Since the late 19th century, surfing has been a key part of California’s identity. The sport’s roots in the state date back to 1885, when three Hawaiian princes rode Santa Cruz waves on redwood boards. Over time, figures such as Bob Simmons and Jack O’Neill have contributed to its growth, with innovations like the modern surfboard and wetsuit.
September 20 is recognized as California Surfing Day, highlighting the sport’s significance in the region. In anticipation of this day, a group including surfers Tara Sachi, Alicia Kelley, Carson Myers, artists Nolan Omura, Sho Niimura, Collin Blaney, visual artist Matty Leong, and photographer Alex Qian traveled along Southern California’s coast to explore its surf culture.
“The people and surfers are what make the surf culture very unique and different in California,” said Leong. “Every place has its own awesome surf community and everyone supports each other and knows each other, which I find very cool. There’s also history at every break; some surfing legends started surfing some of these breaks in California.”
The tour began at Los Angeles International Airport with an overnight stay at a nearby hotel before heading out to Malibu and Ventura for their first sessions. The group also visited Huntington Beach—often called “Surf City USA”—and Dana Point.
Qian described each destination: “Ventura was charming and felt homegrown, Huntington Beach felt historic and quick-paced with all the competitive surfers that rolled through in the past, and Dana Point had the polished museum full of history, set in one of the nicest backdrops.”
In Ventura, participants viewed the ocean from Ventura Botanical Gardens before paddling out at C Street—a site known for reliable waves since hosting its first professional contest in 1965. They dined at local spots such as Spencer Makenzie’s eatery (“You need to get the fish tacos,” Qian recommended) after advice from locals at Ventura Surf Shop. Other stops included MadeWest Brewing Company’s pier taproom for views of C Street and Jolly Oyster Shuck Shack for fresh oysters by San Buenaventura State Beach Park.
The group visited Walden Surfboards or Ventura Surf Shop for gear before staying overnight at Crowne Plaza Hotel Ventura Beach.
Huntington Beach’s surf scene dates back over a century to demonstrations by Hawaiian George Freeth during the city pier opening in 1914. Today it features attractions like the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum as well as numerous surf shops. Swells reach town year-round due to its geography; most activity centers around the pier but less crowded areas can be found north or south.
On Tuesdays visitors can attend Surf City Nights Farmers Market for local produce before dining at Duke’s Huntington Beach—named after Duke Kahanamoku—and staying at Paséa Hotel near both oceanfront waves and Pacific City shopping center. “The Paséa Hotel that was steps away from the waterfront where we surfed,” Qian said. “This was great since we could wash up and head out to dinner right away from the beach.”
Dana Point lies about 30 miles downcoast with popular breaks like Salt Creek (favored by photographers) or Doheny State Park (for beginners). Hobie Surf Shop opened here in 1954 as Southern California’s first dedicated store; it remains open near its original location today.
For those interested in history there is also the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center just south of Dana Point in San Clemente featuring global collections of artifacts related to surfing culture.
A visit concluded with meals at A’s Burgers—a longstanding spot known for breakfast burritos—and accommodations at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa near Doheny State Park.
