Surf San Diego

Cardiff Reef - California Cardiff Reef features both right and left breaking waves over flat rocks and sand, making it a versatile surf spot. The reef is accessible within a 5-minute walk from the parking lot near the San Elijo outlet. It works well at all tides, with optimal conditions during rising tide and east winds. Known for its consistent waves, Cardiff Reef attracts a mix of surfers, though it can become ultra crowded on weekends. Swell sizes start from approximately 0.6 meters and can handle larger conditions. The spot is best suited for experienced surfers, offering opportunities for turns and barrels. Despite its popularity, there’s often enough space to find your own wave. Be cautious of rocks and pollution, and prepare for a vibrant surf scene amidst beautiful coastal scenery.

Big Rock - South of Windansea Big Rock features powerful left-breaking waves over a rocky reef bottom, ideal for experienced surfers. The spot is known for its hollow and fast barrels, particularly at mid and high tide. Access requires a short walk of 5-15 minutes, but caution is advised due to sharp rocks and localism. Located just south of Windansea, Big Rock, also known as Moids or Lobster Lounge, offers a challenging surf experience. The rocky ledge creates tricky conditions, making it essential for surfers to be skilled and confident. The atmosphere can be competitive, with a tight take-off zone that demands precision. Tuberiding here is reserved for experts, as the heavy waves require advanced techniques. Surfers should remain vigilant of the dangerous rocks and the aggressive vibe in the lineup, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges that await at this epic surf spot.

North Torrey Pines - San Diego, California North Torrey Pines features a beach break with both right and left waves over a sandy bottom. The spot generally offers mellow, fun surf conditions, though waves can close out, resulting in short rides. Access is straightforward, with a short walk (5-15 minutes) from the parking area. Located against stunning sandstone bluffs, this mile-long stretch of beach is popular among surfers, particularly on weekends and during summer months, leading to increased crowds. The main parking lot is accessible from Torrey Pines Road or Carmel Valley Road, with current rates at $8.00. While the surf scene is friendly and non-territorial, expect a mix of short and longboarders enjoying the waves. For those interested in nature, the nearby Torrey Pines State Reserve offers a unique opportunity to see the rare Torrey pine tree.

Hennemans - Just North of PB Point Hennemans is a reef break characterized by rocky boulders, offering both right and left waves. The spot works best at mid to high tide, with ordinary power. Access is easy, with instant access within 5 minutes, and it can get significantly bigger than nearby spots, though it may not break at times. This surf location provides a mellow atmosphere, ideal for longboarders, especially during the prime season from November to February. While the rights are the main attraction, some decent lefts can be found, albeit with limited paddling channels. Expect a few surfers during the week, but crowds can swell on weekends. The best wind directions are from the North and East, enhancing wave quality. However, be cautious of the rocks, as they pose a danger when navigating the area.

Tourmaline - San Diego, California Tourmaline features a mix of right and left-breaking waves over a reef bottom composed of coral and sharp rocks, with sand. This spot is known for its dependable surf conditions, working best at mid tide during rising tide. It offers three distinct waves: the long mushy wave at Old Man's, faster channels in the center, and the classic beach break at Pumphouse. Located at the end of Tourmaline Street, this surf spot provides ample free parking and a relaxed atmosphere, attracting a diverse crowd of longboarders and beginners. Unlike the crowded Crystal Pier, Tourmaline fosters a chill vibe where surfers can socialize and enjoy stunning sunsets. While ideal for longboard cruising, shortboarders should be cautious of tricky waves and potential hazards. Overall, Tourmaline is a solid choice for those seeking a friendly community and consistent surf, making it a popular destination for both weekdays and weekends.

Law Street - San Diego, California Law Street features a left-breaking beach break with a sandy bottom, ideal for beginners. The waves are generally powerless, making it a great spot for those new to surfing. Access is straightforward, with public access available and a short walk (5-15 minutes) from either Grand or Garnet Street. This spot is known for its chill atmosphere, attracting a mixed crowd of surfers, particularly during the week when it’s less crowded. Early mornings or late nights are the best times to surf, avoiding the ultra-crowded weekends. While the local vibe is generally friendly, it's advisable to be cautious of loose boards in the water. Law Street serves as a social hub for the surfing community, providing a relaxed environment to enjoy the waves and sunsets.

Fletchers Cove - Solana Beach, California Fletchers Cove features fun, right and left-breaking waves over a sandy and rocky bottom, ideal for surfers of all levels. This reef break works best at low and mid tide, particularly with a rising tide and northwest swell, while east winds are preferred. Access is straightforward, with less than a five-minute walk from the parking area. Located off South Sierra Avenue, Fletchers Cove is a hidden gem that attracts fewer surfers during the week, making it a great spot for a relaxed session. The beach can become crowded in the summer, but the charming sandbar peaks provide enjoyable rides. Be cautious at high tide, as the beach can nearly vanish, leaving only a small area near the parking ramp. For real-time surf conditions, a recorded surf report is available at 858-755-2971, ensuring you catch the best waves.

Seaside Reef - South Cardiff State Beach Seaside Reef features a rocky reef break with both left and right waves, predominantly working at low tide. The bottom consists of sandy areas interspersed with rocks, creating hollow, fast, and powerful waves. This spot is known for its fun shorebreak and can handle a crowd of up to 20 surfers due to its small take-off zone. Located just off Highway 101, Seaside Reef is easily accessible with a large parking lot and facilities. The wave quality varies, but it can produce decent conditions, especially with north to southwest swells. The atmosphere is competitive, attracting experienced surfers, including local legends. Be cautious of the rocks and the aggressive vibe, particularly during peak times. The east wind is ideal for shaping the waves, making this spot a must-visit for those seeking thrilling surf experiences.

Scripps (Scripps Pier) - La Jolla Shores, San Diego Scripps is a beach break featuring both right and left waves over a sandy bottom. The waves can be hollow and fast, ideal for experienced surfers. It works best at low and mid tide, particularly on a rising tide, with optimal swell from the Northwest, West, and Southwest. Located at the northern end of La Jolla Shores, Scripps Pier is a renowned surf spot known for its three distinct peaks. The main peak, directly in front of the staircase from the parking lot, offers great rides when conditions align. The south side typically has better waves, while the north peak is reserved for bodyboarders in summer. The spot can become crowded, especially during weekends, but maintains a friendly atmosphere. Ideal for various board types, Scripps shines from November to February, making it a year-round destination for surfers of all levels. Be cautious of rips and undertows, and remember to shuffle your feet to avoid stingrays.

Horseshoe - La Jolla Horseshoe features a reef break with powerful lefts and occasional rights, characterized by hollow sections and steep drops over flat rocks. The waves are best during low to mid tide, particularly on a rising tide, making it a challenging spot for experienced surfers. Located just north of Marine Street, Horseshoe is known for its strong swells from the south and northwest, creating a unique surfing experience. Access requires a long walk (over 30 minutes) along the beach, so be prepared. The atmosphere can be intense, especially on weekends when crowds gather, but during the week, it’s less crowded. Conditions can vary, and while the waves may be inconsistent, when they are firing, they offer thrilling barrels and turns. Respect the locals and be aware of your skill level before paddling out, as the waves can get heavy and unforgiving.

Diamond Street (Crystal Pier) - Pacific Beach, California Diamond Street features a beach break with both right and left waves over a sandy bottom, offering ordinary to fun power. The spot is accessible via a short walk (less than 5 minutes) from the Garnet exit off I5, ensuring instant access to the surf. Located at the end of Garnet Avenue, Crystal Pier is a vibrant surf destination that attracts a mix of surfers. It picks up swells from the south and northwest, providing varied conditions. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it suitable for both experienced surfers and beginners. While weekdays see fewer surfers, weekends can get crowded. Surfers can find space to spread out, but should be mindful that wave quality can fluctuate based on daily conditions. Ideal for mid to high tide, Diamond Street is a great spot for casual sessions close to the city.

Crystal Pier - San Diego, California Crystal Pier features a beach break with both right and left waves, breaking over a sandy bottom. The spot is accessible via a short walk (<5 min) from nearby parking, with public access available. It works best at mid to high tide during rising tide conditions, with ordinary to powerless wave power. This popular surf spot can get crowded during summer, especially with rental boards in the water, but offers a more enjoyable experience in the fall, winter, and spring. The ideal wind directions are from the east and northeast, while swell can come from the north, northwest, west, and southwest. Surfers should be cautious of pollution in the area. For a quick check on conditions, view from the cul-de-sac on Felspar, but be mindful of parking regulations to avoid tickets.

Windansea - La Jolla, California Windansea features both right and left reef breaks over a rocky bottom, with conditions suitable for all tides. This classic surf spot can produce heavy waves, especially in winter, reaching double overhead during prime swells. Access is straightforward, with public parking available nearby, although it can fill up quickly. Located between Pacific Beach and La Jolla Cove, Windansea is renowned for its clear waters and historical surf shack. The area is characterized by its competitive atmosphere, often crowded with surfers of varying skill levels. Expect a lively scene, particularly on weekends, where drop-ins and local rivalries can escalate. Despite the crowd, the unique beauty of the spot and the thrill of the waves make it a must-visit for surfers looking to experience a quintessential San Diego surf culture.

La Jolla Shores (Scripps Pier) - San Diego, California La Jolla Shores features a beach break with waves breaking both right and left over a sandy bottom. The surf is generally ordinary to fun, with conditions suitable at all tides. Access is straightforward, with instant access from the La Jolla Shores parking lot, making it a convenient spot for surfers. This popular surf destination in southern San Diego is known for its wide sandy stretches and peaks that can be excellent, particularly on the south side of Scripps Pier. While the local vibe is typically mellow, the spot can become ultra crowded, especially during summer weekends. Ideal for surfers of all levels, La Jolla Shores accommodates various board types, including shortboards, longboards, and funboards. The best surf conditions occur from November to February, but the spot remains a reliable choice year-round. Be mindful of rips, undertow, and localism when hitting the waves.

Birdrock - La Jolla, California Birdrock features a rocky reef break with both left and right waves, ideal for shortboards, particularly at low tide. The spot is known for its hollow lefts and longer, less hollow rights, providing epic barrels on bigger days. Access is straightforward, with a short walk (<5 min) from parking to the water. Located just north of Pacific Beach Point, Birdrock is a popular surf destination in San Diego, attracting a crowded lineup. Surfers must navigate slippery rocks to reach the break, and respect is crucial among locals to ensure a good experience. The area is characterized by its competitive atmosphere, with a mix of shortboards, fish, and longboards being suitable depending on conditions. Expect rising and falling tides, with the best surfing occurring at low tide.

Cherry Hill - Solana Beach Cherry Hill features a beach break with both right and left waves, characterized by a mix of flat rocks and sand on the bottom. The spot is best during mid tide with a rising tide, primarily working on northwest swells. While it can hold size during winter swells, it is generally not considered a top surf destination. Located between Rockpile and Pillbox, Cherry Hill is easily accessible with less than a five-minute walk from parking areas. Although it can be crowded on weekends, weekdays often offer solitude for surfers. The wave quality can improve after heavy rainfall, but localism and pollution are notable concerns. While not the most consistent spot, it can deliver fun and powerful waves when conditions align, particularly at the main peak south of the stairs.

Hogans - San Diego, California Hogans is a reef break characterized by flat rocks, offering both right and left-hand waves. The spot is best surfed during mid to high tide, particularly when the tide is rising. It is known for its mushy and weak conditions unless peak tide height is reached, making it ideal for those seeking a less crowded experience. Located just south of Windansea, Hogans provides instant access with a short walk from nearby houses. While the break is generally empty, it’s essential to be cautious of the rocky bottom and potential hazards. The waves can be tricky, requiring skill and confidence, especially for tuberiding. Surfers should be prepared for a competitive vibe in the lineup, as the area can attract experienced surfers looking for a challenge. Overall, Hogans is a unique spot for those willing to navigate its complexities.

Little Point - La Jolla Little Point features hollow, steep takeoff waves that break both right and left over a rocky reef with sharp coral and sand. The spot works best during south swells and is optimal at mid to rising tide. It can get crowded, especially in summer, with more than four surfers in the tight take zone. Located just north of Windansea, access to Little Point is straightforward. Surfers can reach it by taking Pearl towards the beach, then left on La Jolla Blvd, and right on Fernglen. The break is at the foot of Fernglen, with a dirt path providing instant access. Caution is advised due to the rocky bottom, and surfers should be mindful of the crowd, particularly during peak hours when the swells are pumping.

La Jolla Cove - La Jolla, California La Jolla Cove features powerful, hollow waves breaking both right and left over a sandy and rocky bottom. This reef break is best suited for experienced surfers due to its challenging conditions and potential dangers, including rocks. The spot is accessible within a 5-minute walk from downtown La Jolla. Known for its scenic beauty and vibrant marine life, La Jolla Cove attracts surfers, especially during winter when northwest swells create thick surf. While the weekdays may see fewer crowds, expect a bustling atmosphere on weekends when the waves are prime. Respect for local surfers is essential, as the spot can become crowded. Always assess your skill level against the conditions before entering the water, as this location demands strong swimming and surfing abilities.

Tabletops (Playgrounds) - Solana Beach Tabletops is an outside reef break featuring fast, hollow waves that break to the right over a sharp coral reef. The spot is best on a low tide with a south swell, particularly during rising mid tides. Access is straightforward, with a short walk from the end of Solana Vista street. While not widely known, Tabletops offers a laid-back atmosphere, making it a hidden gem for surfers seeking fun waves. The crowd is typically sparse, allowing for a more relaxed experience. However, caution is advised due to the uneven reef and potential hazards like urchins and rocks. Checking conditions beforehand is essential, as they can vary significantly. For those willing to explore, Tabletops can deliver memorable sessions away from the busier surf spots.

PB Pier (Crystal Pier) - Pacific Beach, California PB Pier features a sandy beach break with waves breaking both left and right. The spot is easily accessible, with instant access from the street parking nearby. It typically attracts few surfers during the week but can become crowded on weekends. Located at the end of Garnet Avenue, PB Pier is a vibrant surf spot that caters to both experienced surfers and newcomers. The laid-back atmosphere allows for casual sessions, while the pier provides a unique surfing experience. Swells from the south and northwest can enhance the conditions, offering variety throughout the year. Although the quality of the waves can fluctuate, there is ample space to find your own spot, especially during off-peak times. Just be mindful of the local surfers and respect the lineup to ensure a fun day on the water.

Del Mar - San Diego County, California Del Mar features a beach break with both right and left waves over a sandy bottom. The spot is accessible via a short walk (5-15 minutes) from public access points located at the ends of seaside streets. It works well at all tides, with fast and ordinary power, making it suitable for various skill levels. Known for its mellow atmosphere, Del Mar Beach offers ample space for surfers and beachgoers alike. While it can get crowded on weekends, the wide sandy shore allows for plenty of room to find your own wave. The ideal wind direction is from the East, and when conditions align, surfers can enjoy fun, uncrowded sessions. Although not the most challenging spot, Del Mar provides a laid-back vibe, perfect for a relaxed day of surfing. Just be mindful of localism, as it can be a factor here.

Torrey Pines State Beach - San Diego, California Torrey Pines State Beach features a beach break with both right and left waves over a sandy bottom. The waves can be hollow and fast, making it ideal for experienced surfers. Conditions are best at mid tide with rising and falling tides, and optimal wind directions from the southeast, east, or northeast. Located in San Diego, this spot offers about a mile of surfable beach, framed by stunning sandstone bluffs. While it can be relatively empty during the week, expect a few surfers on weekends, particularly in summer. Access is straightforward via Carmel Valley Road, leading to a main parking lot near Los Peñasquitos Lagoon. Be cautious of rips and undertow, and consider exploring the nearby Torrey Pines State Reserve, home to the unique Torrey pine tree.