The Best Surfing Spots in the Santa Barbara Area
Looking for the best surfing spots in Santa Barbara? Look no further! This blog post will feature some of the best places to catch a wave in this area. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, pack your board and get ready to hit the waves!
Rincon Point
Also known as "The Queen of the Coast," Rincon Point is a true surfing paradise for those looking for an authentic experience. The wave break here is world-class, making it a popular spot for surfers, including professional surfer Kelly Slater. It has three popular take-off spots: The Indicator, The River Mouth, and The Cove.
Sandspit
The Sandspit in Santa Barbara, also known as Santa Barbara Harbor beach, was formed by the construction of a breakwater for the harbor in 1929. Sandspit is a great surf spot in the winter. However, it may not be suitable for beginners due to its strong waves and backwash. Experienced surfers can look forward to long-spinning tubes at this location. Sandspit can indicate great surfing conditions at other nearby breaks.
Leadbetter Point
Leadbetter beach, located near Santa Barbara Harbor and City College, is a popular spot for tourists, locals, and college students, making it one of the busiest beaches in the area. The beach features green grass, a sandy shoreline, and ocean views, and the amenities include restrooms, picnic areas, grills, and lifeguard stations. Leadbetter Point is a great spot for beginner surfers, as it offers small waves perfect for improving surf skills. The location is also popular with stand-up paddlers, longboarders, and those looking to soak up some sun on the beach.
Campus Point
A surfing spot at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Campus Point (also known as Goleta Point), is popular among beginners, especially during the summer. The waves here can be inconsistent and unreliable, but it is a great surfing spot when the conditions are good, and it's ranked as one of the top spots in the area as It has potential for good barrels. It is conveniently located near UCSB's dorms, but this also means it can get crowded with new surfers on big days. The Campus Point Beach located on the east side of Campus Point, only exists during low tide. If you walk east, you'll end up at Goleta Beach, while heading west takes you to Depressions Beach.
Hammonds Point
Photo courtesy of SBCALSURFER
Hammond's beach, located in the affluent community of Montecito, has no amenities but attracts local surfers. It is near Miramar Beach, home to a luxury resort, but offers a more secluded experience. The best time to surf is at a medium tied.
Channel Islands
Also known as "the Galapagos Islands of North America," the Channel Islands offer an incredible surfing experience and many other activities. There are a lot of hidden surf spots in and around but for experienced surfers only. These spots have strong currents, exposed breaks, and rocky reefs, making them potentially dangerous for those not experts. The islands are also great places to spot whales, dolphins, and other marine life.
Jalama Beach Park
Photo courtesy of SBCALSURFER
For those looking for a more challenging surfing experience, Jalama Beach Park, located north of Point Conception, is a great option. The beach and reef breaks at this location are often exposed to strong winds, so it is recommended for more experienced surfers. It may be a bit off the beaten path, but the payoff is worth it.
El Capitán State Beach
El Capitan, also known as "El Cap" to locals, has the potential for a serious barrel. The waves here are inconsistent but can break for hundreds of yards when conditions are right. The best time of the year to surf here is winter, and the best swell direction comes from the west combined with an offshore wind blow from the north.
Surf Schools in Santa Barbara
If you're looking for a great school to learn how to surf or want to take your surfing to the next level, here are some of the best surf lessons providers in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Surf School
736 Carpinteria St Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 708-9878
https://www.santabarbarasurfschool.com
Daily Schedule: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
iSurf
(805) 699-5371
https://www.isurfschool.com
Daily Schedule: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Weekend Schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Surf Happens
3825 Santa Claus Ln, Carpinteria, CA 93013, United States
805-203-0946
https://surfhappens.com
Daily Schedule: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Santa Barbara Adventure Company
10 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
805-699-5371
http://santabarbarasurfadventures.com
Daily Schedule: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
A-Frame Surf
3785 Santa Claus Ln, Carpinteria, CA 93013, United States
805-684-8803
https://www.aframesurf.com
Daily Schedule: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Channel Islands Expeditions
301 W Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara, CA 93109
(805) 899-4925
https://explorechannelislands.com
Daily Schedule: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Surf County
109 S Fairview Ave Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 683-4450
http://www.surfcountrygoleta.com
Daily Schedule: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Surf Santa Barbara
805-636-0295
https://www.surfsantabarbara.com
Daily Schedule: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Gold Coast Surf School
16 Helena Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 9 3101, United States
805-570-4122
https://www.goldcoastsurfschool.com
Daily Schedule: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Surf N Wear's The Beach House
10 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
805-963-1281
Daily Schedule: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Weekend Schedule (Fri & Sat): 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Summary
Santa Barbara is an excellent place for surfing, with plenty of spots to choose from that cater to all levels of experience. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an experienced surfer looking for a challenge, there's something for everyone in this scenic coastal town. And if you're not up for braving the waves yourself, no problem - plenty of surf schools are ready and waiting to teach you everything you need to know. If you're considering taking up surfing, planning a trip, or moving here to Santa Barbara, be sure to check out our other community blogs for more information on the best places to go and things to do in this beautiful California beach town.