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Best surfing destinations in North America

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Oahu
Hawaii’s Vibrant Island Adventure
8.9
Famous for its North Shore, this island has well known breaks such as Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay. Big waves arrive on the north shore from November to March. The Triple Crown of Surfing contest takes place there in November and December. In summer the south shore near Waikiki has gentle waves for beginners.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the iconic Waikiki Beach and soak up sun
  • 🤿 Snorkel among vibrant fish at Hanauma Bay Marine Park
  • 🌄 Hike to the summit of Diamond Head for sunrise views
Maui
Island of Sun, Surf and Serenity
8.8
Compared with Oahu, this island has smaller crowds at most breaks, along with famous big wave spots. Jaws at Pe'ahi can produce winter waves over 15 metres for expert surfers. Honolua Bay on the northwest coast is a classic right point break in winter. Beginner lessons are common at Kihei on the south shore.
Highlights:
  • 🐢 Snorkel with turtles at Molokini Crater reef
  • 🚗 Drive the scenic and winding Road to Hana
  • 🌄 Watch sunrise atop Haleakalā volcano summit
San Diego
California's perfect weather playground
7.5
Temperatures are mild all year in this city, with highs from about 19 to 25 degrees Celsius. Water ranges from about 14 to 21 degrees Celsius, so wetsuits are common most of the year. Windansea in La Jolla and Black's Beach are known for powerful winter waves. Pacific Beach has beginner surf schools.
Highlights:
  • 🦭 Relax at La Jolla Cove and watch sea lions bask
  • 🚢 Visit the historic USS Midway Museum on Navy Pier
  • 🦓 Explore the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park
Hawaii
Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders
8.8
Surfing, called he'e nalu in Hawaiian, was practised here for centuries and was once a sport of chiefs. Big waves reach the north shores from November to March. Visitors should respect local surfers, wait their turn and follow lineup etiquette. Waves are smaller and gentler on south shores in summer.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the Na Pali Coast trail on Kauai
  • 🐠 Snorkel among colorful coral reefs in Hanauma Bay
  • 🌋 Watch sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā Volcano
Tofino
Wild Pacific, Rainforest, Endless Waves
8.1
Surfers in this town wear thick wetsuits, hoods and boots all year because the water is cold. Cox Bay and Chesterman Beach have sandy bottoms and waves for all levels. Tofino is beside Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Storm watching in winter draws crowds to the coast. Surf schools rent boards and wetsuits.
Highlights:
  • 🐋 Go whale watching in Clayoquot Sound waters
  • 🥾 Explore Pacific Rim National Park Reserve trails
  • 🏄‍♂️ Surf the waves at famous Chesterman Beach
Nosara
Serene beachside village with lush rainforest
8.9
Surfers and yoga students have visited this small town for decades. Playa Guiones is a long beach with consistent waves for all levels. Sandy bottoms and gentle waves make it popular with beginners. Surf schools and board rental shops are along the beach road. Howler monkeys and sea turtles live nearby.
Highlights:
  • 🧘‍♀️ Take a sunrise yoga class on the beach
  • 🌿 Explore rainforest trails in Ostional Nature Reserve
  • 🏄‍♂️ Ride waves at Nosara's legendary Playa Guiones
El Salvador
Land of volcanoes and pupusas
6.1
Water along this country's Pacific coast is near 28 degrees Celsius all year. Swells are largest from April to October, which is also the rainy season. Punta Roca near La Libertad is a long right point break for experienced surfers. Sunzal, Las Flores and El Zonte offer waves for different levels.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Joya de Cerén
  • 🏞️ Relax by the turquoise waters of Lake Coatepeque
  • 🌋 Climb Santa Ana Volcano for panoramic views
Nicaragua
Tropical beauty with volcanic charm
6.7
Located between Costa Rica and Honduras, this country has a long Pacific coast with warm water. Offshore winds are steady in the dry season, so wave faces are clean. Popoyo, Playa Maderas and Playa Hermosa have waves for beginners and experts. San Juan del Sur is a popular base with surf camps.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Kayak around the tiny islets of Lake Nicaragua
  • 🏘️ Wander through the colorful colonial streets of Granada
  • 🏂 Hike up Cerro Negro volcano and try volcano boarding
California
Golden State of Endless Experiences
8.7
With about 1,350 kilometres of coastline, this state has surf towns and breaks for every level. Malibu, Huntington Beach and Trestles are classic Southern California surf spots. Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz is a famous point break. Mavericks near Half Moon Bay has giant winter waves for experts. Wetsuits are needed in the north.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive the stunning Pacific Coast Highway from LA to Big Sur
  • 🏞️ Explore Yosemite National Park’s waterfalls and granite cliffs
  • 🌉 Stroll across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Barbados
Tropical paradise with year-round sunshine
8.1
As the easternmost island in the Caribbean, this island gets Atlantic swells on its east coast. Soup Bowl in Bathsheba is a fast reef break for experienced surfers. Beginners can learn on the gentler waves of the south coast at Freights Bay. The main season runs from November to March.
Highlights:
  • 🥃 Tour the historic Mount Gay Rum Distillery
  • 🐢 Snorkel with sea turtles in Carlisle Bay’s clear waters
  • 🏖️ Relax on the powdery white sands of Crane Beach
Puerto Escondido
Coastal charm with vibrant local markets
8.2
As a beach town on the Oaxaca coast, this place is known for Zicatela, nicknamed the Mexican Pipeline. Zicatela has powerful barrelling waves that suit experts, with big swells in the summer months. Carrizalillo Beach is a sheltered cove with gentler waves for beginners. La Punta has surf shops and cafes.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Hike to hidden Playa Carrizalillo for sunrise
  • 🤿 Snorkel colorful reefs near Manzanilla Island
  • 🏄‍♂️ Surf massive waves at Zicatela Beach
Bocas del Toro
Tropical Bliss in Panama
7.7
Laid back and tropical, this Caribbean archipelago in northwest Panama has reef breaks near small islands. Bluff Beach on Isla Colón has powerful waves and a long sandy shore. Boats take surfers to reef breaks such as Carenero, Dumpers and Silverback. Waves are largest from December to March. Reefs are shallow, so beginners need lessons.
Highlights:
  • 🐸 Spot elusive red frogs in their rainforest habitat
  • 🌟 Relax on the pristine sands of Starfish Beach
  • 🤿 Snorkel vibrant coral reefs at Isla Bastimentos Marine Park
Waikiki Beach
Iconic Surf and Sun Paradise
Located on the south shore of Oahu next to Honolulu, this beach has gentle waves that suit beginners. Surf breaks such as Canoes and Queens have long, rolling waves for longboards. Waves are largest in summer, when swells arrive from the south. A statue of Duke Kahanamoku, a surfing pioneer, stands on the beach.
Highlights:
  • 🐢 Swim and snorkel with sea turtles nearby
  • 🌅 Enjoy a sunset catamaran cruise along the coast
  • 🏄‍♂️ Take a surfing lesson on iconic Waikiki Beach
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