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 Sept. 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.
Sept. 4–7: U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships, Oceanside
Elite adaptive athletes will gather on the north side of Oceanside Pier for the final event of the championship world tour. Nine divisions include contests for wave skiing, standing, kneeling, and assisted and unassisted prone surfing, as well as competitions for the blind and visually impaired.
Sept. 7: Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon, Del Mar
Hang 10 with man’s best friend at Del Mar Dog Beach in North San Diego County, where dozens of pups angle for top honors in their weight class. Judges will score their ability to ride the waves and stay on the board, adding extra points for flair—including costumes, tricks, and tandem rides. This year also includes a “classic Americana” costume contest.
Sept. 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. 14–16, 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.
Sept. 27: 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.
Sept. 13–20: Solento Surf Festival, Encinitas
The weeklong celebration in Encinitas kicks off with a Seaside Beach takeover event on Sept. 13 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.
Sept. 19–21: 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.
Sept. 13: 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.
Sept. 26–28: Queen of the Point Women's Longboarding Event, Ventura
This late-September weekend-long contest is a spirited celebration of board artistry, camaraderie, and California surf culture. Drawing competitors from junior to pro divisions, Queen of the Point showcases grace, style, and passion on Ventura’s iconic C-Street break. The pro division is invitation only; the amateur competitors' age brackets run from 10 and under to over 50.
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.