The Ultimate California Summer Surf Guide: Where to Surf in California This Summer
California and surfing go hand-in-hand. While the Golden State boasts waves year-round, summer surf comes with its own set of nuances. As water temps rise and the sun stays out longer, crowds flood the beaches, longboards come out of the rafters, and south swells creep up the coast. Whether you're planning a strike mission or a summer road trip, here's where to surf in California this summer—and why our Oceanside hotel makes the perfect home base.
Understanding California Summer Swell
Summer surf in California is powered by long-period south swells that originate off the coast of Chile and other parts of the Southern Hemisphere. These swells typically arrive from May through August and favor south-facing breaks. While Northern California gets less exposure, Southern California lights up—especially in spots that aren't blocked by the Channel Islands or headlands. For most of California, summer is the season for small, clean, and approachable waves. Summer in California means it's longboard and fish season. Leave your step-up at home and pack your single-fin.
Oceanside: North County's Summer Gem
If there's one place in San Diego County that shines in the summer, it's Oceanside. Thanks to its exposure to south swells, O'side picks up the energy that misses many other San Diego breaks. The pier and the harbor both offer consistent sandbars and a variety of peaks that cater to every skill level. The south side of the pier gets particularly fun during summer souths—expect wedgy rights and hollow lefts when the tide's right.
Our boutique Oceanside hotel, the Green Room, sits perfectly between the pier and Buccaneer Beach, giving guests walkable access to the area's best summer breaks. We also offer complimentary foam boards and beach cruisers for those traveling light.
Lower Trestles: Performance Playground
Just a 30-minute drive north of Oceanside, Lower Trestles is the gold standard for California performance surfing. In summer, long-period south swells groom the cobblestone reef into long, playful rights and lefts. While the main peak at Lowers can get crowded with local rippers and pros, nearby peaks like Uppers and Middles offer more approachable options.
Early morning weekday sessions offer your best shot at smaller crowds and cleaner conditions. If you're staying at the Green Room, pack up early, and you can be in the water before the crowds.
Encinitas: Laid-Back Summer Surf Culture
Encinitas is a short drive from Oceanside and offers a string of summer-friendly breaks like Grandview, Beacons, and Cardiff Reef. Grandview is ideal for mellow longboarding mornings, while Cardiff can deliver some surprisingly punchy surf on a solid south swell. The town itself is a cultural hub for surfers, with cafes, board shops, and post-surf burrito spots lining the 101. Make a day trip of it or swing through on your way back from Trestles.
Malibu: The Classic California Right Point
If you're heading north on a summer surf road trip, Malibu is a must. First Point at Surfrider Beach delivers some of the longest right-hand rides in the state. On a good south swell, it turns into a peeling playground for longboarders and retro single-fin enthusiasts. That said, be prepared for heavy crowds. Surf early and bring your patience. Parking is limited, and the wave is crowded, but the ride is worth it.
What to Bring for a California Summer Surf Trip
Boards: Pack your grovelers, longboards, fishes, and soft-tops. Unless you're chasing hurricane swell, leave the guns at home. We offer three different types of performance soft tops made by Almond Surfboards, and glass boards and wetsuit rentals are available across the street at Surfride.
Wetsuit: A 3/2 is perfect for most mornings, but a springsuit or trunks work by July in SoCal.
Essentials: Sunscreen, wax, skin and haircare for long days in the sun and water, a good hat, and maybe a backup leash.
Make the Green Room Your Summer Surf HQ
Whether you're looking to log some time on your longboard, chase a proper south swell, or road trip the coast, the Green Room Hotel in Oceanside is your ideal summer surf base. We're centrally located for easy access to Southern California's best summer breaks, and our laid-back, surf-centric atmosphere makes us the perfect stop between sessions. Book your stay, grab a board, and get ready to ride. Summer in California waits for no one.