Santa Monica: Surfing Day Trip with Lunch

Santa Monica: Surfing Day Trip with Lunch – An Authentic California Coast Experience

If you’re dreaming of catching waves and soaking up the laid-back California vibe, this Santa Monica Surfing Day Trip offers just that. Designed for those who want to experience surfing without the hassle of planning, it combines professional guidance, scenic drives along the Pacific Coast Highway, and the chance to stand in the surf at two of Southern California’s most famous beaches. It’s a package that promises a fun, educational, and memorable day.

What makes this tour genuinely appealing? First, the personalized touch—with a small group capped at six participants, you’re far from a crowded, cookie-cutter experience. Second, the local expertise of your guide, who’s not just knowledgeable but also willing to get in the water with you, providing personalized tips and even surf lessons if needed. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that it’s not suitable for everyone—pregnant women, non-swimmers, and those with back problems will need to think twice.

This experience is perfect for out-of-towners eager to try surfing, but it also suits locals who want a relaxed day on familiar beaches with some insider stories. If you’re after a mix of adventure, local insights, and a taste of the iconic Southern California coast, this trip could be just right.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Expert guides offer in-the-water assistance and local stories, enriching the experience.
• Visit two iconic surf spots that define Southern California’s surfing culture.
• Includes a beachside picnic lunch with vegetarian and vegan options, perfect for refueling.
• Optional wetsuit, board rentals, and surf lessons add flexibility for all skill levels.
• Ideal for non-swimmers and those with no prior surf experience—guides are happy to help beginners.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Santa Monica Surfing Day Trip

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins inside Poseidon Surf and Paddle, a friendly local shop in Santa Monica. From there, your group is transported in a customized open-air surf buggy—imagine a fun, open-air vehicle that feels more like a beach cruiser than a bus. This setup not only adds to the laid-back vibe but also makes the journey along the Pacific Coast Highway a scenic part of the experience.

Traveling in a small group (limited to just six people) helps maintain a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. We loved how this setup encourages camaraderie and provides ample opportunity for your guide to offer personalized tips. Plus, the open-air aspect means you’re constantly immersed in the coastal scenery, with ocean breezes and views that set the tone for the day.

First Stop: Iconic Surf Breaks

The tour features visits to two legendary surf spots—each famous and meaningful in the world of surfing. While the specific beaches aren’t named here, they are understood to be among the most iconic in Southern California. Expect a mix of history, local lore, and top-tier surf conditions.

Your guide will share stories about each beach’s history and significance. For example, many surfers cherish these beaches for their waves, their cultural impact, and their role in shaping surfing’s global identity. We found that these insights added depth to the experience, turning a simple surf trip into a window into California’s coastal culture.

Surfing and Instruction

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a complete novice, the guide is there to assist. They’re willing to get in the water with you, offering a hands-on approach that can be especially reassuring for first-timers. The optional surf lesson is tailored to your comfort and skill level, making it accessible even if you’ve never stood on a surfboard before.

The tour provides wetsuit and board rentals —a great convenience, freeing you from the hassle of bringing your own gear. If you’re curious but unsure about surfing, the guide’s friendly approach and personalized attention help you feel confident and comfortable.

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Lunch with Your Feet in the Sand

One of the tour’s highlights is the picnic lunch at a local beach, where you can enjoy your meal with your toes in the sand. The provision of vegetarian and vegan options shows thoughtful planning, catering to various dietary preferences. This break isn’t just about refueling—it’s a chance to relax, watch the waves, and soak in the beach atmosphere.

We loved the simplicity of this setup—good food, great views, and a laid-back vibe. It’s what makes this tour stand out from more generic excursions.

Additional Details and Factors

The entire day lasts about six hours, usually starting in the morning, offering plenty of time for both surfing and sightseeing without feeling rushed. The tour operates in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, making it accessible to a diverse range of travelers.

Pricing at $185 per person reflects a focus on quality rather than quantity. Given the inclusion of gear, instruction, transportation, and a scenic lunch, the value feels solid, especially considering the small group size. The flexibility to reserve now and pay later adds a nice touch for travelers with flexible plans.

Authentic and Practical

Reviews consistently mention the knowledgeable guides as a standout feature. One reviewer appreciated how the guide’s stories added depth to the experience, saying they “loved the way the guide shared local insights.” This personal touch makes a difference, turning a day at the beach into a memorable cultural experience.

The tour’s design makes it accessible for out-of-towners and travelers of various skill levels. The small group size, combined with optional lessons and gear rentals, ensures you get personalized attention and a comfortable introduction to surfing.

Considerations and Who It’s For

This tour isn’t suitable for everyone—pregnant women, non-swimmers, or those with back issues should consider if they’re comfortable in the water or on a surfboard. It’s geared more toward those eager to learn and participate actively.

It’s an excellent choice for adventure seekers, first-time surfers, and travelers who want an authentic experience with local guides. If you’re looking for a relaxed, fun-filled day on the coast with a good mix of education and activity, this offers real value.

The Sum Up

This Santa Monica Surfing Day Trip offers a rare blend of adventure, education, and scenic beauty, all wrapped in a personalized, small-group setting. You’ll get the chance to learn from local experts who genuinely love sharing their knowledge, while also enjoying two iconic beaches. The included picnic lunch and optional gear rentals make it a hassle-free way to try surfing for the first time or sharpen your skills.

The experience is particularly well-suited for travelers seeking a memorable, authentic taste of California’s surf culture without the crowds or cookie-cutter tours. It’s perfect if you want to combine a bit of history, nature, and active fun, all with a friendly guide by your side.

This tour delivers excellent value for the price, especially considering the small-group intimacy and personalized instruction. Whether you’re a newbie or just want to enjoy a day in the sun with a knowledgeable local, this experience will leave you with stories to tell and waves to remember.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, and guides are happy to provide assistance and lessons for those new to surfing.

What is included in the price?
The $185 fee covers transportation, an expert guide, lunch (with vegetarian/vegan options), wetsuit and board rentals (optional), and a surf lesson (optional).

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, typically in the morning, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the beaches and surf.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Where do we meet?
The meeting point is inside Poseidon Surf and Paddle, a local shop in Santa Monica.

Is the tour suitable for non-English speakers?
The tour is offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, making it accessible to a diverse range of travelers.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and beachwear to enjoy the day comfortably and protect yourself from the sun.

This Santa Monica surfing day trip combines the best of California’s coastal charm, adventure, and local culture, all in a friendly, small-group setting. For those eager to learn or simply enjoy a day on the beach with expert guidance, it’s a highly recommended way to experience Santa Monica’s surf scene.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby