A Local's Guide by Sunrise Surf Academy
Surfing in Santa Monica
Looking for the best place to learn to surf in Los Angeles? Santa Monica is one of LA’s most beginner-friendly surf spots — with consistent waves, soft sand, and postcard views of the pier. Whether you're a first-time surfer or getting back on the board, it’s the perfect place to start.
Sunrise Surf Academy offers year-round surf lessons in Santa Monica for kids, teens, and adults of all skill levels. Our main teaching location is Bay Street Beach, known for its mellow surf and welcoming vibe — ideal for private lessons, group sessions, or events.
Many of our instructors grew up surfing here, and we’re proud to be part of the Santa Monica surf community. Whether you’re catching your first wave or building confidence in the lineup, we’ll help you make the most of your time in the water.
🌊 Surf Guide: Bay Street
- Wave Type: Beach break (sandy bottom) — mellow and beginner-friendly
- Best Season: Year-round — especially reliable in summer & early fall
- Best Time of Day: Early mornings before wind picks up (7:00–10:00 AM)
- Local Coffee Pick: ☕️ Dogtown Coffee — surf-inspired, local favorite just a few blocks from Bay Street
⚙️ Ideal Surf Conditions at Bay Street
- Swell Direction: SW to W — combo swells from both directions tend to deliver the cleanest, most rideable waves
- Wind: Light offshore (from the northeast) is ideal; avoid mid-day when onshores kick in
- Surf Height: Best in the 2–4 ft (waist- to chest-high) range — safe and fun for learning
- Tide: Works best on a medium tide pushing in; too low can close out, too high can fatten the wave
🔗 Live Forecast for Bay Street Beach (via Surfline):
Santa Monica Surf Report – Bay Street
🧳 Coming from Out of Town?
Santa Monica offers the perfect blend of luxury and laid-back California coastal living. With its scenic beaches, iconic pier, and world-class amenities, it’s a favorite destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure — and it’s one of the best places in LA to learn to surf in style.
🍽 Where to Dine
- 🍳 Élephante – Elevated Mediterranean dining with an unbeatable rooftop view
- 🥂 Capo – Intimate, upscale Italian with an impressive wine list, steps from the beach
- 🍷 Rustic Canyon – A Michelin-starred, seasonal neighborhood favorite with exceptional California cuisine
- 🍽 The Lobster – Iconic ocean-view dining at the foot of the pier, perfect for a sunset dinner
🎨 How to Spend the Day
- Stroll the Santa Monica Pier for sweeping views and iconic charm
- Browse high-end shops and galleries along Montana Avenue or Main Street
- Book a spa treatment or oceanfront brunch post-session
- Cruise the coast with a private electric bike rental or take the scenic route to Malibu
Surfing in Santa Monica is about more than learning to stand up — it’s about feeling the rhythm of the ocean, building confidence, and experiencing the magic of LA’s coastline from a whole new perspective. With its welcoming waves and iconic backdrop, this beach is one of our favorite places to teach and connect.
We’d love to share it with you.
Let’s paddle out — the waves are calling.
