fall and early winter are the best seasons for waves in Sheboygan, but summer swells do come around every so often. Abd before you ask, yes you’ll to need a wetsuit. 

Board rentals

There’s only one surf shop in Sheboygan — EOS Surf Shop. They’ll hook you up with everything you need. They also rent kiteboards, SUPs, and kayaks for flat and windy days, starting at $35/day. 

Surf Lessons

EOS has you covered with surf lessons too – they start at $95 for 2 hours. 

Ideal conditions

Conditions are fickle in Lake Michigan, so you can’t be too picky. But if you’re lucky, The Elbow lights up on southeast swells mixed with west-southwest offshore winds.

Where to stay

There are plenty of hotels in the downtown area for <$100/night. But for the full surf experience, you should stay at the Sheboygan Surf Haus, located right above EOS. 

Outer Banks, NC

OBX is a popular vacation destination for those looking to escape to warm weather without the crowds and expensive costs of Florida. The community feel, miles of golden coastline, and historic attractions offer something for everyone.

If you’re heading down there for spring break or a summer vacation, check out Nags Head and Kitty Hawk for some playful waves that will make your learning experience a breeze. 

When to go

The surf is at its best during the fall & winter months. But if you’re just learning to surf, the spring and summer seasons will work too. 

Board rentals

You can rent a soft top from Farm Dog Surf School For $75/week – start here. 

Surf lessons

Farm Dog provides surf & SUP lessons too, starting at $75. They even have a SUP Eco-Tour that lets you paddle around in Albemarle Sound while learning about local wildlife. 

Conditions to Look for

The best conditions are east-northeast swell combined with an offshore wind from the west. But if you’re just starting out, nearly any wind direction should be fine as long as it’s not crazy strong. 

Where to stay

There are hundreds of beautiful homes for rent on sites like Airbnb and VRBO. Especially if you’re going with a big family or group, this is the way to go. 

Galveston, TX

The Gulf of Mexico isn’t known for its surf community. But that’s okay because it means fewer crowds and plenty of waves. They might be small and choppy but they’re perfect for beginners. 

Head to Pleasure Pier and at the 37th, 41st, 51st, and 61st Street jetties to catch some small wave. And once you’re feeling up to it, try your hand at “tanker surfing.” Yeah, it’s a real thing. 

Galveston is where I first learned to surf so it holds a special place in my heart. I haven’t stepped off a surfboard since. 

When to go

Waves are most consistent in the fall and winter as hurricanes and low-pressure systems drive swell into the Gulf. 

Board rentals

My family rented a longboard for $45/hour so that I could learn to surf. And while I’m forever grateful, you shouldn’t make the same mistake. Check out Ohana Surf & Skate for your rental needs, starting at $25/day. Grab the biggest longboard you can find, you’ll be standing in no time. 

Surf lessons

Ohana also offers private & group lessons starting at $40/hour. Make sure you check the forecast before booking as the lessons are non-refundable. It would be a shame to book lessons when the ocean is totally flat. 

Ideal conditions

Texas isn’t a place you can be too picky on your wave selection, unless you’re in a wave pool. Anyways, look for southeast swells mixed with north-northwest offshore winds

Where to Stay

Galveston is one of the best beach towns in the US, meaning there are plenty of great hotels and restaurants to enjoy. It’s also a popular departure point for cruises, meaning you can squeeze in a day of surfing before or after your cruise. 

Otter Rock, OR

The Pacific Northwest is best known for hiking, climbing, and winter sports. There’s a thriving surf scene there too. Despite the name, Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area is a beginner-friendly, sand-bottom break that turns out gentle waves on westerly groundswells. 

Fun fact: It’s called the Devils Punchbowl because waves enter a natural rocky bowl and violently swirl around inside, like the devil causing a scene from below the surface. It’s a pretty cool sight. But don’t get too close, the rip currents are no joke. 

When to go

The westerly swells are most common during the winter & spring months, but the occasional summer swell can provide small waves. Water temperatures are colder in the winter months (obviously), so you’ll need some thick rubber for the 40-50 degree water temperatures.

Board rentals

Far from Costa Rica, the Pura Vida Surf Shop is the place to go for surfboard rentals and lessons in Otter Rock. Rentals start at $40/day. 

Surf lessons

If it’s your first time, the team at Pura Vida will hook you up with private or group lessons, whichever you prefer. They provide a board, wetsuit, and full instruction starting at $100/person.

Ideal conditions

The Punchbowl works best on western swells with easterly offshore winds, but it can also work on the right southern swell direction. 

Where to stay

It seems like every hotel in the area has an incredible view of the oceans or seaside cliffs, so it’s hard to pick a bad one. When the swell is flat, hop on a whale watching tour to see Humpback Whales cruising along the coast. 

Like we said: the US has almost 100,000 miles of coastline, so these aren’t the only surf spots for beginners. But they are the best. 

So if you want your next family vacation to include a few surf lessons, make sure to put these at the top of your list.

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