Monterey Surfing

Howzit, brah? The waves are epic!

Surfing in Monterey – Although it is not a surfing powerhouse like Santa Cruz,  the Monterey Peninsula does have it hot spots!  From the gentle waves at Del Monte Beach – perfect for beginners – to the bigger, more unpredictable waves that require much more advanced skills, Monterey has the surf that can cater to just about any skill level.

Always play it safe.  Most of the area's surf is very dangerous and should only be ridden by advanced surfers.  If you are unfamiliar with a particular surf spot, be sure to seek advice from a local surf shop or ask a local surfer about the overall conditions of the surf and how safe it is.

Click here for locations in Half Moon Bay (85 miles north) and Santa Cruz (40 miles north)  

Monterey Surfing

Andrew Molera State Park  –  Big Sur, CA

Big Sur Station #1 Big Sur, CA      (831) 667-2315 

The beach and park are is still relatively undeveloped and offers visitors great hiking and beachcombing.

AsilomarAsilomar Beach

800 Asilomar Ave., Pacific Grove, CA    (831) 646-6440

The beach is unprotected from the open ocean so great caution should be used.  Because of the rocky bottom and riptides, this is best left to experienced surfers.  

Del MonteDel Monte Beach   –  Monterey

Located north of Fisherman's Wharf, this is one of the safest areas for the beginning surfer.   The area is also a great beginning to intermediate SCUBA dive spot.

Lover's Point  –  Pacific Grove

Ocean View Blvd. and 17th St., Pacific Grove, CA

The 4.4 acre community park is great for picnicking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and of course surfing. 

Moss LandingMoss Landing  –  between Monterey and Watsonville

16 miles north of Monterey on Highway 1      (831) 649-2836

The area is popular for offshore fishing, surfing, windsurfing and horseback riding.  Water sports can be very hazardous because of the rip currents. 

 

Additional Surf Links:

||  WannaSurf  –  A free illustrated atlas of Monterey Area surfing with maps of surf spots, detailed descriptions and photos.  All the best weather and forecast maps. An interactive environment provides messages, reports and data editing.

||  South Bay Surfriders  –  Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

    3770 The Barnyard, Carmel, California      (831) 915-0362 
    They provide surf Lessons and rentals in Carmel.