A surfer slides down a wave face at Steamer Lane as the mountains across the Monterey Bay rise in the background.

Crowds may gather when winter comes to watch instead of surfing. Colder weather creates massive, glassy waves that are exclusively pro-friendly. Summer temperatures and waves are more welcoming to ...

a town known as “little hill,” has more than 10 surf destinations and beachbreaks of all kinds, including the famous Montañita wave. Strong waves and glassy tubes pose a challenge for surfers ...