California’s coastline will host a series of surfing events throughout September to mark California Surfing Day, which takes place annually on September 20. The month is recognized for favorable surf conditions, with sunny weather and warm water along the state’s 840-mile coast.
The celebration includes a range of activities from competitions to community gatherings. Among the highlighted locations are Malibu and Santa Cruz, both designated as World Surfing Reserves. These spots attract spectators and surfers alike, while towns such as Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Carlsbad, and Coronado offer lessons for those looking to get on the water.
Several hotels across California also promote their connection to surfing culture. For example, The Surfrider in Malibu features a Surfline camera for wave monitoring and offers surfboards and lessons. Nomads Hotel in San Clemente provides room-and-surf packages, while Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point is located near Doheny State Beach.
Events begin early in the month with the U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships in Oceanside from September 5–8. This event gathers elite adaptive athletes who compete across nine divisions including wave skiing and various forms of prone surfing.
The Lexus WSL Finals take place September 6–14 at Lower Trestles near San Clemente, featuring top-ranked men’s and women’s surfers competing for the World Surf League title.
On September 8, Del Mar Dog Beach hosts the Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon where dogs participate in surfing contests judged by their ability to ride waves and perform tricks or wear costumes.
September 13 brings the Surfing for Hope Memorial Paddle-Out at Avila Beach in San Luis Obispo County. The ceremony invites participants to remember those lost to cancer by forming a circle on their boards offshore.
Huntington Beach will see A Great Day in the Stoke return on September 14. “This Huntington Beach event is back for its third year celebrating the history and future of Black surfing. Come for the surf contests, free lessons, a double Dutch competition, 5K run/walk, and yoga on the beach. While meant to celebrate the Black community, the gathering welcomes all BIPOC communities, allies, and aspiring surfers.”
Also on September 14–15 is Ventura’s Surfer’s Point WSA Championship Tour Event at “C Street,” offering divisions ranging from young children to older legends as well as adaptive athlete heats.
Encinitas will host Solento Surf Festival from September 14–21 with live music, surf contests across categories including firefighters versus lifeguards matches, film screenings and art exhibitions highlighting local surf culture.
Oceanside’s Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro runs September 20–22 featuring more than sixty professional female surfers along with an adaptive exhibition and pro-am longboard competition. Additional activities include fitness classes and concerts by artists such as Bishop Briggs and CeeLo Green.
Newport Beach holds its City Championships between streets 54th and 56th on September 21–22 with both amateur recreational divisions and experienced competitors taking part near renowned bodysurfing spot The Wedge.
San Diego hosts OMBAC Classic Longboard Contest on Pacific Beach’s Crystal Pier on September 21; competitors must use longboards manufactured before or during 1969.
Right of Wave Ocean Safety & Surf Awareness Day occurs at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica on September 22 offering safety workshops alongside CPR instruction led by experts from California and Hawaii.
In Crescent City at South Beach on September 28–29 there will be a Classic Longboard Competition & Festival organized by Redwood Parks Conservancy featuring live music alongside two days of heats for men’s and women’s longboarding; children can participate without charge.
For those interested in inland options Palm Springs Surf Club offers machine-generated waves every Saturday night throughout September along with adults-only twilight swims that include access to other amenities such as a lazy river.
