Bolinas is a surf spot located in California that might not be on every surfer's radar, but it has its moments. It’s not the most popular surf area out there, but if you’re looking for a place to catch some waves without the heavy crowds of larger spots, this could be a decent choice. The surf here can be pretty fun if the winds are hitting from the northwest, and it’s a great spot if you want to avoid bigger breaks further up the coast.

The waves at Bolinas typically range from waist to overhead high (about 1 to 2.5 meters), and work best on mid to high tide. You can find some decent rights coming off the east side of the lagoon mouth at Sea Drift Road when the sandbars are set up right. Over on the Wharf/Brighton Road side, you can get surfable lefts. While the waves can be rideable, they usually need to be on the smaller side—especially in the 1 to 2.5 meters range—to really enjoy the session. The preferred wind directions for the best conditions are from the North and Northeast, making those days especially enjoyable for both beginners and intermediates. For board options, shortboards, funboards, and longboards all have their place here.

Accessing Bolinas is pretty straightforward. Just head through the town via Olema-Bolinas Road and turn right on Brighton Ave to get to the jetty. On busy days, it can get a bit crowded, but there’s still a chance to find space in the lineup. Watch out for the occasional longboarder and, of course, be aware that there are sharks in the area. Most surfers will tell you that the vibe in the water is pretty chill, and overall, the environment is minimal and straightforward.