Top California Surf Towns

Got an urge to catch a wave? In California, surf culture holds strong, and there are plenty of surf cities and towns to choose from. Best Western® Hotels & Resorts is proud to be a sponsor of the World Surf League, and in celebration of the surfing event of the year – The US Open of Surfing – we’ve gathered our favorite spots to shred. Here’s our list of top California surf towns.

Huntington Beach, California

Reigning as “Surf City, USA”, Huntington Beach’s 10-mile coastline is a surfer’s dream and has over 100 years of surf culture history. After a day of shredding, stroll the Surfing Walk Hall of Fame or make a visit to the International Surfing Museum. Go to Main St. to fill up on a hearty breakfast at Sugar Shack Café, which has been serving hungry surfers for 50 years.

Book your stay at Best Western Harbour Inn & Suites.

San Clemente, California

Head to Trestles or T-Street to catch world-class surf breaks that pros and beginners both enjoy. Pick up a board at 662 Bodyboard Shop, founded by legendary Eddie Solomon in 2003. Or, receive a private surf lesson from San Clemente Surfboard Rentals. Grab an iconic fish taco from Pedro’s Tacos, the first fish taco shack in Orange County, California, founded in 1986, for fresh ocean fare after a day of surfing.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Dana Point Inn-By-The-Sea.

Newport Beach, California

The 30-ft. waves at The Wedge, forever immortalized Newport Beach in Orange County, California as the mecca of body-surfing, and it’s a must visit for those wanting to catch a wave. Take a lesson from Endless Sun Surf School, who’ve taught thousands of surf students since 1963. Head over to Baja Sharkeez, known as “Sharkeez” to locals, to share margarita drinks with your buddies and keep the good times rolling.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Newport Mesa Inn.

Oceanside, California

Located north of San Diego, California ­– Oceanside, better known as “O’side”, is considered by many as being a surf nirvana, with its small but mighty 3-mile stretch of a diversity of waves. Home to the California Surf Museum, learn about surf culture at this institution that has been serving the community for over 30 years. Grab a decadent donut from Parlor Doughnuts to recharge before or after your surfing adventures.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms.

Morro Bay, California

Drive on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to the Central Coast of California to find the surf spots in Morro Bay. Morro Rock or “The Rock”, is a 23-million-year-old volcanic plug that stands at 500-ft. tall and has waves that beginner and advanced surfers come back for again and again. Bring your pup and your board to the dog-friendly Top Dog Coffee Bar for a cup of java to start your day.

Book your stay at Best Western San Marcos Inn.