Los Angeles County
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Positives
- Consistent, diverse surf spots
- Legendary Malibu
- Entertainment LA style
- Great weather
Negatives
- Mainly beachbreaks
- Uber crowds
- Bacterial pollution
- Hell-A traffic
Los Angeles County surf travel guide
A sprawling metropolis with a population of approximately 10 million people, Los Angeles is home to movie stars, extravagant homes, 12-lane freeways and nearly 96km (60mi) of Pacific Coast beaches.
Among the surf spots of California’s largest city, none can claim to be as famous as Malibu and its long righthanders breaking beside the coastal Highway 1. Tom Blake pioneered the break in 1926, but Malibu’s fame really took off in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. Along with a host of other surf legends, Miki Dora’s stylish riding prowess exposed the wave to the surf world, while a movie based on a Malibu surfer girl, Gidget, was presenting surfing to the mainstream.
With the exception of the area north of Santa Monica and the Palos Verdes peninsula, LA County is all beachbreak, but man made structures like piers and jetties provide some good sand bars. Over development of the LA basin has resulted in huge volumes of urban run-off from the coastal concrete jungle, causing regular beach closures from high bacteria counts and other toxic pollutants.
Surf spots in Los Angeles County
Research the 43 surf breaks in Los Angeles County and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 43 breaks in Los Angeles County.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Los Angeles County
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Visas
Due to Covid there are special restrictions so it is essential to check the latest news before booking any trip. Normally most Europeans, Aussies, Kiwis and Japanese are part of the Visa waiver program so do not need a visa to enter the USA for up to 90 days, but they do need to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) which costs US$14.
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta.
Other nationalities need to check as the rules are constantly being adjusted.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_the_United_States
Getting There
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the cheapest places worldwide to fly to. Shuttle vans take people downtown, 45mn away for around $15, which is half the cost of a taxi. LAX is not too far from El Segundo’s spots. Rent a car, drive freeway 405 south until you reach the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Connecting flights to John Wayne Airport take 25 min.
Getting Around
If you can’t rent a car, stay in one place. Rental cars start about $160/w but go as low as $50 for a local rent-a-wreck. You must be over 21 to rent. Gas is cheap (30¢/l). PCH traffic is intense at peak times. Los Angeles has built an impressive system of broad streets and avenues including freeways up to 14 lanes wide. They allow movement quickly across the vast metropolitan complex except during the main commuting hours (7/9 AM and 4/6 PM). Public transport sucks for a surfer with board.
Accommodation
The Malibu Beach Inn is right on the beach south of the pier ($170/dble), Casa Malibu Inn is a bit cheaper, starting at $100. Malibu Creek State Park Campground is open year round and affordable. Other options include the Hotel California in Santa Monica ($160) or Cadillac Hotel in Venice ($80).
Activities
Cruising on Coastal Highway 1 means checking the surf and the rich and famous’ houses perched on the hillsides. Body-builders, posers, jugglers and activists: Venice boardwalk’s characters’ gallery is a must see. Of course LA offers endless entertainment possibilities.
Hazards & hassles
Fires, floods and earthquakes have taken their toll on the Los Angeles area. In the water crowds and pollution are the main issues. There are no secret spots around here but the less accessible spots are definitely emptier. Many workers go for the dawn patrol; there may be fewer crowds during the day than early mornings.
Handy Hints
Only Redondo Beach Breakwater requires a gun, other breaks are best surfed on a regular shortboard or a longboard. Surf shops are numerous and a board costs around $400. Zuma Jay rents surfboards in Malibu ($20/d). Schools include Makos in Malibu, Pure Surfing Experience in Manhattan Beach and Surf Academy in Hermosa.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.