California (South): SAN CLEMENTE PIER

A fun, generally friendly place to surf, the San Clemente Pier is a favorite for novices over the summer months, when the beach and parking lots are jam packed. The Pier can get good when the sandbars line up (usually on the north side), but often walled on the longer swell periods. To get there, head down Del Mar and follow the signs for the beach/pier. If you like seafood, hit up the raw bar at Fisherman’s restaurant and time your session around happy hour. Disclaimer – though it may seem like a good idea at the time, shooting the pier after a couple cocktails is ill-advised. Watch out for fishing line and don’t get hooked!  photo: brandon jennings magicseaweed.com