Surfing near Palo Alto

Palo Alto is not a surf town, but it is close to three of them. Pacifica's Linda Mar beach is about 35 to 45 minutes north. Half Moon Bay is over the hill on Highway 92. Santa Cruz, one of the birthplaces of mainland American surfing, is about an hour over Highway 17. On a clean morning you can surf and still be back for lunch on University Avenue.

Northern California surf is not Southern California surf. The water is cold all year, the swells are powerful and fog often hangs on the coast while Palo Alto is sunny. This guide covers where beginners learn, which breaks to leave alone, the schools and shops we confirmed on their own websites in late 2026 and the safety rules that keep people out of trouble. For general beach information, see our guide to beaches near Palo Alto.

Breaks at a glance

Pacifica: the closest surf

Pacifica State Beach, known to everyone as Linda Mar, is a mile-long crescent at 5000 Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Pedro Point. The city's visitor bureau, Visit Pacifica, calls it ideal for beginners with relatively gentle waves, while noting it can get challenging on bigger swells. It recommends longboards and fun shapes. State Parks lists a $9 vehicle day use fee, closes the lot at sundown and allows dogs. Our Pacifica guide covers the rest of town.

Farther north, Visit Pacifica rates Rockaway Beach as better for intermediate and advanced surfers because of heavier waves and rip currents and warns that its south side can trap beginners between waves, cliffs and currents. It recommends Sharp Park and Rockaway for advanced surfers on big swells.

Lessons and rentals in Pacifica

Visit Pacifica lists four city-approved operators that teach lessons at Linda Mar. Two we confirmed on their own sites:

• NorCal Surf Shop, 5440 Coast Highway, sells gear and offers lessons and surf rentals.
• Surf Camp Pacifica, 5200 Pacific Coast Highway, runs small group lessons of two hours, private lessons and a summer camp.

Pacifica's surf calendar includes the World Dog Surfing Championships and Kahuna Kapuna in August and The Big Chill in October, according to Visit Pacifica.

Half Moon Bay and Mavericks

Just north of Half Moon Bay and south of the Pillar Point Harbor breakwater, Surfers Beach in El Granada is a small, popular beginner break beside Highway 1. Our El Granada and Princeton guide covers the harbor, the Mirada Surf trail to the beach and parking. The long state beach along Half Moon Bay itself has strong surf and few lifeguards, so beginners should stick to lessons with an instructor.

Watching Mavericks

Mavericks, the big wave break that made this coast famous, lies about half a mile offshore, due west of the Pillar Point Air Force tracking station. San Mateo County Parks recommends binoculars. It only breaks big on large winter swells, when a small group of the world's best big wave surfers paddle or tow in. This is a spot for watching only. Park at the small lot on Airport Street and walk the Pillar Point Bluff trails. Contests have run in some winters but not every year, so check the news before you plan a trip around one.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz sits on the north shore of Monterey Bay, which faces south and is usually warmer and less windy than the open coast. Our Santa Cruz day trip covers the town. For surfers:

• Cowell Beach, beside the wharf, has gentle, rolling waves that suit beginners. It is where most lessons happen.
• Steamer Lane, off Lighthouse Point, is one of the best known waves in California. Watch from the cliff top on West Cliff Drive rather than paddling out, unless you are an expert.
• East side breaks toward Pleasure Point and Capitola draw crowds of locals. Learn etiquette before you paddle into a busy lineup.

Santa Cruz surf schools

Two schools we confirmed on their own websites:

1. Richard Schmidt Surf School, which says it has taught in Santa Cruz since 1978, offers year-round surf and stand-up paddle lessons in Santa Cruz and Capitola for all ages and abilities.
2. Club Ed Surf School lists two-hour group and semi-private lessons for ages 12 and up with a wetsuit and beginner board included, plus private lessons for all ages and summer camps.

You can also compare surf lessons in Santa Cruz through a booking site.

Getting there

For Pacifica, take Interstate 280 north to Highway 1 through Daly City, about 30 miles. For Half Moon Bay and El Granada, take Highway 92 west over the hill. Santa Cruz is about 45 miles via Highway 85 or Interstate 280 to Highway 17, which is narrow, curvy and prone to crashes. Leave early on weekends: dawn sessions have the lightest wind and the easiest parking. There is no practical transit to most breaks with a board.

Boards and wetsuits

Beginners learn faster on a big, soft-top longboard, which every school provides. A full wetsuit is the norm year-round. Many locals wear a thicker suit in winter and add boots, gloves and a hood when the water is coldest. Rent first. If you get hooked, our guide to sporting goods stores covers shops closer to Palo Alto, though the best selection of boards and suits is in the surf towns themselves.

Seasons and swell

• Summer: smaller, gentler waves and the easiest learning, but frequent fog and onshore wind by afternoon.
• Fall: often the best mix of clean swell, light wind and clear skies.
• Winter: the biggest, most powerful swells from distant storms. Sneaker waves are more common. Expert season.
• Spring: strong northwest wind can blow the surf out by midday.

Mornings usually have the lightest wind on every part of this coast.

Safety

Check the forecast and our weather guide before you drive over. If you want to stay near the waves, a coastal rental lets you surf at dawn before the wind comes up.

Frequently asked questions