Pacifica
The best place to learn to surf near San Francisco
Lindamar (also called Pacifica State Beach) is the go-to spot for anyone learning to surf near San Francisco. Located in Pacifica, about 10 miles south of the city, it offers a more forgiving beach break than Ocean Beach, with smaller and more consistent waves that are perfect for beginners.
Multiple surf shops are located right next to the beach — you can walk in, rent a board and wetsuit, take a lesson, and be in the water within the hour. It's the most accessible entry point to surfing in the Bay Area.
Two shops are right at the beach:
Rentals, lessons, and local knowledge. One of the longest-running surf operations in Pacifica.
norcalsurfshop.com →Group and private lessons for all ages. Great for kids and first-timers.
surfcamppacifica.com →Take Highway 1 south from San Francisco through Daly City and into Pacifica. Look for Beach Boulevard in Pacifica and follow it to the ocean. Pacifica State Beach is well-signed. There's a paid parking lot right at the sand — expect to pay a few dollars on weekends.
Alternatively, you can take SamTrans bus route 112 from BART's Daly City station directly to Pacifica.