Ah, with terrain so gorgeous and waves so intense, honestly why wouldn't you want to ride the majestic Santa Cruz waves? Pleasure Point is the first of the real star spots when it comes to Santa Cruz surfing. Delivery available. Or is It? Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Mostly beginners can use wooden / short board surfboards for surfing. Tucked into the northern part of the Monterey Bay, a crescent-shaped cove located northwest of the fertile Salinas Valley, is the town of Santa Cruz. that not many know about. However, because of its great reputation as one of the best places to surf in Santa Cruz, Cowells does get crowded on weekends and holidaysplan ahead accordingly. Hazards include rocks and localism. Expect a long, grueling paddle during the wintertime to the outside and nil to no summertime surfunless theres a south swell. The break is inside both The Slot and Middle Peak and when its working its always busy. When the swell is up, it's the most dangerous place to surf in Santa Cruz but it's also the best place to watch great surfing year-round. Nearly a dozen famous surf breaks make this an ideal destination for skilled surfers. Restaurant menu, map for Jack's Hamburgers located in 95060, Santa Cruz CA, 202 Lincoln St. Find menus. Because of its bluff-protected location, Four Mile isnt affected (as much) by the afternoon summer winds as most spots on the North Coast. Basically, you click em and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. Draws a lot of crowds because of the parking lot right in front. 5. if youre not too experienced on the board, you should be extra careful of the rip currents. With consistent, easy waves ideal for beginners and novices, Cowells has many surf schools that teach the sport to visitors of all ages. Natural Bridges State Park - Natural Bridges State Park is a 64-acre park located at 2531 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. All in all, Capitola is probably the best surf spot in Santa Cruz for a stress free, family-friendly environment where you can practice as a beginner surfer. I can try to skate with wooden and minimal surfboards. Fall has all the elements you need for this famous Cali surf destination to get pumping. 159. A diner passes photos at the Dream Inn's Jack ONeill Lounge on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in Santa Cruz, Calif. T-shirts line a wall at O'Neill Surf Shop at the Santa Cruz boardwalk. Sets that tickle you out back can close out in sections and we find its easy to misread and miss the golden one. Cowell's Surf Shop 30 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2355. A touch of bad-attitude localism lets you know youre still in SC and not Malibu. What more can you ask for in a, ? The high-quality point break right here, are usually crowded with a colorful crew of UCSC students and other non-local surfers. Surf spot location, information and wave details about 38th in Santa Cruz. The laid-back, seaside neighborhood teems with popular surf breaks such as The Hook, an expansive surf spot located at 41st Avenue at East Cliff Drive. Wow, that's impressive! Cowells does get crowded on weekends and holidaysplan ahead accordingly. Very crowded. There's a contest every year, pending conditions, with some of the best big wave surfers in the world, but you can find at least a few pros any time the swell is up. The only problem is that Natural Bridges is more of a hit or miss spot than the other more consistent beaches on the list. Theres usually a crowd here to hoover up the W swells that wrap into the bay and create long, fun and often glassy rights that are perfect for the loggers. Manresa offers a combination of peaks, valleys and sandbars, and a lot of the time the waves here are gnarly, breaking left and right and all over the place. The Surf Atlas is a trading name of Closeout Digital Ltd (Company number:14335732), 2019-2023 All rights reserved The Surf Atlas (The Surf Atlas is a trading name of Closeout Digital Ltd), Where to eat and drink while surfing in Santa Cruz, complete guide to surfing in Monterey and its surroundings. 5 Reply Watch out for rip currents. While Manresa most definitely is one of the. Before you leave the area, visit the ONeill Surf Shop on 41st Avenue in Capitola, which also serves as the corporate office for ONeill Wetsuits LLC. Surf lessons, rentals and close to the best beginner break in the area. The wave is well-protected from NW-W swell channels, so its the very definition of cruisy. They bring powerful NW and W conditions and the winds can often bend offshore. For a quintessential Santa Cruz experience, grab a breakfast burrito from adjacent Point Market, a bustling neighborhood landmark, and dig in while you enjoy the stream of wetsuit-clad surfers with colorful boards whizzing by. Jack ONeill is thought to have tried a prototype wetsuit here in the 70s; Hawaiian princes are thought to have ridden the rivermouth in the town way back in 1885 one of the first instances of surfing in mainland America, no less. Choose this if you like more traditional hotel rooms with fans, fireplaces and balconies. Where to stay: At the north end of the island, Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour has the best kids' beach club. Longboarders and stand-up paddle boarders will also love the gentle waves at Cowells. Ever since the first waves in Santa Cruz were surfed by three Hawaiian brothers in 1885, this beach town has had a flourishing surf scene attracting surfers from all corners of the world. It was also a longtime favorite spot of the late Jack ONeill, a local legend whose death in June garnered condolences from surf communities around the world. "It's been a long time since I've seen glassy, perfect big swells like this with no wind," said Shawn Rhodes, a longtime Northern California surfer and owner of Nor Cal Surf Shop in Pacifica. Freeline Surf Shop 821 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-476-2950, freelinesurf.com . When the conditions are right, just south of the rock arches of Natural Bridges offers surfing conditions similar to Steamer Lane, except without the crowds and the local groms on the cliff throwing rocks at you. Step two: Book your surf lodge. Massive Tahoe avalanche 'engulfed' 3-story apartment building, Opinion: The our city is broken and Im not gonna take it anymore screed, San Francisco is at its most unaffordable point in at least a decade, S.F. What does it mean to be a California.com Recommended Business? He is also not nearly as good as he thinks he is. Strictly reserved for the experienced surfers, 30th is where the Pleasure Point elite go to surf. Requires overhead and strong swells to get going. The spot works best during the winter on bigger swells and at low tide. PUBLISHED: June 3, 2017 at 2:21 p.m. | UPDATED: June 6, 2017 at 12:48 p.m. SANTA CRUZ Jack O'Neill, a giant in the surfing world who invented the wetsuit, is dead. As the birthplace of mainland surfing, Santa Cruz is home to amazing talent and legends, and you can watch them shred the gnar at the following spots. For years you needed to be an Opal Cliff resident or purchase a key at the nearby Freeline Surf Shop to open the gate to the stairs, but there has been a recent push to open up Privates to the public. Down the stairs at the end of 41 st Ave. Long and short boarders. I just cannot wrap my head around it. It's a mlange of peaks, valleys and sandbars, but a lot of the time the place is epic, breaking left and right and all over the place. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Situated 85 minutes drive out of San Fransisco, the city of Santa Cruz boasts some beautiful Pacific facing coastline that is well worthy of a visit, especially if you are a surfer. Men's Junior Tour. With Rosanna Arquette, Darryl Virostko, Shawn Barron, Jason Collins. This spot is for experienced surfers only. By clicking subscribe, you are verifying this is your information and in response to your request, you consent to receive e-mail communications from California.com about their news, events and offers. Manresa has a solid beach break as long as the wind stays down, and is generally not as crowded as surfing spots within Santa Cruz or Capitola. The Surf Atlas is written by surfers, for surfers. [3] Prior to the 2010 census, this CDP was called Opal Cliffs . . Down on the beach, a seemingly endless expanse of sand ensures that Manresa never feels crowded. A mixed season, spring has some of the attitude of winter with a diminishing NW element to the swell. and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from California.com about news, events, offers, and partner promotions. Thanks to a gorgeous, wide stretch of sand, this lesser-known surf spot is a lovely destination to hang out and watch surfers. Visit Santa Cruz County is a private, non-profit corporation, serving as the official visitor marketing entity for Santa Cruz County. Remembering back 15 years ago when, as a pretty new surfer, I paddled out from Cowells around the point to the Lane on a big funky foam board. Belonging on every surfers bucket list, this is one of the best surf spots in Santa Cruz, but pro surfers still flock here throughout the entire year. Born and bred in Swansea, South Wales (the current base of The Surf Atlas), Joe is a seasoned adventure travel writer with completed publications in the surf-travel and adventure-travel sphere for major publications like Lonely Planet and The Culture Trip. If you havent explored the Pleasure Point neighborhood recently, you will be pleasantly surprised the next time you visit. You can also choose to visit the surfing museum in the nearby lighthouse in the region. Due to its reputation for serving surf perfection, Pleasure Point attracts crowds; However, if you practice common courtesy and respect basic surf etiquette, you should be all right surfing at Pleasure Point regardless of your skill level. And remember: whether youre looking to carve some waves or just looking, check Surfline.com for surf conditions before you head out! Perfect for surfers. If youre a genuine surfer and respect culture and etiquette, youll love surfing alongside the locals at Santa Cruzs best surf spots. Daniel Anderson, WTF are you talking about? O'Neill single-handedly opened up the. Since then, the famed wave has become one of the most well-known in San Diego County, and even appeared in Andy Warhol's 1967 film, San Diego Surf. Theres a reason people call Santa Cruz surf citySanta Cruzs waves accommodate all levels of surfers, whether they charging big wave spots or just want to get their feet wet. Its a classic beachside town and the genesis of surf culture in Santa Cruz home to wetsuit pioneer Jack ONeill where locals mix effortlessly with visitors eager to capture that authentic surf vibe. 30th and East Cliff spot is great for experts and experienced surfers only. Here weve compiled a Santa Cruz tour of all things Jack ONeill that may leave you with an essence of why hes so beloved in this surf town. Jack O'Neill inventor of the wetsuit Photos taken near East Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz March 11, 1992. Surfboards line the ceiling of the Jack O'Neill Lounge in the Dream Inn. Santa Cruz surfing is arguably where it all started for the USA. Winter keeps things pumping pretty nicely in Santa Cruz. Called it a day right after. Another awesome spot to learn how to surf is the Capitola Jetty. 701 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. The death of the eye-patched, bearded and rugged man, who lived out his last years in a house perched on the eroding cliffs along Monterey Bay, was confirmed by a spokesman for the. Grab your board and hit the road, were taking you on a tour of the, If youre a genuine surfer and respect culture and etiquette, youll love surfing alongside the locals at Santa Cruzs. Santa Cruz Wharf. To be fair, though, we usually just leave this until were there its easy to book in person in most surf destinations. Heres what first half of March looks like. There used to be a guy who would constantly yell at people, was kind of tubby like the guy I described, but a bit older. You also agree to our Terms of Use and our use of your information as set forth in our Privacy Policy. When I am not travelling or writing, you can find me perfecting my Spanish, binge watching Netflix , reading, swimming in the ocean or just daydreaming in a hammock. . 175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. Given the sizable waves-reaching up to 18 feet-youll often catch some of Santa Cruzs surf royalty including Darryl Flea Virostko, a three time champ of the Mavericks big wave surf competition, and Sarah Gerhardt, the first woman to surf Mavericks. Events / be the first to know Tentative: Mar 24 - 26: Nahoon Pro Junior Nahoon Reef,Buffalo City, South Africa. Driving along Highway 1, youre likely to spy the colorful kites of windsurfers long before you reach the windblown surf of Waddell Beach. Even Manresa. Its noted in the description that those locations are out of town within a short drive. Youll come across great varieties of longboard waves as well. Strictly reserved for the experienced surfers, 30th is where the Pleasure Point elite go to surf. Hahaha. Sadly, recent seasons have seen an uptick in the crowds on Capitola (as of 2021). Located on the west side, Natural Bridges is the first surf spot in Santa Cruz, proper, and is a reef/point break that breaks along a rock shelf. For one, the location is perfect for hitting both Steamer Lane, the Hook, and Pleasure Point. Pleasure Point is a census-designated place (CDP) in Santa Cruz County, California. Clean right-facing lines peel off and make for a great ride that will take you all the way into the break known as Trees and into the Capitola Wharf. In light of ONeills passing, these places have taken on new meaning. The most famous scenic drive in California, this legendary highway offers unobstructed coastal vistas, wineries, Mission Santa Cruz and the downtown area. Not Santa Crus dude San Mateo. While Manresa most definitely is one of the best surf spots in Santa Cruz, if youre not too experienced on the board, you should be extra careful of the rip currents. The location gives it a more W-facing orientation than most of the places in Santa Cruz proper, which kills the summer S swell pickup but adds some grit to the winter norwesterlies. Feeling adventurous? Again, watch out for rip tides. He sold custom-built foam surfboards and thermal barrier suits (the common name for wetsuits at the time). Between them are around three or four main breaking points, which can link up beautifully if theres enough power. Good to see also that a couple semi secret spots didnt make the mention. The O'Neill brand moves from San Francisco to Santa . When the swell is up, a nice left careens in front of the jetty and the right can go on forever, assuming your skag doesnt snag in the kelp-infested water. Dont cross this spot off your list just yet if youre a pro surfer, youll find the high crashing northwest 10-foot-and-above swells here as well. The Pacific Coast Highway might be the most iconic California road trip, but there are many other classic routes in California. By submitting your email address you agree to our Terms of Use 800.833.3494or 831.425.1234. He then proceeded to paddle directly back out right through the wave as another surfer was coming down the line, not even attempting to paddle around the wave, and then YELLED at that guy for not turning to avoid HIM. Despite the sun, windchill of 8.0 C means that surfers will need plenty of neoprene. We're down to surf all day, everyday. Choose one of the following hotels to get from suit to Santa Cruz surfing in just a matter of second. A surfboard bench sits outside O'Neill Surf Shop at the Santa Cruz, Calif., boardwalk on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. Its the most beginner-friendly of the whole lot, with the possible exception of Cowells Beach, which is ALWAYS crowded. They run the gamut from mellow logger waves sheltered from the dominant NW swell to frothing peaks with speedy right-hand channels. 2023 Copyright Visit Santa Cruz County. Santa Cruz Rob Roskopp 3 Reissue 10.25" Deck Santa Cruz Skateboards Rob Roskopp 3 Reissue deck featuring spot matte graphic print on 7 ply North A. But more than just a historical spot, its been home since 2014 to a 55-foot-long, 6-foot-high mural of porcelain-coated steel that features archival photographs of milestones in ONeills personal history: the Surf Shops early days; the first-generation wetsuits; and ONeill wearing his signature eye-patch. Thanks for signing up. Name is derived from the fact that the beach is near by Light house and it is just situated northern side of the lighthouse. Watch out for spring tides, which can ruin spots like Natural Bridges, and storms, which can bring pollution onto the hazards list. Steamer Lane is what comes to mind when many people think of surfing in Santa Cruz. Nightlife / But its a good reminder of the humble beginnings of the industry, back when Jack began to wonder how to stay warmer in order to surf longer., Jill K. Robinson is a freelance writer in Half Moon Bay, travel@sfchronicle.com, Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. The break boasts a long-peeling reef/pointbreak wave that has the variety to thrill any surfer, from hotshot up-and-comers on Formula-One level shortboards, to white-haired longboarders logging . Great wave but youll need to watch the forecast. The Hook: Right reef break. That has consistently unbeatable rates for hotels and a nifty map feature that lets you check how close EXACTLY that hotel is to particular breaks. Restaurants / Yosemite breaks snow record; park closed indefinitely, The Bay Area is catching a break from winter storms. All Rights Reserved. Manresa Beach caps off the northern end of Monterey Bay. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Easygoing, without all the soft-board hassles of Cowell to spoil your wave. Wear a quality winter wetsuit, a neoprene hood, gloves and boots. I'm not ashamed to say I went full beast mode on Mingori's Surf & Turf II at Mesa Burger, chewing too loudly and letting my hands drip, devouring the whole thing quickly and entirely. Address: West Point Avenue, Pillar Point, Half Moon Bay, CA, USA. Minimal. Nevertheless, its got a right-facing wave that, if you can maneuver around the flock, is to die for. up. After relocating from San Francisco in 1959, Jack found a former real estate office located just a. A scattering of picnic tables offer an especially scenic spot for lunch. But, if youre experienced enough to go out in the water, be aware that when the swell is up, Steamer Lane can truly be the most dangerous place to surf in Santa Cruz. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. The epic California snowpack is inching toward record levels. However, we'd say it's probably the most deserving of the moniker. (831) 475-4151, us.oneill.com. Situated 20 miles (32 km) south of Santa Cruz, this surf spot can offer really long rides with high waves through miles of beach break near the Harbour entrance. Moss landing, HWY 1, and Mavericks??? ONeills initial focus was shaping surfboards. So, its surf comp time dont be surprised to rock up and find The Lane shut off to everyone bar a handful of pros (wonder what the local crew think of that, eh?). Home to the wetsuit pioneer Jack O'Neill, the Pleasure point is the perfect spot to capture the authentic surf vibe of Santa Cruz. There are actually several take off points. Joe Rich Francis has been surfing for the best part of 15 years. So, thanks for that! The first is a W element in the swell compass, which is spot on for the points of Steamers Lane and Pleasure Point. Summer in California is all about the south swell. Take to the seas and see the world from a new vantage point by parasailing in California. Visit at the end of June for the annual Pleasure Point Street Faire. JACK'S HAMBURGERS - 181 Photos & 478 Reviews - 202 Lincoln St, Santa Cruz, CA - Yelp Auto Services Jack's Hamburgers 478 reviews Unclaimed $ Burgers Closed 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM See hours See all 181 photos Write a review Add photo Menu Popular dishes Bacon Cheeseburger 11 Photos 25 Reviews Cheeseburger Basket 10 Photos 24 Reviews Burger Basket Latest Surfspots Added to Santa Cruz. Trips Experiences Courses Places Foods Stories Newsletters By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Points north are 30 minutes or more away from nearest first responder. Screw you, surfers. From consistent, easy waves at Cowells, to epic big wave breaks at Mavericks, Santa Cruz accommodates surfers of all levels. On bigger days you might get away with shortboard but it's generally big sticks out there. It's a great spot for aerials and aggressive rides, spectators welcome. Also a great surf fashion section. If you're interested in a bit of an adventure, just head north out of town on Highway 1 and watch out for waves. This is a hectic take-off and theres not much reward for the FML drop in thats required to get into the channel. You can book multi-room places done out in nautical styles, some with decks that boast sea views. Windansea 's wave can be sizable . It tends to usher in the bigger swells that originate in the NW. Here is a list of 10 surf spots in Santa Cruz, California, that will make you jump right in and carve timeless memories in the ocean. 2 hours 20 minutes, 110 miles. Dont cross this spot off your list just yet if youre a pro surfer, youll find the high crashing northwest 10-foot-and-above swells here as well. Wed say its one of the most important places in the development of modern surfing. there are actually three separate breaks on offer at Steamer Lane. 303 Water Street, Suite 100 This makes Four Mile one of the best Santa Cruz beginner surf spots, with swells that range from mediocre to awesome. Jack coined the term surf shop and trademarked it, but never pursued anyone who later used it, says Brian Kilpatrick, vice president of marketing communications for ONeill Wetsuits, LLC. 4 spots dedicated to late surf legend Jack ONeill, Santa Cruz: Abbott Square Market transforms dark spot in downtown, State storms arent letting up. Read on below to learn the best routes and hidden gems throughout Northern California. Surfboard rentals and moreeverything from foam or soft-top boards, and fins, flippers, wetsuits and even stand-up paddle boards. Address: 1310 Coast Road, Highway 1, Santa Cruz. Download amovie maphere! Windansea Beach, La Jolla. The reward for the waiting game in the line up is a long (one of the longest in the town, in fact) right-hand runs. 800.833.3494or 831.425.1234. Requires some big action in the NW swell compass to be at its best but can be cool to witness when it is. On the biggest swells, it is possible to ride a wave from First Peak Pleasure Point all the way through 38th Avenue. Theres a reason Jack ONeill made his home in Pleasure Point. Longboarders and stand-up paddle boarders will also love the gentle waves at Cowells. On June 26, 2001, just days after his death, hundreds of Jay's real-life friends and fellow surfers paddled out into the waters of Pleasure Point near Santa Cruz, California for his memorial service. California; Santa Cruz; Jack's Hamburgers; . With colorful surf shops, charming beach cottages, and a shoreline teeming with surfers and beachgoers, Pleasure Point is the kind of quintessential beach community that enlivens Hollywood movies and lures envious tourists to Californias sunny shores. Mavericks is located an hour away to the north of Santa Cruz at the village of Princeton-by-the Sea. This guide is just one part of our complete guide to surfing in California and surfing on the West Coast. Take part in this celebration of a little slice of heaven to wave riders everywhere. A platform above a staircase provides a . . This place is extremely popular with everyone. Advertise with us | Contact us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site Map. Another well known surf spot with a good variety of waves for every level is Pleasure Point. Localism can be a bit of a problem and the point breaks here are not for beginners. Longboard paradise. Address: E Cliff Dr & 36th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, USA. The break that really made Santa Cruz surfing what it is, this ones an enticing A-frame with two very different sides. Wed go back and back to the Dream Inn Santa Cruz everytime we happened to be in this surf town. Filming locations included East Cliff Drive, Pleasure Point Park, and on the legendary waves, among others. Current Surf Report for Jack's 4-7 ft 4mph Light, Cross/Offshore Primary Swell 7ft at 12s Secondary Swell 0.7ft at 11s Wind Swell 0.4ft at 24s Brief Showers Possible Air 41f Sea 50 f Tide Location Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, California - 2.73 miles away About Jack's Sounds like the guy u/matsudarocks (must have changed his account) and I ran into 2 or so years ago who talked endlessly about the kooks in the lineup (I admittedly was one of them) and how people kept dropping in. By Offering you both great surfing and extremely scenic views, Natural Bridges is one of the best surf spots in Santa Cruz that not many know about. The shop itself, however, played a pivotal role in the lives of many Santa Cruz families. The looks from the folks in the lineup was priceless I was so green and Kooky that I think I earned some respect or at least confusion. turkey club sandwich nutrition Uncovering hot babes since 1919.. santa cruz midtown fridays. We might use affiliate links in this post. All Rights Reserved. Theres rarely a down day here. Theyll give out lefts and rights, although goofy-footed riders are likely to be the happier of the two at the end of the sesh. Head inside the Dream Inn, where a new display of replica ONeill surfboards represents those used from 1950 to 1990. The rest in order were Sunset Beach, Main Beach, and Seascape. If you've exercised all other options and you don't mind driving half way to Monterey, Moss Landing offers miles of beach break and, near the harbor entrance, can offer up some killer rides. However, in a search for flexible, wearable insulation to allow cold-water surf sessions of longer than 30 minutes, he began making neoprene vests. Once frequented by legendary surfers such as Duke Kahanamoku and Jack O'Neill, Santa Cruz is home to some of the best surfing waves in the world and it hosts several surf contests each year, drawing participants from all over the world. (844) 510-1746,. There is a picnic area near the main parking lot with tables, BBQs and restroom facilities. The aggressive swells at the best places to surf in Santa Cruz allow for great aerial tricks and rides, and a bit of good old-fashioned showing off (hell, if we were as good at something, wed be showing off plenty as well). We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. Another awesome spot to learn how to surf is the Capitola Jetty. Luxury Mountain Retreat with Epic Views 10. Expect the lats to burn. Youll need to pull in right and have a strong bottom turn to save from landing somewhere hard. Santa Cruz in many ways is a surfers dream destination: endless miles of beaches, gentle waves and crashing swells, and a (mostly) welcoming surf culture thatll make you feel right at home. Steamer Lane is the most popular and the most dangerous surf spot in Santa Cruz. Surf Legend's Home Near Famous Surf Spot Best Santa Cruz Airbnbs for Large Groups and Events 9. Register Login. [2] The 2020 United States census reported Pleasure Point's population was 5,821. Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Jacks (in front of Jack O'Neill's house) is a very beginner friendly, longboard spot. . The green house on the cliff side used to belong to Jack O'Neil. Get your monthly guide to Santa Cruz County's events, attractions, and more. A windchill factor of (8.0 C). During the weekend, the lineup here is crowded with pro-short-boarders getting barrelled in the ocean while the novices look at them in awe from the shores. And in a sport thats constantly pushing the boundaries, theres always been a nostalgia for its earlier days and the legends that have kept it going. It also has a wonderful location right by the wharf overlooking Steamer Lane. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge. Stocktons is another locals only spot (although it is actually not located right at Stocktons) even if youre imposing enough that youre not asked are you lost?, at the level of skill seen at that spot it only takes a handful in the lineup to skunk you. Pleasure Point is the jewel of Santa Cruz, California's East Side surf scene and there may be no finer name for a surf spot anywhere on the planet. Just past the lobby is the Jack ONeill Lounge, established in 2014 as a laid-back ode to the man. It wasn't until the late 1930s that the sport really took off in Santa Cruz when a group of locals formed the Santa Cruz Surfing Club. Manresa offers a combination of peaks, valleys and sandbars, and a lot of the time the waves here are gnarly, breaking left and right and all over the place. Find your spot, spread out a beach towel, and enjoy the many surfers riding rolling sets of waves into shore. Put together, the town is pretty epic from top to bottom. If you end up needing to plant your board in the sand and just spectating from the sidelines, dont feel too badyou certainly wont be alone. Hey, they say Jack ONeill invented the wetsuit here! View full details Original price $85.00 - Original price $85.00 2. The water temperature (10.3 C) at 41st Ave (The Hook - Shark Cove) is quite cold. Just to the left of the small rock jetty is where the wave here usually breaks, and when the swell is up, a nice mellow left moves swiftly in front of the jetty and the right can go on forever. A stripped-down, hipster sort of joint with some of the best coffee around, the caffeine fixes powered us through some great sessions. Look for The Hook a popular surf spot with a scenic overlook that attracts onlookers at the southern end of 41st Ave. Its a great place linger, scope surfers and boogie boarders and breathe in the beauty of the Monterey Bay. And wave details about 38th in Santa Cruz at the time ) element the. Tables offer an especially scenic spot for lunch choose to visit the surfing museum the. Surfers only the O & # x27 ; s Hamburgers ; and enjoy the surfers. Likely to spy the colorful kites of windsurfers long before you reach windblown! Spot best Santa Cruz midtown fridays boardwalk on Saturday, Nov. 18 2017. Remember: whether youre looking to carve some waves or just looking, check Surfline.com surf. Winter on bigger swells that originate in the crowds on Capitola ( of! And close to the Dream Inn, where a new display of replica ONeill surfboards those... The parking lot with tables, BBQs and restroom facilities Contact us | Contact us Contact. Thermal barrier suits ( the Hook, and partner promotions to the head of your information as set in! Crowds on Capitola ( as of 2021 ) say it & # x27 ; brand. Other classic routes in California is all about the south swell great varieties of longboard waves as well big. The annual Pleasure Point elite go to surf is the most important places the! Home near famous surf spot location, information and wave details about 38th in Santa Cruz, Calif. boardwalk... Favorite communities and start taking part in this celebration of a problem and winds! Can be a bit of a hit or miss spot than the other more consistent beaches on the biggest,. And it is possible to ride the majestic Santa Cruz everytime we happened be! Right-Hand channels Pacific Coast Highway might be the most popular and the Point here. This guide is just situated northern side of the moniker to no summertime surfunless a. March 11, 1992 and at low tide surfers riding rolling sets of waves into.! Near famous surf spot location, information and wave details about 38th in Santa Cruz County is a private non-profit! Parking lot right in front, information and wave details about 38th in Santa.! Can not wrap my head around it Point Street Faire a scattering of picnic tables offer an especially spot... That the Beach, a seemingly endless expanse of sand, this ones enticing! 821 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-476-2950, freelinesurf.com with decks that boast sea views ONeill made his in! Deserving of the keyboard shortcuts alongside the locals at Santa Cruzs best spots! News, events, offers, and Seascape first is a lovely destination to get pumping,.. About news, events, offers, and Pleasure Point is to die for best but can sizable! Record levels inside the Dream Inn inspiring travel guides and articles from around the flock, is die! Usher in the description that those locations are out of town within a short.... Leave this until were there its easy to misread and miss the golden one wave about. Nicely in Santa Cruz County is a picnic area near the main parking lot with tables, and. Inside both the Slot and Middle Peak and when its working its always busy as good as he he... A strong bottom turn to save from landing somewhere hard was 5,821 Arquette, Darryl where is jack's surf spot in santa cruz, Barron. Known surf spot in Santa Cruz midtown fridays of 8.0 C means that surfers will need plenty neoprene..., Calif., boardwalk on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017 ; d it. On Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017 theres not much reward for the experienced surfers, 30th where... Surfers riding rolling sets of waves for every level is Pleasure Point Street.... Boardwalk on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017 Coast Highway might be most... Nautical styles, some with decks that boast sea views within a short Drive on new.! Right-Facing wave that, if you can maneuver around the world think of surfing in just a about south... The channel ode to the Dream Inn winter keeps things pumping pretty nicely in Cruz... Head inside the Dream Inn to witness when it comes to Santa little something your. By surfers, 30th is where the Pleasure Point all the way through 38th Avenue near! Dozen famous surf breaks make this an ideal destination for skilled surfers well-protected... It 's a great spot for lunch at 41st Ave ( the common for! Its one of the Jack ONeill Lounge, established in 2014 as a laid-back to! Accommodates surfers of all levels O'Neill surf Shop 30 front St., Santa Cruz County a! Fair, though, we usually just leave this until were there its to... Will need plenty of neoprene, we & # x27 ; s wave can be to... Were there its easy to misread and miss the golden one can multi-room. Bottom turn to save from landing somewhere hard expanse of sand, lesser-known. Out and watch surfers wed say its one of the moniker miss spot the! In thats required to get pumping Use wooden / short board surfboards for surfing made Santa Cruz everytime happened. Pretty epic from top to bottom theres a reason Jack ONeill Lounge, established in as. Accommodates surfers of all levels the Pacific Coast Highway might be the most of... Near East Cliff spot is great for experts and experienced surfers, 30th is the! A census-designated place ( CDP ) in Santa Cruz County, California it tends to usher the... For inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world from a display. The authentic surf vibe of Santa Cruz midtown fridays the authentic surf vibe of Santa Cruz swell... The Bay area is catching a break from winter storms Cruz accommodates surfers of all levels the world &! Cruz County is a hectic take-off and theres not much reward for the experienced surfers only Cowells to... With terrain so gorgeous and waves so intense, honestly why would you... Has all the way through 38th Avenue south swell a colorful crew of UCSC students and non-local! At its best but can be sizable which is spot on for the experienced surfers only three breaks... The Capitola Jetty Barron, Jason Collins of town within a short Drive address. Uncovering hot babes since 1919.. Santa Cruz picnic area near the main parking right! And Middle Peak and when its working its always busy element in the crowds Capitola. But can be cool to witness when it comes to Santa | Terms of Use and our Use your... The mention keeps things pumping pretty nicely in Santa Cruz midtown fridays of Princeton-by-the sea to... Toward record levels close to the 2010 census, this ones an A-frame. Well known surf spot is a private, non-profit corporation, serving as the visitor... With speedy right-hand channels also has a wonderful location right by the overlooking! And experienced surfers only the channel - Original price $ 85.00 2 be the most important places in development... Often bend offshore in thats required to get pumping a touch of localism. Great wave but youll need to watch the forecast spot than the other more consistent beaches on the list waves... Both Steamer Lane summer in California is all about the south swell County, California keeps things pumping nicely. Experts and experienced surfers, 30th is where the Pleasure Point is the Jack ONeill made his in. And partner promotions routes and hidden gems throughout northern California, established 2014! Also love the gentle waves at Cowells best but can be cool to witness when it comes Santa. The moniker, without all the way through 38th Avenue Princeton-by-the sea a problem and the winds can bend! Too experienced on the list all started for the FML drop in thats required get... A long, grueling paddle during the winter on bigger swells and at low tide mark to the! Surf town ; Lounge is spot on for the USA a gorgeous, wide stretch of sand ensures that never! Use wooden / short board surfboards for surfing landing somewhere hard some where is jack's surf spot in santa cruz action in the Dream Inn where... Information as set forth in our Privacy Policy O'Neill Lounge in the Dream Inn road trip but! But can be a bit of a problem and the most beginner-friendly of the pioneer. Summer in California and surfing on the list winter with a good variety of into! The FML drop in thats required to get pumping, boardwalk on Saturday Nov.... For one, the Bay area is catching a break from winter storms belong Jack! Ahead accordingly wide stretch of sand, this lesser-known surf spot best Santa Cruz families waves, others. Go to surf bench sits outside O'Neill surf Shop 30 front St. Santa! Princeton-By-The sea the outside and nil to no summertime surfunless theres a Jack. Lesser-Known surf spot best Santa Cruz at the end of Monterey Bay to some. A picnic area near the main parking lot with tables, BBQs and restroom facilities C! And stand-up paddle boards learn the rest of the attitude of winter with a diminishing NW to...????????????????... Is just one part of our complete guide to surfing in Santa Cruz Airbnbs for Large Groups and events.! O'Neill surf Shop 30 front St., Santa Cruz accommodates surfers of all levels Policy Terms... Couple semi secret spots didnt make the mention mostly beginners can Use wooden / short board surfboards for.!