Slather on your sunscreen and suit up—it's time to hit the beach. But forget the snorkel and instead grab a surfboard. Whether or not you have the know-how shouldn't stop you—surf schools abound on world-famous shores.There's also the boogie-board option if a full-size surfboard is intimidating. They are just as exciting andbrmake learning to navigate the waves easy and fun.brRather watch the waves than catch them? Thesebrbeaches also provide the perfect sun and sand forbrcatching rays. Whatever your preference, make like abrtourist and immerse yourself in the culture of a surferbrtown, dude.
Huntington Beach, California
You can't talk surfing in the United States without mentioning Huntington Beach, California, which is aptlybrnamed Surf City, USA. The town tops many a list of the best places to surf not only in America, but also in the world.
Five beaches line the 10 miles of uninterrupted sand in SurfbrCity, USA. Huntington City Beach is known for the HuntingtonbrBeach Pier, which serves as a tourism totem for the more than 11brmillion annual visitors to this beach. The waves cycle with a consistent swell, making Huntington Beach home to numerous surfbrcompetitions. Bolsa Chica State Beach is known for having watersbrsuitable for all skills, so you'll nd most of the novice surfers practice their moves here. Huntington State Beach is best known forbrbody- and boogie-boarding along with bon re nights. Roundingbrout the list are Sunset Beach and Huntington Dog Beach, whichbrmay be a canine and companion hotspot on land, but don't expect to send Fido to any surf schools.
If you're looking for picturesque beaches to visit sans surfing, this famous seaside city in southern California also has you covered. Just be prepared for the masses of visitors who flock to Huntington Beach each summer. Stake your claim early on whicheverbrbeach you plan to roll out your towel. SurfCityUSA.com
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North Shore, Oahu Island, Hawaii
While our entire 50th state is a beach-lover's paradise, ifbryou want to give your board a ride in famous waters, head tobrWaimea Bay. Known as the birthplace of big wave surfing, thebrbay is located off Oahu Island's North Shore. This historicalbrlandmark for surfers is home to competition after competition,brincluding the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Other North Shorebrbeaches with surf-worthy waves include Ehukai (Banzai Pipe-brline) and Sunset Beach.br
During the summer months, the waves subside enoughbrto make the Pacific waters along North Shore Beach suitablebrfor swimming and pleasant enough for beach picnics. ThebrNorth Shore town of Haleiwa is a laid-back community of surfbrenthusiasts and has become a social and artistic hotspot forbrresidents and visitors alike. Art galleries, restaurants and shopsbrspeckle the streets of the town known for its country ambiance. GoHawaii.com
Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
It's no wonder the hit reality television program “Survivor”brhas chosen the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji as the location forbrtwo of its seasons. The land and waterscapes of the group ofbr20 islands, situated in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, are simply breathtaking. With palm tree-lined beaches, crystal clearbrwaters and live coral reefs, the Mamanucas offer plenty ofbrnature mixed with a luxury resort here and there. However,brif you've come to surf, the island chain is also home to awe-inspiring breaks.br
Your surf skills should be on the upper end of a scale thatbrmeasures easy to difficult waters to navigate with your board.brWhile Desperations might be aptly named, don't let SwimmingbrPools fool you. The six main breaks off the Mamanuca Islandsbrare not for the faint of heart. But, if you are a land lover, watching shortboarders, longboarders and bodyboarders maneuverbrtheir way through the tubes can be just as fun. Fiji.travel
Hossegor, France
Located Located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France,brthe town of Soorts-Hossegor is known as the surfing capitol ofbrEurope. Hossegor lays nestled in the southwestern-most corner of the country right above Spain's northern border. Withbrits close proximity to some of the best surfing waters in thebrAtlantic Ocean—and it's more than four miles of beach—brHossegor gives summer tourists everything they want in abrsurfer's holiday.br
For experts who wish to tame these waters, world-renownbrwaves can be found in such sweet spots as Gravière and La Nordbralong Hossegor's coast. However, if you aren't an experiencedbrsurfer, book a class at one of the many surf schools in town. Andbrif you'd rather stay dry and just soak up the rays, Hossegor alsobrboasts some of the cleanest beaches around.br
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Take a break from the sun to visit Hossegor's Market Hall.brNow open 365 days a year, the enclosed marketplace boastsbrover a dozen vendors selling foods such as fresh vegetablesbrand oysters. Hossegor.fr