Caspar is a surf spot located in Northern California, California. The surf spot provides left waves. Caspar Beach is situated in a sheltered cove near the village of Mendocino, offering a mix of calm and rough surf conditions. The spot features a sand and rock bottom, suitable for surfing at medium and high tides. Caspar is known for its very consistent waves, with a wave length of less than 50m. The spot is suitable for surfers of all experience levels and typically has few surfers in the lineup. However, it’s important to check your skills before paddling out to ensure the spot and conditions match your surfing level. When the spot is crowded, remember to respect the locals and follow proper surf etiquette. The water at Caspar is notably cold, so proper wetsuit gear is essential. The spot is located in a protected cove, making it a relatively safe place to learn surfing in the Mendocino area. On smaller days, it’s possible to stand on the bottom at the break. Caspar Beach is accessible via Point Cabrillo Drive, with parking available near the Caspar Beach RV Park and Campground. To find the spot, look for the sign to the lighthouse just south of the town of Caspar off Coast Highway 1. There’s a small trailer campsite and a general store at the beach. Nearby surf spots include Jug Handle State Beach, Hare Creek, Big River, Manchester Beach, and Point Arena Cove. In addition to surfing, Caspar Beach is popular for other activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and abalone diving. The area also offers hiking opportunities, including the Caspar Uplands Trail. Amenities at the beach include picnic tables, restrooms, and equipment rentals for various water activities. Dogs are allowed on the beach but must be leashed. For those interested in local history, Caspar was once a significant logging town, with the Caspar Lumber Company operating from 1864 to 1955. Remnants of this era can still be seen, with pilings from the old mill visible on Caspar Beach. The community is now an unincorporated area in Mendocino County, bounded by state parks including Point Cabrillo Light Station, Jug Handle State Natural Reserve, and Caspar Headlands State Beach. Check out the good surf at Caspar in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.
Tides have a significant impact on wave quality at certain surf spots like Caspar, causing conditions to vary throughout the tidal cycle. As the tide moves between high and low, the water depth over the seabed changes, affecting how the waves break. At these spots, high tide usually produce softer, slower waves, while low tide can generate faster, steeper waves. Some spots have specific tide stages when they work best, offering optimal conditions only at certain times of the day.
Near spots
There are 11 surf spots within a range of 100 km from Caspar. Use this section to find alternative spots that may be less crowded, better suited for your surfing skills, or offer a better forecast report for the next 7 days. Each spot includes detailed surf reports, forecast updates, and webcam views to help you plan. Whether you're seeking less crowded alternatives or simply exploring a region, the list of nearby surf spots is an essential tool.
See all 11 surf spots