Surfing is almost the perfect sport for the solo traveler, as it will usually require little more equipment than a surfboard and a wetsuit, and can usually be enjoyed along almost any stretch of coastline. However, there are some features that can make some places better than others for surfing, and these can include the social aspect, the quality and consistency of the waves and how accessible they are.
These have all helped to make these five destinations some of the most popular solo surfing destinations in the United States.
Santa Cruz, California
Around midway up the California coast, Santa Cruz is a town that tries to keep quiet about its surfing credentials, but with so many great spots on such a short stretch of coastline, it was never going to be unknown forever. The town's economy is dominated by the University of California campus that is located there, and it has led to an interesting blend of cultures with many students and faculty members also making the most of the waves. Huntington Beach may have trademarked the 'Surf City, USA' nickname, but there are many that still think Santa Cruz is the original and best Surf City in the country. A hostel just two blocks from the beach makes it possible to stay in Santa Cruz on a budget if money is a little tight for your solo travels.
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
The best surfing that the South has to offer combined with the traditional values of the area make this a very different experience to many surfing towns, and although there can be flat periods, when the swell does arrive at Kill Devil Hills, it comes in spades.
The range of sandbars around the area help to generate the great waves, and for most of the year the water temperature means that you won't need to crack out the wetsuit. Sweet tea and home cooking combined with a friendly warm welcome in the local restaurants make it a nice place for the solo surfter, although the area is almost abandoned during the winter as people return to their main residences.
New Smyrna, Florida
Most of the visitors here come down for the weekend from Orlando, which has supported the revival of New Smyrna as a popular tourist destination, and it is certainly the best surfing spot in Florida. Many of the area's best surfers come from this small town, and with plenty of small and medium sized breaks that offer consistent waves, it is ideal for those who just want to get in the water and surf. The town itself also has a range of steakhouses and seafood restaurants that offer wholesome and filling fare for those tired after a day in the water.
San Clemente, California
Around an hour's drive from San Diego, San Clemente is another small town with some serious waves on the California coast, and along with the excellent weather it has made it a prime surfing destination. The town is home to North America's only ASP World Tour Event, and if this isn't enough to convince you, the area also has the reputation for having consistently good waves for surfing. Although there isn't too much in terms of night life to enjoy here, it is well within reach of many other towns and cities, and the number of professional surfers living in the area should be a good sign of its pedigree.
Montauk, New York
While the water in Montauk may not be the warmest, the real attraction of this area is the fact that here are some of the most consistent waves on the East Coast. For a few weeks during the summer the town is overwhelmed by visitors, but for the majority of the year it is a fairly quiet town, which is perfect for the solo surfer. Do your research before traveling, and you can head straight out on to the regular surfing breaks, and best of all it is within easy reach of New York for those with just a little time to spare, or there are plenty of competitively priced motels for those looking for a longer stay.