Ride the wave: Celebrating California surf culture

In honor of California Surfing Day on Sept. 20, this list rounds up coastal events that showcase the Golden State’s legendary surf scene. From thrilling competitions to lively concerts and local gatherings, these celebrations capture the spirit of surf culture up and down the coast.

San Francisco Bay Area: Surfing dogs and Pier 39 vibes

On Aug. 2, The San Francisco Peninsula in Pacifica hosts the World Dog Surfing Championships, drawing thousands to Linda Mar Beach for pup-powered wave rides, dog fashion shows, pet adoptions and charity events. It's a playful twist on surf culture that attracts global attention and supports local causes. Meanwhile, Wipeout Bar and Grill on Pier 39 embraces surf spirit year-round with beach eats, surf décor and California Surfing Day celebrations.

Pismo Beach and SLO CAL: Surf towns with soul and stoke

Surf culture in San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) runs deep with year-round waves, a tight-knit surf community, over 80 miles of scenic coastline and a full calendar of events. Pismo hosts major competitions like the World Surf League's SLO CAL Open, held in Morro Bay in Dec. and Pismo Beach in Jan. 2026, and the Still Frothy Surf Festival (Sept. 27). Another standout is the Surfing for Hope Longboard Classic (Nov. 14–16), which doubles as a healing initiative for families impacted by cancer. Corgi Nation Vacation takes over Pismo Beach with beach parties, dog-friendly events and adorable pups in costume from Sept. 12–14.

Oceanside: Surftember, Super Girl Surf Pro and surf art celebration

Oceanside shines as a surf culture capital each September with Surftember, a month-long celebration featuring the Super Girl Surf Pro (Sept. 19–21), North America’s largest women’s surf contest, complete with free concerts and community programming. The Surf Art: Exploring California’s Coastal Culture exhibit, co-hosted by the Oceanside Museum of Art and California Surf Museum, showcases over 30 artists through Feb. 2026. Visitors can support surf heritage by purchasing the limited-edition CA Surfing Day t-shirt featuring art by Angie Samblotte.

Santa Monica: Queer Surf Art Splash brings celebration and inclusion

Santa Monica celebrates surf culture with a vibrant, inclusive event: Queer Surf Art Splash, returning Aug. 9, to the Annenberg Community Beach House. Created in partnership with Queer Surf, this free seaside event features ocean-inspired art, a queer-affirming pool party, live performances and gender-inclusive spaces.

Catalina Island: Surf spirit and paddleboard tradition

Catalina Island contributes to California’s surf legacy through the legendary Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race, a 32-mile endurance challenge on Aug. 24 from Two Harbors to Manhattan Beach. Though formal surf events are rare on the island, off-the-grid breaks, like those found at Ben Weston Beach, draw adventurous surfers.

Huntington Beach: Where surf culture lives daily

In Surf City USA®, surf culture is lived year-round with iconic events like the U.S. Open of Surfing (July 26-Aug. 3) and the Surfing Walk of Fame and Surfers’ Hall of Fame (July 31). The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum and weekly Surf City Nights amplify the community vibe, while the Huntington Beach Pier remains the heartbeat of local surf. Surf City 10 (Sept. 14) bridges surf and running culture with an oceanfront 10-mile course. This year’s event partners with the Michael J. Fox Foundation and expands the Beach Mile, making it a deeper celebration of surf, sport and service.

Big Bear Lake: Wake surfing at high altitude

Surf culture reaches new heights at Big Bear Lake. Here, riders carve glassy alpine water at 7,000 feet with Designated Wakesports and Big Bear Watersports School offering gear and expert coaching. The experience combines adrenaline, scenic beauty and a sense of freedom unique to the mountains.

San Diego: Surf, sail and stay in luxury

At the Omni San Diego Hotel, guests can embrace SoCal surf culture in comfort and style. The Signature Sun and Surf Experience includes a private 90-minute surf lesson at Mission Beach and a sunset sail on San Diego Bay. The hotel’s location in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter blends city energy with beachside relaxation.