Canada + USA · 8 places

Best places to live for surfing in Canada and the USA

Surf towns in North America with year-round waves and the weather to match.

Order: Warmest January first. Figures are approximate and meant for comparing places, not official statistics.

Best for surfing in Canada

  1. #1 · British Columbia, Canada

    Tofino

    Rainforest surf village at the edge of the Pacific.

    January / July
    5°C / 15°C
    Sunny days a year
    190
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 5 min / 3h+
    Typical home price
    C$1,100,000
    Cost of living
    150 (100 = national average)
    SurfBeachHikingRemote-work hubSmall town

Best for surfing in the USA

  1. #1 · Hawaii, USA

    Honolulu

    Year round warmth, surf and island city life.

    January / July
    23°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    270
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 5 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$950,000
    Cost of living
    185 (100 = national average)
    Big cityWarm wintersBeachSurfHikingFood scene
  2. #2 · California, USA

    San Diego

    Surf, sunshine and mild weather all year.

    January / July
    14°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    265
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h / 15 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$950,000
    Cost of living
    145 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersBeachSurfGolfFood scene
  3. #3 · California, USA

    Los Angeles

    Sunshine, beaches and endless neighbourhoods to explore.

    January / July
    14°C / 24°C
    Sunny days a year
    284
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 30 min / 30 min
    Typical home price
    US$950,000
    Cost of living
    165 (100 = national average)
    Big cityWarm wintersBeachSurfNightlifeFood scene
  4. #4 · California, USA

    Santa Barbara

    Red tile roofs, beaches and nearby wine country.

    January / July
    12°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 5 min / 2h
    Typical home price
    US$1,900,000
    Cost of living
    190 (100 = national average)
    Small townWarm wintersBeachSurfWine countryFood scene
  5. #5 · Florida, USA

    Jacksonville

    Sprawling river city with wide Atlantic beaches and lower prices.

    January / July
    12°C / 28°C
    Sunny days a year
    220
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 20 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$340,000
    Cost of living
    95 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersBeachSurfBig cityGolf
  6. #6 · California, USA

    San Luis Obispo

    Laid back college town between beaches and vineyards.

    January / July
    11°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 15 min / 3h+
    Typical home price
    US$1,100,000
    Cost of living
    175 (100 = national average)
    Small townBeachSurfWine countryHiking
  7. #7 · North Carolina, USA

    Wilmington

    Riverfront historic town with Wrightsville Beach nearby.

    January / July
    8°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    215
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 15 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$420,000
    Cost of living
    102 (100 = national average)
    BeachSurfFood sceneGolf
Moving across the border?
Visas, taxes, health care and buying a home
Step-by-step rules for Canada → USA and USA → Canada, with official sources.
Moving guideFind a verified agent
Best places to live for surfing in Canada and the USA · Pinned