Help choosing surfing spot in California

[Smudge]

Well, I'm still quite a noob at surfing, only gone twice. I have some buddies that are coming from a distance (North Dakota) and I wanted to go out surfing again. Last time I hit Santa Cruz, but it was way too crowded for us to even to really try surfing. I also went to San Diego and liked the surfing there, but it's too far for a one-day travel.

I'll be near Sacramento area and I don't want to travel more than 4 hours one way (as I ahve to make the trip back the same day too). Do you guys have any other recommendations of beginner surfing spots in the California area that would be good?

Oh, they'd have to have rental services somewhere in the town too (doesnt have to be right on the beach).

Thanks!