The Ultimate Big Sur Surf Guide

Along the Northern Coast of California there is a hidden gem, a camping oasis, filled with uncrowded breaks and waves in all shapes and sizes known as Big Sur.

As you drive down Highway 1 the busy landscape becomes muted by the endlessly beautiful backdrop of untouched coast and untamed wooden groves.

This expanse of land seems so distant from the crowded towns that cover the California Coast.

Big Sur is an unprecedented naturalistic expanse, where the shoreline and woodland converge into a surfer's paradise. 

Big Sur Surf Guide

Waves in Big Sur

Big Sur offers a wide variety of beach breaks that will fit any level of surfer. From sand bar beach breaks to rocky big wave points, Big Sur offers an abundance of varied waves.

Unlike other more predictable spots around California Big Sur’s breaks can be fickle. The breaks along this coastline are heavily affected by the tides, wind, and swell direction, which will all be defining factors in creating a proper session with rideable waves.

The best time of year to surf in Big Sur is during the Fall or Winter, as the swell direction will mostly be coming from the northwest. This direction brings the most consistent and powerful waves to the shores of Big Sur, offering surfers a wealth of unforgettable rides. Although spring and summer can provide fun opportunities to surf, conditions are usually much smaller and heavily affected by the wind, leading to rough and choppy conditions. 

Surf Culture in Big Sur

The surf culture in Big Sur is unique compared to more populated surf destinations.

It’s a place where solitude meets adventure, and while localism exists at some breaks, respect, and etiquette go a long way.

The remote nature of Big Sur means you won’t find crowded lineups, but you also won’t find lifeguards or surf shops nearby.

Surfers here value conservation and preservation, so keeping beaches clean and respecting the environment is essential.

These breaks are mostly empty but when encountering another surfer, always lead with respect.

Many locals in the area have surfed these breaks for years and are used to an atmosphere built on the preservation of peace. Keeping this peace is mandatory surf etiquette when surfing uncrowded breaks, as there will always be another wave for you to catch. 

Gear Breakdown

The brisk waters of Big Sur will demand the proper gear for a comfortable time on your board.

It is recommended that every surfer wear a 4/3 mm wetsuit year-round, while a 5/4 mm is recommended for the frigid winter months.

Booties, hoods, and gloves are also great pieces of equipment to stay warm during Big Sur’s brisk breaks.

During the winter season, it is also advised to bring larger boards for bigger swell.

Short boards in the range of 6’1 to 6’7 are perfect for the punchier steep breaks that fill Big Sur’s coastline.

Longboards are recommended during the spring and summer seasons for smaller but lengthy waves.

Best Surf Spots in Big Sur

Sand Dollar Beach

Sand Dollar Beach is a great place to start your Big Sur surfing adventure. The waves are beginner-friendly and manageable for all skill levels.

Surfers will be greeted by a sandy bottom when the inevitably free-fall ensues, giving a comforting descent with little consequence.

This spot features rights and lefts down the coast, resulting in minimal crowds with a wide array of peaks to choose from.

Surfers must be careful of the strong rip currents that riddle this break and come prepared to paddle.

The scenery of this locale is picturesque with a giant rock mound standing defiantly in the murky depths of Sand Dollar’s brisk waters, making it a great spot even for non-surfers. 

Andrew Molera

Andrew Molera offers one of the most consistent and accessible surf spots in Big Sur.

However, getting to the break can be quite a task, as a long hike along a trail and a river crossing are involved.

Once this venture through the woodland landscape is finished you will find an unforgettable expanse of coast brimming with waves for experienced surfers.

The waves here vary depending on the sandbars but generally offer fun lefts and rights for intermediate to advanced surfers.

This break works best when hit with a northwest-facing swell, combined with a mid-tide it will offer a great balance of clean and rideable waves.

It is recommended surfers bring a shorter board for the steeper and fast-paced conditions. 

Willow Creek

Willow Creek is a rocky point break that delivers powerful waves when the conditions align. It’s one of the easier surf spots to access, with a parking lot right off Highway 1.

However, the paddle-out can be challenging due to strong currents, meaning a degree of skill is needed to take on this spot. Willow Creek is an exposed reef break meaning surfers with an intermediate and advanced level of skill will be best suited to have an enjoyable time.

This spot works best on medium to large northwest swells. There are both left and right reef breaks that fill this spot, requiring a board of smaller and quicker stature. Shortboards will lead to the most effective and satisfying time when surfing the fast-breaking waves that are conjured by Willow Creek's reefs. 

What To Do in Big Sur When the Waves are Flat

Even if the surf isn’t firing, Big Sur has plenty more activities to offer travelers who are in search of adventure.

Hiking trails fill the woodland forests that surround this landscape, offering trails such as Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or McWay Falls.

These hikes provide beautiful coastal views while giving travelers a great workout to pair. For people looking for a relaxing time, a trip to Sykes Hot Springs is recommended.

Although this trek isn’t for the faint of heart–being a 19.7-mile out-and-back hike– the reward of the hot springs is well worth the effort. For wildlife connoisseurs, there are many points along Highway 1 to stop and watch the sea otters, whales, and elephant seals that inhabit Big Sur’s coastline. 

Surfing Big Sur

Big Sur is a rare gem along California’s northern coast, offering a secluded wave-ridden surf haven, where uncrowded surf breaks meet breathtaking scenery.

As Highway 1 winds through the green expanse of Big Sur, the noise of California’s busy cities fades into the background, replaced by untouched coastlines and dense forests.

Big Sur remains an unspoiled sanctuary where the ocean and wilderness merge into a surfer's dream.

For those seeking uncrowded breaks, scenic coastal views, or just a short escape from civilization, this stretch of coast is the perfect destination for adventure-driven solitude.