California Surfers Like to Name their Beaches

Surfer Beaches with Funny Names As a tourist "just visiting" a beach for the very first time, try asking a surfer (recognized by the surfboard) what the name of that beach is. Sometimes you'll receive an answer, but don't be surprised if there's a shrug or "I dunno know." There are many beaches in California that go by names not necessarily printed on maps, nor appearing on city websites. Surfers may tell you what they call their special spots--or maybe not.

RAY BAY Take, for instance, Ray Bay, located at the mouth of the San Gabriel River in Seal Beach, Calif. You won't find Ray Bay listed on a map, but surfers know where it's at. They named it for the abundance of stingrays in that location. Having such a name would not be considered a tourist draw but visitors should learn about and do what the locals know: The Stingray Shuffle. As you enter the water, you shuffle your feet rather than lift them up, potentially stepping on a ray and being stung.

SWAMIS In San Diego one of our favorites that officially appears on beautifully-carved signage is Swami's, named for neighboring Self-Realization Fellowship next door. Swami's is a cool little beach to stop by and gaze out at the surf from its hilltop perch.

STEAMER the famed Steamer (Lane) in Santa Cruz. Legend has it that the prominent surf location got its name from steamships that once navigated the surf and reef areas before turning into the bay.

TRESTLES is a world-famous surfing destination. Located at the border of San Diego and Orange Counties, it is named for the trestles from the Amtrak trains that pass by day and night. It's a hike from the parking lot to the beach and once you arrive, get ready to compete for a spot if you're surfing. It's extremely popular because the waves are so great.

OLD MAN'S is the slow, easy surfing spot. It's rollers just down the coast from Trestles, ideal for the old guys--the longboard veterans.

SWAMI'S, so named for the Indian-styled Self-Realization Fellowship complex on the bluff, is popular. Parking can be filled and the crowd beyond capacity.

WINDANSEA was named by a surf club that has met at the beach for decades. Windansea could be San Diego's most consistent and surfable break.

PRIVATES at Santa Cruz County's Opal Cliffs sounds intriguing. It is named for the gated beach where you're required to buy a $5 pass to enter. In 2009 the California Coastal Commission saw the $100 annual membership fee to use Privates as exclusionary. A $5 day pass obtainable at Freeline surf shop gets you in. The Opal Cliff Recreation District oversees access to the small, gated Pleasure Point beach, which is the only public access to the ocean between the Hook and Capitola Village. Opal Cliffs board members have included the famed surfer Robert "Wingnut" Weaver.

Leftovers, Boneyard, Poche, Staircase, Church, Blackie's, Dogpatch, Toads