November 18th, 2019

The day started with a colorful, yet cold morning in Davenport, CA, just up the coast from my mailbox in Santa Cruz. Often, I would make the trek to watch the sunrise and seek out waves for dawn patrol, but the reality is often a foggy and waveless day. However, this morning was one of those special days.

Along the coast of California, an unassuming evening turned into an elegant evening blessed with a light show for sunset. The clouds moved overhead with the constant wind barraging the cliffs. I decided to grab my camera and go for a walk along the cliffs. Delighted to find several others along the same walking trail as me. We all smiled at each other and nodded towards the setting sun.

California is known for its beaches, sunsets over the ocean, and surf life. For the most part, any beach you visit will be amazing and the views will be out of this world, especially if you have not visited the coast before. However, if you are looking for some of the surfing gems along the coast, here are five spots throughout Southern California that are aesthetically pleasing with good surf!

The sixty-hour weekend clock had begun, the van was packed, we were eager, but understood it wasn’t enough time. It’s never enough time. Headed north from Pismo Beach, we took the PCH to the iconic, rugged coastline of Northern California, Big Sur. Leading up to us cranking the tunes and rolling down the windows to let in the ocean breeze, Big Sur had a mystical feel told to us by those who had visited.

Santa Cruz, CA is known for its would class surfing along the Pacific Coast Highway, but to those non-locals, few know that there is more to offer than the beach. Driving over Highway 17 into Santa Cruz, you are crossing the Santa Cruz Mountains. These intercostals house redwood forests, oak trees perfect for climbing, rolling hills of grass, and miles of hiking trails. If you pack a picnic and head out for a walk, you can find your own slice of heaven, just go looking.