Seattle Surfing: 4 Beaches to Hit Up This Year! [2024]

Seattle is famous for its coffee, weather, and hiking trails. But did you know that it's also home to a thriving surfing community? 

It's a big shock to anyone who knows what the Seattle weather can be like. The city doesn't have your typical warm weather or tropical sunshine that makes a surfing beach. But Seattleites have found a way to surf through the rocky shores and unpredictable weather. 

So on your upcoming trip, come with me to explore the best surfing waters of Seattle. Grab your surfing board and know every spot you need to head to for the ultimate surfing experience!

What To Expect When Surfing In Seattle?

Before you try to catch a wave in the Pacific, here are a few things to remember. Unlike tropical destinations, surfing in Seattle has some added environmental challenges. 

The weather and cold waters make for a different kind of surfing experience. But, the Puget Sound near Seattle tends to have smaller waves, making it an excellent place for newbies to learn the ropes of surfing. 

You may also want to invest in a quality wet suit to keep warmth as you catch some waves. The water tends to be frigid, so any extra warmth will save you from hypothermia. 

Different types of wetsuits are available depending on the season you are surfing. Before you head to Seattle, ensure you have all the essential beach vacation items!

Top Time to Surf in Seattle

Each season brings different weather and different water conditions. Summer months will bring out the warmer and humid side of Seattle. But sometimes, it can be too foggy for surfers to surf safely. 

Fall and Spring months bring moderate temperatures and good waves. If you're not a beginner, these months are ideal for heading out to the waters. But let's say you're seeking a thrilling adventure…

Winter brings big waves and colder temperatures. This makes for harsh surf conditions that should only be attempted by well-seasoned Seattle surfers. 

Stunning Surf Spots in Seattle

Seattle surf spots are spread out, with many beaches a two-hour drive from the city. Because it's widespread, I suggest you look up local surf towns and surrounding attractions to plan your Seattle trip. 

It's also a good idea to pick hostels near your surfing spots so you don't spend time in commute. Plus, it makes for superb scenery!

Long Beach

There are tons of places to surf along the coast near Seattle. But Long Beach, WA, is an excellent place for surfing, and it's just a couple of hours west of Seattle and, as the name suggests, is a long stretch of stunning beach. While it is not known as a top surfing destination, it can be a good option for beginners looking to try surfing for the first time.

The waves at Long Beach are generally small and gentle, making it an ideal spot for beginners to learn the basics of surfing. The beach is also known for its long, sandy stretches, which provide plenty of space for beginners to practice and get comfortable on their boards.

Long Beach also has a variety of surf shops and surf schools that offer lessons and equipment rentals for beginners. 

These resources can be invaluable for those who want to learn the basics of surfing safely and effectively.

La Push

Made popular by the Twilight series, La Push is well-known to Seattle surfers. It's located on the Olympic Peninsula and has epic views.

This is a free, public surfing spot, so anyone can enjoy the surf here. I recommend surfing here in the summer, due to the harsher weather in the winter. You may want to watch for sharks often seen in this area. 

Westport

This surf sport has consistent waves throughout the seasons, with spots for beginners and more advanced surfers. 

The sandy beaches on the south end tend to have smaller waves, perfect for learning and improving your skills. On the north end, a jetty helps create larger waves for more skilled and adventurous surfers. 

Westport is known as a surf town, so it has a laid-back, surfer-like vibe. There are also plenty of surf shops and surf lessons available.

Ocean Shores

Ocean Shores is known as a summer getaway for many locals from Seattle. It's a beach town where you can enjoy many exciting outdoor activities. 

It's a great spot for beginner surfers and more advanced. It comprises two popular areas for surfing, and the jetty is calmer, with Damon Point with more challenging waves. Strong riptides are known to happen, so keep an eye out and check local weather reports. 

Surfing Lessons

Plenty of surf schools are in the Seattle area if you want to take formal lessons. Surf Ballard Surf Camp is an excellent choice for those wanting an all-inclusive experience. One round of lessons includes 4 lessons over 3 days with all gear, meals, and snacks included.

Skookum Surf is based near Long Beach and is great for beginners. There's consistent surf, and temperatures can warm up in the spring and summer. This program is well-developed and goes over essential basic surf skills.

Indoor Surfing

If you find the cold temperatures to be overwhelming, there's an indoor surfing experience that you can try out. Indoor surfing is a popular option in the Winter months or for those hesitant to try surfing in the ever-changing wave conditions.

About an hour north of Seattle at the Snohomish Aquatic Center, there's a FlowRider Wave machine for aspiring surfers to practice on. The device pushes out water consistently to create a water flow through which you can ride a surfboard. 

Visit the center to get a taste of catching a wave, then you can try the real thing once you get the hang of it!

Choose Pilot For Your Next Adventure!

Surf and turf are Seattle's specialties, making it an adventure worth going on. Now that your surfing plans are down, you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.