Quote Originally Posted by landmariner View Post
A few spots along the Northern Oregon coast might meet your needs. And will easily save you a couple of days driving. From north to south:

1- Seaside Cove (not the Point which is best suited for experienced surfers). A good local surf shop is Cleanline (http://www.cleanlinesurf.com/). They have rental boards, wetsuits, etc., in addition to other gear such as kayaks, kite boards. The owner, Josh, is an avid surfer and kite boarder, hires good staff, carries a good, broad line of surf gear. Plenty of people out at The Cove. If a large swell is running you can easily ride the reforms on the inside.

2-Indian Point Beach, in Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach. Another popular surfing spot. Just don't paddle out to the main surf break until you are an experienced surfer -- stay off to the side while you are still learning (the golden rule that goes for all the surf breaks). Scenic. If you are familiar with the surf film, Point Break (the original), the final scene of "Bells Beach" was actually filmed here. Cannon Beach is a nice beach town, some pubs and eateries.

Private campgrounds, and maybe some public ones, are located in the Seaside and Cannon Beach areas.

3-Short Sands, at Oswald West State Park, just north of Manzanita. There is camping at Short Sands. Beautiful pocket cove beach. Recommend you focus on paddling straight out and hang out with the other surfriders learning on the inside peaks. Stay away from paddling along the cliffs as the rip current is very strong. From the parking area along the highway it is about a 1/2 mile hike down to the beach but one you will thoroughly enjoy through an old growth forest. Manzanita is a popular resort town but is also populated with year-round residents which gives it a small America town.

All are within a half hour easy driving of each other so go wherever the swell and winds are best. Be forewarned that N. Oregon has large tidal changes which can affect the surf and rip currents--not a problem if you are aware and know what to do (basic surf safety worldwide).

Lincoln City has surfing but I haven't been a surfrider there so can't comment. It does have a decent surf shop and surf museum, Lincoln City Surf Shop and Pacific Northwest Surf Museum.

There is public state park camping all along the Oregon coast... you might want to check availability on-line. It ranges from tent camping to yurts.
We actually don't really give a care that much for scenic lookout points and only probably will be stoping for food, washroom, sleep and maybe 2 spots a day. We just wanna drive to california, cause its CALI. And camp near a beach and go surfing at a good beginners beach. I see Cowell's is really good for that but is there a beach in Cali that is perhaps just as good beginner wise but closer?