3 Destinations Surfers Love, From Fiji to Southern California
Are you a surfer planning your next trip? Deciding where to go has a lot to do with the vibe—and the conditions. From the natural beauty and perfect point breaks of South Africa to the laid-back Southern California coast and the serene white-sand beaches of Fiji, the options are many.
To help you find the perfect spot, we partnered with the World Surf League (WSL) and professional surfer Koa Smith to pick three top surfing locales, along with a lineup of other activities to try once you’re there. In each destination, we also recommend top-tier hotels from The Edit by Chase Travel, which offer a full suite of benefits, such as daily breakfast for two, a $100 property credit, a welcome amenity and more, when you book with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
South Africa
Thanks to its position at the tip of the African continent, South Africa has some of the greatest surfing on the planet. You’ll find one of the country’s most popular spots at Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape province. Known for having the best right-hand point break in the world (ideal for experienced surfers looking for long, smooth rides), this lively surf town also features a Blue Flag beach that is safe for swimmers, great seafood spots and a walkable nature reserve nearby. And it’s easily reachable from Cape Town via frequent, inexpensive flights that take less than 90 minutes. Once you land in Gqeberha—often still referred to as “P.E.” (short for Port Elizabeth) by locals—hop in a cab and you’ll be on the beach in an hour.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa sits on a prime stretch of Cape Town’s coastline.
Where You’ll Stay
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town may offer dramatic mountain and Atlantic Ocean views, but it’s more than just a gorgeous retreat. It also has three restaurants serving everything from English breakfast to sushi and a spa that is an attraction unto itself (think: a steamy Rasul chamber, outdoor treatment gazebos and multiple hydrotherapy pools).
Go kayaking down the Storms River Gorge in South Africa’s scenic Tsitsikamma National Park.
What You’ll Do
Surf gear rentals and lessons are plentiful along Jeffreys Bay. After hanging ten, make the 30-minute drive west to Tsitsikamma National Park, where you can go kayaking down the Storms River Gorge past deep caves, bottomless pools and indigenous forests.
Southern California
Professional surfer Koa Smith loves Southern California for big waves.
With its year-round sun and consistent swells, Southern California has some of the best surf spots in the U.S. Once you’ve arrived in San Diego County, drive (or take the scenic COASTER train, which runs along the beach) to the hugely popular Lower Trestles area at San Onofre State Beach. The host location of the 2024 WSL Finals, this spot is where many pro surfers sharpen their skills, and where you can catch plenty of great waves—whether you’re a seasoned expert or a total beginner.
Alila Marea Beach Resort, Encinitas is an ideal base for surfing, biking and other coastal adventures.
Where You’ll Stay
The Alila Marea Beach Resort, Encinitas is located on a seaside bluff, offering ocean views from almost every guest room. When you’re not relaxing at the hotel’s spa or pool, you can book a variety of activities, including surf lessons, yoga overlooking the ocean and sea cave kayaking.
After surfing, grab burgers, soft serve and more at Hamburger Hut in Encinitas.
What You’ll Do
San Diego is famous for its surf culture, but it has so much more to offer beyond big waves. There’s the San Diego Zoo, with more than 12,000 animals and an aerial tram for bird’s-eye views of the action, and plentiful beach activities, from guided kayak tours to fishing off seven different piers. Refuel after jam-packed days at Hamburger Hut in Encinitas—just a short walk from the beach. This cozy joint has burgers, tropical-inspired cocktails and soft serve, plus a full calendar of events, including live music on the weekends and weekly trivia nights.
Fiji
Beyond world-class waves, Fiji offers hidden trails, waterfalls and more to explore.
Fiji’s warm turquoise waters, more than 200 species of coral reefs and lush tropical forests make it about as close to paradise as you can get. But it’s the country’s world-class waves and favorable wind swells that draw surfers of every skill level to its beaches all year round. The destination also hosts a range of surf events, including the WSL Finals—the last stop on the 2025 Championship Tour.
The Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is the perfect place to relax after a long day of catching waves.
Where You’ll Stay
Kick up your feet and relax at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, which is spread across 26 acres on Denarau Island. Here, you can get spa treatments, swim in a lagoon-style pool and unwind in ocean-facing accommodations. The property’s adults-only beach club and its kitted-out facilities for kids make it an ideal spot for every member of the family. Don’t miss a stop at Suka Bar, a laid-back rum bar right on the beach.
Cloud 9 serves tropical cocktails and wood-fired pizzas in the middle of the ocean.
What You’ll Do
Beyond surfing, an adrenaline rush awaits when you ride through hidden trails and waterfalls on an ATV tour. To unwind afterward, head to Cloud 9, a two-level bar on a floating platform in the middle of the ocean. When you’re not vibing along to live DJ sets or diving into the surrounding water, you can sip tropical cocktails and snack on wood-fired pizzas.
Booking With Chase Travel
Eligible Chase cardmembers can visit chasetravel.com for even more trip inspiration, including hotel recommendations, travel guides and editor-curated itineraries, and to earn and redeem points when booking hotels, flights, car rentals and must-do local experiences.
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