A description of the epic & iconic surf spots in Santa Cruz!
Santa Cruz
Santa CruzSurf City
Right point breaks, reef breaks and beach breaks
Coves and river mouths
Consistent year round
The birthplace of mainland surfing in the US
World class.
A place I feel lucky to call home!
Huntington Beach may officially hold the “Surf City” trademark, but many locals and visitors will tell you the title truly belongs to Santa Cruz.
A magical Santa Cruz sunset
The Briefest History of Surfing in Santa Cruz You’ll Ever Read
The first waves surfed on the mainland United States were ridden here in Santa Cruz by brothers Jonah, David, and Edward Kawananakoa in 1885. Since then the town has maintained a vibrant and evolving surf culture that draws locals and visitors alike.
A Breakdown of the Surf Spots in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz offers a remarkable variety of surf: points, reefs, beaches, coves and river mouths. The coastline is shaped to catch swell from many directions, so there’s almost always a spot working. From beginner-friendly waves to steep, hollow breaks for experienced surfers, Santa Cruz is rideable year-round. Fall through spring tends to favor northwest swells, while spring through fall brings more south swells. Whether you prefer longboard cruisers or fast shortboard barrels, you’ll find something here.
West Side
Cowells – Best for beginners. Long, gentle, cruise-y right point break ideal for longboarding. Sandy bottom and forgiving waves make it one of the most consistent beginner spots in California. Expect crowds, surf schools, and a friendly, party-wave vibe. The main hazard is other surfers’ boards, so keep your head on a swivel.
Natural Bridges – Advanced. A hollow, fast, powerful right reef break. It doesn’t fire as often as some other spots, but when it does it offers steep, rewarding waves similar to Steamer Lane but with fewer people.
Steamer Lane – World class. Fast, powerful waves over a mixed sand-and-rock bottom. Steamer Lane is actually a series of reef breaks—The Point, Middle Peak, The Slot, and Indicators—rolled into one iconic lineup. It’s famous for a reason: consistent, challenging surf that rewards skill and respect for local etiquette. Expect crowds and respect the lineup.
East Side
The Point – A legendary stretch along East Cliff at Pleasure Point. Mostly right point breaks over reef, with occasional lefts. On south swells the waves can run for long, drawn-out rides—especially during spring through fall. Northwest swells are more frequent and still fun, though usually less epic.
Pleasure Point – Known for its right point break and reef bottom. The first peak tends to attract shortboarders while the second peak is more friendly for longboarders. Jacks, in front of the historic Jack O’Neill house, is a forgiving, longboard-friendly peak ideal for cruisers.
The Hook – A right reef break that’s hollow, fast, and fun. It draws crowds due to convenient parking and easy access at the southern tip of Pleasure Point, down the stairs at the end of 41st Avenue. Both shortboarders and longboarders paddle out here.
Sewers – A hollow peak named for an old sewer line. It’s a local favorite and can be intimidating for newcomers. Mostly shortboarders; produces fast, hollow rights and lefts. If you’re new to the lineup, be mindful and considerate.
Capitola Jetty – Offers both right and left peaks on a sand-and-reef bottom. When conditions align, it’s a great longboard spot with fewer people than Cowells, though it’s less consistent. If the swell and tide cooperate, you might find quieter waves than in town.
Share Your Stoke
If you’re surfing Santa Cruz, I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment and tag @danielagerson on Instagram so I can see your photos and stories. Hope to see you in the water—let’s make waves both in the lineup and in the kitchen.