10 Must See Surf Shops Along the California Coast
Cover image: carolyn christine on Unsplash
Considering surfing is the state sport of California, the hundreds of surf shops up and down the coast play a crucial role in keeping these athletes hooked up with the best boards, apparel and anything else needed for an ultimate sesh. These shops also offer some fun retail therapy for folks who simply enjoy and relate to laid back, ocean first, lifestyle. While there are hundreds of awesome shops up and down the coast, we’ve selected a few we consider destinations worthy of your time. Not only do these small businesses sell surfboards, and in many cases, lifestyle clothing, they offer a place for like-minded folks to hang out before they hang ten.
Starting north, right above San Francisco, here are 10 must see surf shops along the California coast.
Marin County - Prooflab
Located in Mill Valley, just north of San Francisco, this shop not only has boards, wetsuits, clothes and accessories, but they focus on connecting the community with the outdoors. Started by two Marin natives, this shop completely captures the heart and soul of this progressive county, famous for its sustainably minded demographic. Speaking of community, their compound includes an indoor skate ramp, beer garden, coffee shop, music school, plant nursery, biodiesel co-op and more.
Not to miss: Grab a fair-trade latte at the on-site Equator Coffee before browsing.
San Francisco - Mollusk
Think laid-back California beach bum, that is the feeling and look captured by San Francisco’s Mollusk Surf Shop, (they also have stores in Venice and Santa Barbara). Located right off the legendary Ocean Beach and next to one of the best burritos restaurants in the city, Hookfish (as in plan your visit around lunchtime), this shop focuses on quality and craft goods. Beyond the extensive board selection, shoppers will find local surf-themed artwork, books, shoes, swimsuits, and more.
Not to miss: Their organic hemp tees, pure simplicity at its best.
Santa Cruz - O’Neill Surf Shop
This is the OG surf shop in a city that calls itself, Surf City, (for the record, so does Huntington Beach) Opened in 1952, by Jack O’Neill, the man who invented the wetsuit, and was an integral figure in the sport throughout his lifetime. This alone is a reason to come by, browse and buy a piece of history. But the friendly staff, racks of curated threads and chill vibe will make you happy you stopped in.
Not to miss: Check out the outlet in nearby Capitola for great deals on wetsuits.
Monterey - On the Beach
With the goal to bring surfing and the surfing lifestyle to everyone, Kelly Sorensen founded On the Beach surf shop in 1986. Their corner, beachfront location is complete with surfboards, skateboards and clothing from all the big surf and skate brands. Among their variety is the world’s largest private surfboard museum featuring 120 – 160 different historically significant boards!
Not to miss: Get a selfie the Pat Curren Gun made in 1961 and featured in the first Surfer Magazine.
Morro Bay - Wavelengths
The building on Embarcadero is situated on the water’s edge with a view of the iconic Morro Rock, this visual is reason enough to visit this surf shop, however, locals will agree, the vast selection of boards, clothes and surf skate goodies, make this a popular stop for central coast surfers. Their main shop and outlet across the street are a must stop shop.
Not to miss: Walk over to the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum to check out skateboard memorabilia from the 1930’s to today.
Pismo - Panchos
Panchos is a long time Pismo Beach surf staple, as told by their slogan “since back in the day”. With an inventory including skate, surf, and boogie boards, clothes and more, they have all the beach going gear necessary for the ultimate Pismo Beach Day.
Not to miss: Rent a surf or boogie board and drive out to the Pismo Beach Sand Dunes for a fun day of play.
Santa Barbara - Beach House Surf Shop
One of the many great surf shops in Santa Barbara (also check out Mollusk and Channel Islands) Beach House Surf shop is located right off the beach and right next to the Funk zone. Founded in 1962, it is legendary in town for its vast selection of boards, classic surf apparel, and beach necessities including the iconic Santa Barbara Surf Shop brand hoodies or local shaper Yater gear.
Not to miss: Pre or post shop, go to one of the many amazing breweries or wineries in the Funk Zone.
Seal Beach – Harbour Surfboards
Rich Harbour, legendary southern Californian shaper, opened Harbour Surfboards in 1962 and has been a staple provider for the Seal Beach surf community ever since. From the start of business, the Harbour team of shapers has produced over 32,000 boards! Today you can walk in and browse their board, apparel, and gear selection fit for groms to grown adults.
Not to miss: Check out shapers hard at work daily creating their craft surfboards.
Huntington - Huntington Surf & Sport
The other OG Surf City, Huntington Beach California, is any surfer or beach loving person's paradise. Everywhere you look you see someone with a board in hand, the sun is shining and the waves are pumping. Among the many, many surf shops around, Huntington Surf & Sport is one of the coolest in town. They have an amazing selection of surf apparel, accessories, and boards.
Not to miss: Take a look at the Surf Hall of Fame located right outside their front doors.
San Diego - Hansen Surfboards
Started in the 1960’s by surfer Don Hansen, Hansen Surfboards is not only an important part of the Encinitas community, but a hard to miss landmark with its 20,000 sq feet of retail space filled to the brim with boards (surf, skate, boogie and snow) and gear from all of all of the coolest surf and skate companies in the business.
Not to miss: After buying a board or board shorts head over to the Swami’s surf break right across the street.
Beyond these prime California surf shops, check out the Jamie O’Brien Shop here for gear to get any surfer psyched.
Did reading about 10 must see surf shops along the California coast get you psyched to hit the waves? Make sure to check out the Jamie O'Brien Surf App here for anytime, anywhere surf coaching.
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