This summer, we’re all encouraged to get outside while still maintaining social distance. So, what better way to do that then head to the beach and jump on a surfboard? From beginner beaches to advanced monster waves, we’ve rounded up the best places to surf on the West Coast.

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Washington

where to surf west coast — Photo Credit: Magic Seaweed

La Push, First Beach

Grab your bluefin cruise paddle board and keep an eye out for sharks, and other debris in the water. This is one of the best places to surf because its not crowded. In addition, the waves are usually mild at this beach.

Long Beach Peninsula, Lead Better Point State Park

With waves breaking all around the peninsula, it’s a lovely spot for hearty beginners. Be careful about both riptides and sharks while in the water.

Makah Bay, Waatch

Tough to get to, but never any crowds. The water’s cold, and you have to watch out for sharks, but for solitary surfing in some beautiful scenery, it can’t be beaten.

Westport, South Bay

Depending on the day, you’ll find either tunnel waves or slight waves ideal for longboards.

Oregon

Devils Point, Seaside

This local beach is the perfect surfers destination because the waves break in perfect tubes and you’ll rarely find a crowd.

Short Sands, Smuggler Cove

Good, reliable surf that’s perfect for beginners to get experience and still fun for more advanced surfers.

Ocean Vista, Seaside

The surf’s always rough, but sometimes it can be the best on the coast. Surfers have to paddle out strong and watch out for waves that can pull them into the rocks.

Indian Beach, Ecola State Park

A quiet beach with fun waves. Don’t be surprised if the scenery looks familiar; it’s the setting for The Goonies‘ last scene.

Northern Coast, California

Patricks Point, Humboldt County

Only advanced surfers should head into the water during a severe swell at Patrick’s Point; the waves go from 6-feet to over 20-feet fast. But the sparse beach crowd and low hazards in the water make it a prime surfing spot.

Whaler Island, Del Norte

Wait for a low incoming tide to catch this spot at its best with reef break waves.

Bay Area, California

Ocean Beach, San Francisco

With mild crowds and beach break waves that can swell up to 20-feet, this beach area’s best suited for advanced surfers.

Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz

This surf spot is part of the O’Neill Cold Water Classic. There’s easy access, but the beach can get crowded, and locals dominate the point break waves. Surfers should have some experience before paddling out here.

Mavericks, San Mateo

A legendary big wave spot on the West Coast, right in Half Moon Bay. Only for advanced surfers, the hazards include the rocky reef bottom, riptides, and sharks. But worth the risk, as waves reach over 15-feet tall.

RCA, Marin County

Paddle out at mid- or high-tide for fast waves. While there are sharks in the area, there’s never a crowd on the beach. Only surfers with experience should head into the water at RCA.

Central Coast, California

Photo Credit: Santa Barbara Surfing Facebook Page

Sandspit, Santa Barbara

This spot can get busy with experienced surfers fighting over the big swells. Watch out for the jetty, if you miss a wave the backwash can force you into the rocks.

Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo

This empty beach with a sand bottom has reliable three to six-foot waves.

Big Sur, Monterey

Plan a weekend of camping and hiking along with surfing this spot in Monterey. Keep an eye out for sharks, riptides, and seals in the hazardous waters.

Carmel by the Sea, Monterey

The crowded beach is an excellent spot for beginner surfers to spend some time on the waves. There aren’t many hazards, but polluted water can be a problem.

Southern Coast, California

Rincon, Ventura

One of the best surfing spots on the West Coast, three areas with unique waves make up Rincon. The Indicator is the most exposed part of the break, but you can ride it all the way down the point to The Cove. The River Mouth is the most crowded, and beginners should head straight to The Cove.