Westport / California / United States

Westport is one of the last places of civilization before hitting California’s secluded and cliff-ridden Shelter Cove. This beach town is inhabited by 200 people and you’re lucky if you can strike up a conversation with any of the locals at the old time general store. This small place is redeemed by several spots that actually provide some quality wave action that residential surfers love. Westport, unfortunately, is nearly devoid of any other water sport, and so it’s probably best to go to Mendocino instead.

The fall months (the summer waters are calm and debris clogged) is the perfect opportunity for surfers to simply drive along the highway to search for the perfect break conditions. Blues Beach is favored by locals for its gusto wave production. For the most part, the remainder of Westport’s coast is sheer cliff mixed with very small, hideaway sand beaches.

Tubes are the norm and waves can reach as high as 4 ft . When the winter months hit, waves can reach an intense 25 ft high and south winds can blow in at 50 knots. Try surfing this only if you’re brave enough.

Westport is a simple drive from Highway 1, but that’s probably the only thing you’ll find simple here. The town is very small, so don’t expect to find any hotel accommodations or even shops of any kind. Despite this, the nature is awe-inspiring, so you can be sure to enjoy some hiking, rock climbing, or just taking in all the incredible views.

Like all areas of California’s northern coast, shark attacks are a big reality. Plus, don’t surf this place alone – there might not be anyone for miles to help you out in an emergency.