🏄Best Surf Beaches in Orange County🏄
Orange County is one of the most diverse surf regions in California, offering waves for nearly every skill level along a relatively compact coastline. From mellow longboard breaks to powerful, world-class waves, OC’s surf scene is shaped by sandy bottoms, jetties, and strong exposure to south and southwest swells.
🏄 Beginner Surf Beaches
Doheny State Beach
Best season: Summer (south swells)
Doheny is one of the most beginner-friendly surf spots in Southern California, known for slow, rolling waves ideal for learning and longboarding. The break is soft and forgiving, making it popular with surf schools and first-timers.
Access: Exit I-5 at Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point, turn toward the harbor, enter Doheny State Beach, park inside the park, and walk directly onto the sand.
Blackies
Best season: Winter; smaller summer south swells
Located just north of Newport Pier, Blackies is a classic sandy-bottom beach break that works across most tides. Smaller days are welcoming for beginners, while clean summer swells provide fun progression waves.
Access: Park near Newport Pier; the break is directly in front of Blackie’s Bar on the north side of the pier.
Huntington State Beach
Best season: Summer, early fall
Huntington State Beach offers miles of open beach break, allowing beginners to spread out and avoid the intensity of the pier. Waves are generally softer and more forgiving than central Huntington.
Access: Paid parking lots are located along Pacific Coast Highway; walk straight out to the beach from any lot.
San Onofre State Beach (Old Man’s)
Best season: Summer
Old Man’s is a legendary longboard break with mellow, rolling waves and a relaxed lineup. It’s ideal for beginners, traditional longboarders, and cruisy sessions.
Access: Enter San Onofre State Beach, park in the lot, and walk down the paved trail to the shoreline.
🌊 Intermediate Surf Beaches
Huntington Cliffs
Best season: Fall, winter
Located north of Huntington Pier, the Cliffs offer cleaner conditions and fewer crowds than the pier. Waves are manageable but can hold size on west and southwest swells.
Access: Metered parking is available along Pacific Coast Highway; walk down from the bluff access points.
Newport Beach Jetties
Best season: Fall, winter
The Newport Jetties run roughly from 28th Street to 56th Street, creating staggered peaks that change with swell and tide. Upper streets are heavier, while lower streets are more forgiving.
Access: Take the 55 Freeway south into Newport Beach; access the beach via numbered streets (always check parking restrictions).
T-Street Beach
Best season: Summer, fall
T-Street features punchy, playful waves over a cobblestone and sand mix. It’s a favorite local break with consistent shape when conditions align.
Access: Park along Paseo De Cristobal and walk through the pedestrian tunnel under the tracks.
⚡ Advanced & Expert Surf Beaches
Santa Ana River Jetties
Best season: Fall, winter
A fast, powerful beach break at the river mouth that often holds size when surrounding areas are flat. Crowded and competitive, this spot favors experienced shortboarders.
Access: Park at the south end of Huntington State Beach and walk north along the river toward the ocean.
Salt Creek Beach
Best season: Summer, fall
Salt Creek is one of South County’s most powerful beach breaks, capable of producing punchy waves and occasional barrels. The lineup is highly competitive.
Access: Exit I-5 at Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point, turn toward the Ritz-Carlton, and park in the Salt Creek lot (paid).
The Wedge
Best season: Summer (large south swells)
The Wedge is a world-famous shorebreak created by reflected swell off the harbor jetty. Waves can exceed 20–30 feet and are extremely dangerous. Suitable only for experts.
Access: Drive to the south end of Newport Beach, park in the residential area, and walk along the harbor jetty.
Trestles
Best season: Summer, fall
Trestles is a world-class surf break known for long, perfectly shaped walls and elite-level surfing. The lineup is competitive and skill level is high.
Access: Park at San Onofre State Beach and bike or walk the paved trail to the break.
Best Time to Surf in Orange County
Summer: South swells dominate; best for beginners and longboarders, but crowds are heavy
Fall: Often the best overall season with clean swells and offshore winds
Winter: Northwest swells favor northern exposure; south-facing breaks are less consistent
Spring: Transitional season with improving conditions by late spring
Safety & Surf Etiquette
Strong rip currents, crowded lineups, and shifting sandbars are common throughout Orange County. Always follow right-of-way rules, respect local surfers, and surf within your ability. When blackball flags are raised, surfers must exit the water. At extreme breaks like The Wedge, watching from shore is the safest choice for most.