Wipe out! LA’s Top Surf Spots

Wipe out! LA’s Top Surf Spots

There’s nowhere quite like the original home of surfing to get barreled. Ahead of the epic US Open of Surfing on Huntington Beach later this month, we check out LA's best breaks.

Beginners should beeline straight for 2-mile-long Zuma Beach, located at the northern tip of Malibu. Although typically quite crowded – as one of the area’s most popular beaches – once you’re out on your board, you’ll enjoy crystal clear waters and some pretty decent waves.

Experienced riders will have no doubt heard about Cali’s Topanga Beach, which is slightly off the beaten track for regular beach-goers. The reef break gives it good form and makes it easier to drop into, which is perfect for the beginner’s longboard, although you can expect to be sharing the water with plenty of pros too.

Perhaps not the best form, but Venice Beach is conveniently central and a fun punt for its muscle gym, murals, skaters, and all-round boardwalk bustle. However, time the swell right, and it really is a great mellow ride. Post-surf, retire to nearby Abbot Kinney Boulevard for stellar dining.

The most iconic of the beach bunch, Surfrider Beach is where LA surf culture really kicked off in the 1950s. Long point breaks and ideal winds make this a pro-surfer/poser paradise. Head to pier-perched Malibu Farm for organic eats after.

As the name suggests, County Line, is – well – on the LA county border, just a quick skip off the stunning Pacific Coast Highway. Arrive early morning as the waves (aka ankle-biters) can get irritatingly choppy with afternoon winds.

Got the pup in tow? Then scenic, secluded, fido-friendly Leo Carrillo State Beach is the strip for you. Ideal for surfers of all levels, because of its flat rocks and sand, it offers a great slow-rolling break. The beaches many tidal pools, caves, and pretty reefs are worth exploring too, before scooting up the highway to Neptune’s Net which has been drawing locals and visitors with its flip-fresh seafood, beer and buzz atmos since 1956.

Malibu Farm / 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy / Malibu / 8am-8.30pm Mon-Fri, till 10pm Sat-Sun / malibu-farm.com

Neptune’s Net / 42505 Pacific Coast Hwy / Malibu / +1 310 457 3095 / 10.30am-8pm Mon-Thu, till 9pm Fri, 10am-8.30pm Sat-Sun / neptunesnet.com