Bolinas Beach
Bolinas, CA
A famously mellow surf town north of San Francisco where locals have spent decades tearing down highway signs pointing to the beach just to keep it a little harder to find. The wave here is a gentle, forgiving point break that has made it a longtime favorite for longboarders.
Parking is genuinely scarce here. Carpool or bike in if you can, and be respectful of the town's low key vibe.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.
