The greater San Francisco area has some terrific surfing but you need to drive a little bit outside the city to get to it.  

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The surf is typically big and powerful all year-round, but especially so in the winter.  The air and water temperatures in the winter are cold so come prepared.  In the summer and spring/fall the weather can be nice and warm, but the water is always cold so best to bring a thick wetsuit at all times of the year.

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The San Francisco Area Surfing Map on this page is interactive.  Click on the label and it will take you to the full Surf Traveler Guide page with all the detail about this surf spot - parking, bathrooms etc...