by Allison Hata

California is a surfer’s paradise. From big breaks at Mavericks near Half Moon Bay to easy paddle-outs at Lower Trestles near San Onofre State Beach, the dozens of iconic surf spots along the coast provide idyllic conditions for catching a wave. As the official sport of the Golden State, surfing even has a designated day of recognition, held annually on September 20.

That time of year is no accident: September is known for sunny days and warm waters up and down California’s 840 miles of coastline.

It’s a great excuse to build a trip around surfing, or even just enjoying the beach and surf culture. Two excellent spots for watching the experts out on the waves are California’s two protected World Surfing Reserves, located in Malibu and Santa Cruz. Or, take a lesson and get out on the water yourself, in beach towns such as Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Carlsbad, and Coronado.

Plenty of California hotels embrace their surf connections, too, like The Surfrider, the retro boutique hotel that is home to the Surfline camera that monitors the conditions at the world-famous First Point Malibu. (You can also borrow a house board and book a lesson.) Nomads Hotel in San Clemente, meanwhile, offers room-and-surfing packages; and Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point is walking distance from Doheny State Beach, which gets a name check in The Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ USA.”  

You can also join locals and legends in celebrating California Surfing Day at various spectator events—some on Sept. 20 itself, and others in the days and weeks around it. They all honor the culture, connection, and community—and even surf-loving dogs—that the sport has brought to the West Coast.

September 6–14: Lexus WSL Finals, San Clemente

See the World Surf League Finals at the famed Lower Trestles near San Clemente. The event features showdowns between the top five surfers from both the men’s and women’s regular-season standings. Look like a contender yourself by stocking up on WSL merch.

September 13: Surfing for Hope Memorial Paddle-Out, Avila Beach

A time-honored surf tradition, this paddle-out in San Luis Obispo County invites well-wishers to gather on the shore in Avila Beach for a remembrance ceremony before heading to sea. On the water, paddlers will form a circle with their boards and splash in tribute to those who have lost their battle with cancer.

Save the date for Nov. 15–17, too, when Surfing for Hope will host an event in Pismo Beach. The Surfing for Hope Longboard Classic is a World Surf League qualifying series featuring top male and female longboard athletes from North America and Hawaii.

September 14: A Great Day in the Stoke, Huntington Beach

This Huntington Beach event is back for its third year celebrating the history and future of Black surfing. Come for the surf contests, free lessons, a double Dutch competition, 5K run/walk, and yoga on the beach. While meant to celebrate the Black community, the gathering welcomes all BIPOC communities, allies, and aspiring surfers.

September 14–15: Surfer’s Point WSA Championship Tour Event, Ventura

This family-friendly Western Surfing Association event takes place at Surfer’s Point Beach in Ventura, known as “C Street” to locals who love the right-hand waves and long rides. The inclusive divisions range from mini-groms ages 6 and under to “legends” over 50, with several heats for adaptive athletes of all ages.

September 14–21: Solento Surf Festival, Encinitas

The weeklong celebration in Encinitas kicks off with a Seaside Beach takeover event on Sept. 14 featuring DJ sets, live music, surf contests for men, women, and groms, and a battle on the water between firefighters and lifeguards. The festival also celebrates local surf culture with film screenings, panels with athletes and creatives, and art exhibitions.

September 20–22: Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro, Oceanside

Featuring more than 60 top professional female surfers, this annual Oceanside festival is equal parts competition and entertainment. It’s the largest women’s surfing event in the world, with head-to-head battles, an adaptive surfing exhibition, and a pro-am longboard competition taking place over the course of three days. In addition to a festival village with female-focused vendors, fitness classes, and women’s e-sports tournaments, the live entertainment lineup includes free concerts from big-name musical artists including Bishop Briggs, CeeLo Green, Beach Weather, and Lovely the Band.

September 21–22: City of Newport Beach Surf Championships, Newport Beach

Go to the area between 54th and 56th streets in Newport Beach to watch skilled shredders at this annual contest. The competition features recreational amateur divisions as well, but around here—the home of the legendary bodysurfing spot The Wedge—that’s still serious stuff.

September 21: OMBAC Classic Longboard Surfing Contest, San Diego

Check out vintage boards just north of Crystal Pier, a historic spot on Pacific Beach that connects to a 3.5-mile boardwalk along the coast of the lively seaside neighborhood. It’s a fitting locale for this event that requires surfers to ride longboards from 1969 or earlier as they compete in three divisions for varying skill levels and ages.

September 22: Right of Wave Ocean Safety & Surf Awareness Day, Pacifica

Surfers of all abilities can learn fundamental skills, etiquette, CPR, and first-aid tips at this free event held on Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica that features experts from across California and Hawaii. Photography, power yoga, injury prevention fitness, and ocean conservation workshops round out the day’s activities.

September 28–29: Crescent City Classic Longboard Competition & Festival, Crescent City

Kids surf free at this Crescent City contest taking place at South Beach, a half-mile sandy stretch located steps away from the Harbor District’s restaurants, shops, and docks. Hosted by the Redwood Parks Conservancy, the event will also feature live music, a beer garden, and two days of longboard heats for men and women.

Every Saturday in September: Night Swim, Palm Springs Surf Club

Even California’s desert offers visitors a way to ride the waves. Head to Southern California’s first wave pool located in Palm Springs for machine-generated swells great for beginners and experienced surfers alike. During the month of September, the club is also hosting adults-only twilight swims that include access to the lazy river, island pool, and restaurant where food and drinks are available for purchase.