6 top spots for surf vacation homes

Keep the coast close with the perfect surf beach house.

two surfers walk towards the water with their surfboards
a single surfboard sticks out of the sand in front of the ocean on a beautiful sunny day

Stay at the center of prime surfing territory with no commute to the beach needed. With a vacation rental by the ocean, you can take all the time you need to catch the perfect wave. Bring family or friends along for fun beach adventures and settle into spectacular views.

While veterans know the early surfer catches the wave, a vacation home on the beach allows you to roll out of bed and into the water. Find a vacation rental by the ocean with the right storage for boards, beach access, space, and amenities for a dream surf trip. From the Pacific Coast to sunny Central America, discover top surf spots for your next coastal escape.

person holding a surfboard walks along a Costa Rica beach

1. Costa Rica

With ocean swells that hit the western coast all year long, Costa Rica has long been a hotspot among surfers, particularly Playa Grande. Treat yourself to a trip away and be rewarded with 80℉ ocean waves and beautiful beaches. For a true taste of paradise, explore beach homes with easy access to the water, a hot tub, and ocean views to savor from the living room.

Where to stay

Costa Rica surf vacation rentals

Surfer in the Outer Banks catching a wave

2. Carolina Beaches

For surf destinations along the northern Atlantic Coast, turn your sights to the Outer Banks and Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach offers more entertainment between swells, with a renowned boardwalk featuring games, ice cream, restaurants, and shopping. If you’re after more peace and quiet for your adventure, relax into natural coastal landscapes and uncrowded surf beaches in Rodanthe and Kill Devil Hills in the Outer Banks.

Where to stay

North and South Carolina surf vacation rentals

A single surfer surfing along the California coast

3. California

Welcome to Surf City, USA, with famous surf beaches peppered across the state, like Huntington Beach, San Clemente, Santa Cruz, and Mission Beach in San Diego. La Jolla’s Windansea Beach is a favorite among advanced surfers for its competitive atmosphere, while Mondos Beach in Ventura has softer swells for beginners. Find a beach house along this stretch of the Pacific Coast and spend your days taking advantage of the ocean within walking distance and plenty of fun to be had in the city.

Where to stay

California surf vacation rentals

Surfer in Hawaii tube riding

4. Hawaii

If you needed an excuse for a tropical surf trip to Hawaii, look no further. Oahu is the hub for ideal swells, with the North Shore as a main focal point for surfers until winter brings more powerful waves best left for experts. Book a surf vacation rental a short walk from the beach and catch a wave, hike through the jungle to a waterfall, or go on a tour for dolphin and sea turtle sightings.

Where to stay

Hawaii surf vacation rentals

Surfer in Belize riding a wave

5. Belize

Belize makes for a perfect balance to any surf vacation, with warm ocean water and plenty of adventure on land. While Long Caye Belize is the only surf break in the country that’s safe and accessible, the fairly consistent swells are worth the trip. In between trips to the beach, visit Mayan temples, zipline through the jungle, or try a cave tubing tour.

Where to stay

Belize surf vacation rentals

Surfer in Florida riding a wave

6. Florida

In Florida, sparkling blue waters, theme parks, and a lively nightlife await. Set up your surf camp along Panama City Beach, Palm Beach, or Sebastian Inlet at Vero Beach for the best swells. Find a beach bungalow a short walk away from the action, spend the morning on the water, and laze in the sunshine.

Where to stay

Florida surf vacation rentals

Surf vacation home FAQ

Find your perfect surf trip in destinations like Costa Rica, coastal North Carolina and South Carolina, the California coast, Hawaii, Belize, and Florida. For more surf vacations, try Mexico, the Alabama Gulf Coast, and Texas Gulf Coast.

In every hemisphere, the winter months typically bring bigger and more consistent swells, making for perfect surf conditions. Winds are lightest in the early morning, making it the best time to catch a wave. Wherever you’re headed, check out local surf swell reports in the area.

California and Hawaii are famous for their surfing history and dependable waves. Recently, eastern Florida has also gained the attention of surfers, particularly Cocoa Beach for its uncrowded sands and ideal Atlantic waves.

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