Huntington Beach and Trestles get all the worldwide love, but ask those looking for a truly gnarly experience, and they’ll point to the Wedge. The size and consistency of the waves are unlike those anyplace else in the area, and the relatively pristine waters of Newport Beach are the kind that keep surf-seeking tourists coming. The Wedge isn’t for beginners—even groms who consider themselves experienced can get eaten alive—but it’s a place where real surfers can spend a morning without worrying about too many bros just wanting to sit on their boards and (maybe) catch a single wave over the course of the day. Of course, the scariest thing for anyone is just getting there and finding a decent place to park.
Readers’ Choice: Huntington Beach
