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Top Surf Breaks in LA for Every Skill Level
Last Updated: August 14, 2026
Los Angeles is one of California's top surfing destinations, offering consistent waves, iconic beaches, and surf breaks for every skill level. Whether you're a beginner looking for gentle rollers or an experienced surfer chasing powerful point breaks, the best surfing spots in Los Angeles deliver year-round action. This 2026 guide highlights 12 places to surf in LA, including Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Venice, Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, and beyond.
For surfers seeking the ultimate wave experience, Venice Beach Breakwater stands out as the premier surf spot in Venice Beach, located north of the iconic Venice Pier. Here, the combination of the Breakwater and the adjacent Fishing Pier creates a unique environment that alters the nature of the waves, offering surfers a diverse range of options. The Breakwater, formed by a cluster of rocks, fosters the accumulation of sand on the ocean floor, resulting in the formation of beautiful right-hand waves that beckon riders to their crests. Amidst the crashing waves and salty breeze of Venice Beach, surfers can immerse themselves in a cinematic landscape steeped in history. Since the silent film era, Venice has served as a captivating backdrop for Hollywood productions, from Charlie Chaplin's "The Circus" to the seaside scenes in the 1958 musical "Gigi." Even modern classics like Clint Eastwood's "Million Dollar Baby" have left their mark, with scenes filmed at iconic Venice locations like the On The Waterfront Cafe, now known as the Waterfront Venice, weaving the beach's eclectic charm into the fabric of cinematic storytelling.
El Porto in Manhattan Beach embodies the essence of surf culture, beckoning wave enthusiasts with its rideable 3-12 ft swells and short boarder-friendly breaks. Thanks to an offshore canyon, it boasts some of the South Bay's biggest and most consistent waves, drawing surfers year-round. As the sun dips behind the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Pacific, the waves at El Porto echo with echoes of cinematic history. From John Cusack seeking solace in the waves in "1408" to the iconic scenes of "Point Break," where Keanu Reeves' character embarks on his surf journey from the Manhattan Beach Pier, the town's coastal beauty has graced the silver screen time and again, weaving its allure into the fabric of cinematic classics.
Zuma Beach beckons surfers with its pristine waters and versatile breaks. Stretching for three miles, this iconic spot offers a sandy bottom beach break and sandbar peaks suitable for all skill levels and board types. Renowned for its consistent breaks and spacious shores, Zuma Beach is a favorite venue for surf contests, where enthusiasts can ride the waves without worrying about overcrowding. To catch the best surf, arrive early during a medium tide for optimal conditions of clear waters and excellent waves. As the sun dances on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the Pacific, Zuma Beach's timeless beauty has graced the silver screen in numerous iconic films and TV shows, including "Planet of the Apes," "Indecent Proposal," "I Dream of Jeannie," and "Baywatch," cementing its status as a cinematic treasure in the heart of Los Angeles.
Surfrider Beach delivers a unique surfing experience with its three distinct breaks scattered along a single stretch of sand. With its rocky bottom and slow-breaking waves, Surfrider Beach provides surfers with the opportunity to ride the most perfect right-hander in all of California. This idyllic spot epitomizes the essence of Southern California beaches, attracting wave enthusiasts from far and wide. Popularized by iconic surfing movies of the 1950s and 1960s, including "Gidget," "Beach Blanket Bingo," and the classic "Beach Party," Surfrider Beach holds a special place in surfing history, embodying the laid-back, sun-kissed vibe of the golden era of surf culture.
Santa Monica Ocean Park stands as a haven for surfers, boasting reliable waves throughout the year on its exposed beach break in Los Angeles County. With offshore winds from the northeast and consistent groundswells from the southwest, this spot offers surfers the opportunity to ride both left and right-hand waves, catering to a variety of styles and preferences. The winter months, particularly December, prove to be optimal for catching clean and rideable waves, drawing enthusiasts to the shores in search of the perfect swell. Nearby, the iconic Santa Monica Pier has served as a backdrop for numerous cinematic gems, including classics like "Forrest Gump," "The Sting," and "Funny Girl," as well as modern hits like "Iron Man" and "The Glenn Miller Story." Santa Monica Ocean Park's blend of reliable surf and cinematic history makes it a quintessential destination for both surfers and movie aficionados alike.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Pacific Palisades, Sunset Point Beach offers an unparalleled surfing experience characterized by its beginner-friendly waves and breathtaking scenery. Whether you're just starting out or seeking a laid-back ride, this picturesque beach welcomes surfers of all skill levels with its gentle swells and inviting atmosphere. As the waves roll in, carrying the spirit of adventure, Sunset Point Beach serves as a quintessential destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant surf culture of Southern California. Adding to its allure, Pacific Palisades has provided the backdrop for several notable films and TV shows, including the iconic lifeguard drama "Baywatch," the adrenaline-pumping thriller "Point Break," and the romantic classic "Against All Odds." With its blend of accessible surf and cinematic history, Sunset Point Beach stands as a cherished gem along the Los Angeles coastline.
Located in Redondo Beach but offering waves considered part of nearby Hermosa Beach, the Redondo Beach Breakwater is a haven for advanced surfers equipped with big-wave boards. This breakwater and jetty spot provide thrilling left-bound beach breaks, making it ideal for those seeking powerful waves. Surfing enthusiasts flock here, especially when greeted by offshore eastbound winds, which enhance the surfing experience. Among the notable films and TV shows that have utilized the picturesque backdrop of Redondo Beach are blockbuster hits like "Pirates of The Caribbean: At World's End," "Transformers," and "Point Break," as well as classics such as "Cannonball Run" and "Gone in 60 Seconds." The beach's cinematic legacy, combined with its thrilling waves, cements Redondo Beach Breakwater as a must-visit destination for surfers and movie buffs alike.
Topanga Point is a classic Malibu right-hand point break that fires best on a big west or northwest swell, sending long, walled-up waves peeling down the cobblestone bottom at the mouth of Topanga Canyon. It's a step up from the beginner-friendly beaches nearby, with a strong localism and a lineup that rewards experience reading a point break. On its day, the wave here can rival Surfrider Beach for length and shape, drawing a dedicated crew of longboarders and traditional-style surfers who treat it as one of the last true old-school points in LA County.
Straddling the Los Angeles and Ventura county line at the far northern edge of Malibu, County Line is one of the most photographed and filmed surf breaks in Southern California thanks to its long, playful right-hand point break. Sitting just off Pacific Coast Highway near Leo Carrillo State Beach, it works on a wide range of swell directions and sizes, making it reliably surfable more often than many of LA's more exposed beach breaks. Its consistency, easy roadside access, and forgiving shape have made it a favorite training ground for surfers of all levels, from beginners catching their first rides to pros filming surf videos.
Leo Carrillo State Beach offers a rockier, more rugged surf setup than the sandy breaks further south, with reef and point sections that produce fun, punchy waves for intermediate and advanced surfers. Sequit Point at the north end of the beach is the main draw, breaking both left and right depending on swell direction, while the surrounding sea caves and tide pools give the whole stretch a wilder, more remote feel than beaches closer to Santa Monica. Its distance from the city keeps crowds lighter on weekdays, even though the beach's Hollywood pedigree brings plenty of visitors on weekends.
Bay Street, at the southern end of Santa Monica near the Santa Monica-Venice border, is a reliable beach break known for its A-frame peaks that offer both left and right options, making it a popular spot for surfers who want variety without traveling to Malibu. Its sandy bottom and generally manageable size make it approachable for intermediate surfers still building confidence beyond the beginner breaks, while still offering enough punch to keep more experienced locals interested on a good swell. The beach's laid-back, low-key vibe and easy street parking make it one of the more convenient surf checks on the Westside.
Cabrillo Beach's outer break, facing the open ocean on the San Pedro side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, offers a distinct South Bay wave shaped by the breakwater that protects the adjacent inner harbor. It's a favorite among local surfers looking to avoid the crowds of Malibu and the South Bay's more famous breaks, with a mellow, forgiving beach break that suits longboarders and newer surfers. The nearby Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and tide pools make it easy to turn a surf session into a full family day at the beach.