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With 75 miles of open coastline, San Diego is a surfer’s paradise. Most of the beaches consist of long breaks with primarily Southwest exposure, bringing in warm waters to ride the waves. La Jolla and Point Loma have rocky points with numerous beach breaks that feature an assortment of swells, dependent on the current. San Diego’s northern limits feature Trestles, the famous river mouth where surfing is sublime.
The following features some of the best surf spots in San Diego. Spot a wave, and ride it to paradise.
Trestles
Trestles is located at the border of San Diego and Orange Counties, world famous as a river mouth hot spot. You have to earn waves like water wings, fighting for parking spaces as well as a many professional and expert surfers. Take the south to southwest swells for the biggest waves and the longest rides. With the right curve of a wave, a surf session at Trestles can be legendary. If you’re not ready for the hard stuff, try the lighter waves down the coast at Old Man’s. It’s perfect for beginners or those who like long boarding.
Check Trestles surf report and conditions.
Black’s Beach
Black’s Beach is considered by many to have the best surfing year round. As one of the most popular surfing spots in town, expect to wait your turn with the locals. The ocean waves come in fast and powerful, expanding their energy into big hollow peaks that are perfect for surfing. You’ll have to be keen on your doggy paddle to wait in the long lines for a perfect wave. You can ride waves of nearly 12 feet, if your legs can hang on to this impressive swell.
Check Black’s Beach surf report and conditions.
La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores is another popular spot, but it’s lighter on the ankles and perfect for beginners who are learning the ropes of surfing. It features gentle waves and a year round lifeguard. It’s the favorite spot for surfing schools, so you can get in some classes if you are still learning. A lot of local kids catch their first waves on this beach before moving on to the larger swells.
Check Laj Jolla Shores surf report and conditions.
Del Mar
Del Mar features nice, safe waves that you don’t have to fight for. It’s one of the most reliable spots in San Diego to find a good wave. With good exposure to swells from all directions, this spot also has a nice sandy bottom so you don’t get stuck in the sludge. Even in the height of summer, crowds have plenty of room, so calling on a wave is easier than catching a cab.
Check Del Mar surf reports and conditions.
Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs lets you fight it out with the locals, who prize this beach for its intense waves and perfect sun. Featuring rocky reefs and multiple point breaks, this beach features varying degrees of swell sizes, depending on the tide, so tread carefully. This is a challenging surf spot, so be careful, and let’s see what you’re made of.
Check Laj Jolla Shores surf report and conditions.
Choose the Beach that Fits Your Board
San Diego features some of the finest surfing in the world, and its’ right in the heart of Southern California. The right beach depends on your skill or expertise. If you are new to surfing, start with the smaller waves and work your way up. It’s good to enjoy the water, sun, and sand to appreciate what the sport is all about. When you’re ready to go big, try a spot with larger waves. San Diego has beaches to sooth or challenge, depending on your mood and skill on the board. Catch a wave, and give the dolphins something to talk about. If you’re traveling to San Diego this year, check out some of our beautiful beach front vacation rentals.
