Princeton Breakwater is an easily accessible surf spot located along the coast that caters to a variety of surfers. Its semi-hollow, wedgy beach break is sheltered from the larger outside surf and the prevailing northwest winds thanks to a long jetty. This place is quite popular among local surfers and usually gets crowded, so it’s a good idea to head out early if you want some waves to yourself. You can park right along Hwy 1, and it's just a short walk to the break.

This spot works best with southwest swells and can handle swell sizes around 3 feet (about 1 meter). It breaks primarily over boulders and sand, making for different wave conditions depending on where you are in the lineup. You can expect the waves to break mostly right, which is great for beginners looking to practice. Low tide is the best time to surf here and northeast winds help to clean up the conditions, so keep that in mind when planning your session.

Princeton Breakwater is a solid spot for beginner surfers, offering manageable waves that allow for practice without too much danger. Just be cautious of the sharp inshore rocks while you're out there. Given its popularity, you might find yourself sharing the waves with lots of other surfers, so be prepared for a bit of a crowd.