Go to: Point Pleasant Beach,NJ

Why: It’s certainly not Hawaii, but you can be sure to get some good conditions and great surf down the Shore. While you can surf at any number of places up-and-down the coast, Point Pleasant Beach has a reputation for offering some of the most challenging surf in the area, and the surf shops nearby offer private lessons and board rentals.

Details: Beach House Classic Boardshop, Bay Head, NJ, 732-714-8566, beachhouseclassic.com; Eastern Lines Surf Shop, Belmar, NJ, 732-681-6405, easternlines.com.