Surfing in Laguna Beach: A Local's Guide

Laguna Beach is a cove town with surf tucked into nearly every pocket of coastline. We have been part of this lineup since 2001, a block off the sand at 915 S. Coast Hwy, so consider this your local's guide to surfing here: where to paddle out, what the waves are like, and how to fit in.

What surfing in Laguna is like

Laguna is a series of small beach breaks and reefs rather than one long stretch. That means surf can be fun and rippable on the right swell and gentle and beginner-friendly on a small day. Summer south swells light up the points and the town beaches, while winter brings bigger, cleaner days for experienced surfers. The water is warm enough to surf year round with the right wetsuit.

The best spots to learn

If you are new, you want a gentle, sandy-bottom wave with an easy paddle out. These are the spots we send first-timers and visitors to:

• Thalia Street Beach, our home break and the most reliable place to learn in town.
• Doheny State Beach in nearby Dana Point, soft, slow, and forgiving.
• San Onofre down the coast, the mellow, longboard-friendly classic.

For a deeper look at choosing where to start, see our guide to the Thalia Street break, or just come by the shop and ask.

Surf etiquette in a cove town

Laguna's peaks are small and the crowds are local, so etiquette matters. Do not drop in on someone already riding, do not paddle straight through the peak, wait your turn, and give respect to get respect. A little courtesy goes a long way in a town this size.

Gear up before you go

Traveling light or just getting started? You do not need to own a thing to surf here. We rent soft tops and longboards from $45 a day with fins, leash, and wax included, and full wetsuits too. New to it entirely? Book a surf lesson with a local instructor and catch your first wave the same day. When you are ready to buy, the shop is stocked with surfboards and wetsuits for every level.

Frequently asked questions

Is Laguna Beach good for beginners?

Yes. Thalia Street Beach in particular is one of the most reliable learning waves in Orange County, with gentle, sandy-bottom surf and an easy paddle out that suits foam boards and first-timers.

Do I need a wetsuit to surf in Laguna?

For most of the year, yes. Water runs from the high 50s in winter to low 70s in summer. A 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit covers the cooler months, and boardshorts or a spring suit work in peak summer. See our wetsuit thickness guide.

Where can I rent a board or take a lesson?

At Thalia Surf Shop, one block from Thalia Street Beach. We offer board rentals and lessons year round. Call (949) 497-3292 to set it up.