Surfside Beach

Nestled between Huntington Beach and Seal Beach in Southern California, Surfside Beach is a quiet beach known mostly to locals as it is in front of a private gated community. To get to the public portion of this beach, you can drive along Pacific Avenue, where you will find free street parking.

This beach has no amenities, so be sure to come prepared.

The waters here are great for swimming and surfing. The surfing area here is known as Surfside Bowl, a spot by the jetty where waves make a right-hand break. You can take a 9-minute walk to Learn2Rip Surfing and Ocean Academy, which offers lessons for surfers of all levels. The expansive light tan sand has plenty of space for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and walking. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge occupies 965 acres adjacent to the beach and is only open to the public on the last Saturday of each month.

The waters here are great for swimming and surfing. The surfing area here is known as Surfside Bowl, a spot by the jetty where waves make a right-hand break. You can take a 9-minute walk to Learn2Rip Surfing and Ocean Academy, which offers lessons for surfers of all levels. The expansive light tan sand has plenty of space for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and walking. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge occupies 965 acres adjacent to the beach and is only open to the public on the last Saturday of each month.

If you get hungry, there are many food options within a 10-minute walk from the beach. Daimon Japanese Restaurant is a fun spot equally known for their delicious sushi and incredibly popular happy hour. We like Himalayan Grill for their unique Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan offerings in an unpretentious setting. Their menu is also very friendly to vegetarian and vegan customers. If you’re looking for something more casual, Taco Surf serves delicious California-style Mexican food in a surf-themed interior.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out one of the many affordable waterfront accommodations within a 10-minute walk from the beach. We like Sunset Suites, a cozy boutique hotel filled with antique furnishings and serving evening wine. You can also stay at 777 Motor Inn Huntington Beach, which offers free continental breakfast, on-site laundry, and retro-style decor. For a no-frills option, OceanView Motel is one of the most affordable accommodations in the area while still offering easy access to the water.