What is it about surf road trips that is so fun?  Whether we go solo, as a couple or even in a group or family, road trips give us the freedom to discover surf breaks for ourselves.  Finding new routes to explore whilst we travel to a great surf spot is the perfect combination, so to help inspire you to get creative, here are some of our favourite surf road trips:
 
  • 1- Hossegor to San Sebastian


Starting in the infamous surf town of Hossegor, explore the south west coast of France into the French and Spanish Basque country.  The region is renowned for miles of golden sand beaches and world class surf.  Make sure you stop off in Bayonne, the capital of the French Basque region, for the culture and shopping, before ending your trip in San Sebastian and feasting in the amazing tapas bars.
 
  • 2- Route 1, California


California has held its place as an iconic surf paradise for decades, and this still remains as the Pacific coastline is littered with incredible beach breaks and protected surf reserves.  Route 1 is the highway that stretches from the south in San Clemente (home of Trestles) all the way to San Francisco (think Mavericks) and into northern California.  The highway traces the Pacific coast, so it is the perfect road to take to uncover uncrowded surf beaches.
 
  • 3- Peniche to Lisbon


A great all year round idea for a surf holiday is to go on a surf road trip in Portugal.  Start in Peniche, home to the ASP Rip Curl event, and travel south to visit world class surf breaks all along the coastline.  Make sure you stop off in the stunning towns of Ericeira and Cascais to sample the surf and the sea food, before finishing your trip in Lisbon for a final dose of culture, delicious cuisine and shopping of course.
 
  • 4- San Sebastian to Bilbao


No surf road trip list would be complete without a journey through northern Spain.  Discover the waves of the Basque city of San Sebastian, and explore its winding streets that are overflowing with surf shops and bars.  Once satisfied by the city's array of good food and shopping, take the E-70 Basque coastal route to Zarautz (home to pro surfer Aritz Aranburu) for some perfect beach break waves, and then head inland to take in Bilbao's art.
 
  • 5- New South Wales to Queensland


If you feel to call for a hot winter, then roadtripping on the East coast of Australia has to be done.  Spend some time in the longboarding town of Byron Bay, NSW where there is still a distinctive relaxed vibe, before heading up the coast to hit places like Tweed heads, Coolangatta, and Kirra (where Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson and Julian Wilson are from).  As soon as you reach Tweed Heads you'll be in Goldcoast territory in Queensland, so enjoy the sunshine and surf, and just follow the coast until you reach Surfers Paradise.