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The 5 Best Night Surfing Destinations in the U.S.

Originally posted on SURFER | By August Howell | Last updated Dec 11, 2024 7:59 PM ET

Technically speaking, anyone can surf anywhere they want when the sun goes down. It’s just a matter of risk tolerance and/or if you’re willing to bring flashlights.

With limited visibility or glaring lights, night surfing has its challenges. But some waves are better suited for it than others. Thanks to a full moon, an overhanging pier, nearby streetlights or even hotel spotlights, there are lineups out there that function just as well at night as in the daylight hours.

If you want more information on surfing in the dark, gear and limitations, click here to read SURFER’s deep dive into surfing at night.

When Is the Right Time to Night Surf?

Like a normal sunset session, check to make sure the wind, tide and swell are suitable for your chosen surf spot. Powerful beachbreaks, reefs or wedges are notoriously hard to surf at night. Softer, longboard-friendly waves are the main course for most night riders.

As for when, if you’re keen on dodging the daytime crowds, check the calendar for a full moon and consult your preferred weather forecast tool for clear skies. You’ll also want to surf a wave that breaks close to a light source and has an easy entry/exit. There’s nothing worse than shuffling (and falling) on rocks in the dark with a board under the arm.

Best Waves to Night Surf

Surfrider Beach, Malibu, California

Light from the nearby Malibu Pier shines down on the iconic, playful and crowded righthand pointbreak. Be aware: Malibu is popular by day and night. When skies clear and the moon is full there will be plenty of people in the lineup, so be prepared to share more waves than usual.

Waikiki, Honolulu, California

By day, Waikiki’s gentle peelers offer some of the most friendly waves you’ll find. At night, the same rules apply. Lit from above by towering skyscrapers, these reefs host a night owl community who have the lineups dialed. Grab a longboard and paddle out to a number of lefts and rights. The water is still warm when the sun goes down.

Huntington Beach Pier, California

One of the more well-lit piers in California, HB offers fun waves under the lights when swell arrives. Shortboards, longboarders and bodyboards can all be seen next to the pilings. And a sand bottom offers some reassurance when the waves come out of the dark. Don't forget to feed the parking meter.

Casino Pier, Seaside Heights, New Jersey

If you’ve ever wanted to surf under a roller coaster while bathed in neon light, Breakwater Beach in front of Casino Pier is the spot—another bright pier that illuminates the playfield below. Just know that this New Jersey attraction, with its Ferris wheel, roller coasters and other amenities, is very close to shore, so you might have some background noise on your night-time session.

Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz, California

If you can brave traversing over huge sea anemones and slick seaweed, Pleasure Point offers a fun session under a full moon and clear skies. Like other spots on this list, there is a consistent crew that shows up when the time is right. Sit wide and gaze at the moonlight reflecting on the face of a swinging set.

Bonus Ride: Wavepools

Take your pick from the top wave pools in the U.S., and you can book a nighttime session. The pools have their lighting down from all angles so you won’t miss a set wave when it rolls through. Whether you're longboarding or shortboarding, there's a wavepool out there that can flip the switch and leave the lights on.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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