Surf's Up for Rover, Too

Where to avoid the people and the noise and find serenity

(NEWSER) - Even for die-hard swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers, sometimes a day at the beach is anything but, thanks to way, way too many people. The good news is that there are still undiscovered beaches out there. Travel + Leisure went scouting for such secret beaches. Here are its best finds:

• Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico: This artist colony is way cooler in both temperature and temperament than the Margaritaville of Cabo San Lucas, an hour to the south. Pacific breezes stir up rough and tumbling waves that have made this kicked-back community a surfer’s haven.

Actor saved from Mavericks waves while filming

(NEWSER) - A safety worker on a jetski saved actor Gerard Butler from dying at a northern California surf spot that has claimed the lives of pros. Butler, 42, was filming a scene at Mavericks for upcoming movie Of Men and Mavericks when a freak set of waves, some higher than 12 feet tall, hit him and the three professional surfers he was with, reports the San Francisco Chronicle . The waves held Butler—an inexperienced surfer—underwater and dragged him through rocks. He was hospitalized after the rescue, then released. More»

Swimmer missing; smugglers' boat crashes

(NEWSER) - A high surf advisory is in effect until 5pm along the central California coast, as the damaging impact of the huge waves pounding the area comes to light: A body-boarder has gone missing, and a marijuana-smuggling boat crashed on shore, likely a victim of the powerful surf, the AP reports. Lifeguards saved dozens of people amid 10-foot waves, while surfers took advantage of 20-foot waves hitting Orange County's Newport Beach. The smuggling boat was abandoned when authorities found it split in half in an area northwest of Malibu; some 500 pounds of pot washed onto the beach. More»

Measure aims to crack down on outdoor puffers

(NEWSER) - California's smokers will soon be losing yet another place to light up if state lawmakers have their way. The state assembly has passed the nation's most extensive ban on smoking in state parks, outlawing smoking at all state parks and beaches, except in parking lots and campgrounds. Supporters say the move will cut down on litter and wildfires, the Los Angeles Times reports. More»

At least 15 people hurt while being swept onto beach

(NEWSER) - Enormous rogue waves swept over a northern California beach today and injured at least 15 people watching a surfing contest. A handful of spectators were taken to the hospital, some with broken bones. They were watching the renowned Mavericks Surf Contest, held only when the world's top surfers think waves will be challenging enough. More»