California (Central): LINDA MAR-PACIFICA

Pacifica’s hotbed for mediocre waves and cold-water surf lessons, Linda Mar is a popular place to learn to surf or hone your skills as you work towards being comfortable in some of the more critical nearby waves. The beach is about a mile long, however most people surf right in front of the parking lot, where an oddly placed Taco Bell sits directly on the beach. If you like BBQ and are in the area, get some brisket or pulled pork at Gorilla BBQ, a converted train car that serves up some of the best BBQ around!  photo: treakaroo.com