Surf Tijuana
Urban surf energy just across the U.S. border — gritty and glassy.
5+
Surf Spots
260+
Sunny Days/Year
Year-Round
Peak Season
2–6ft
Wave Height
Surf Spots
View all
Imperial Beach
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Coronado Beach
A clean, family-friendly stretch of beach with forgiving waves and a golden sand shoreline in front of the historic Hotel del Coronado.
Best Season
May–October
Crowd Level
Low to Moderate
Sunset Cliffs
Raw, scenic reef setups beneath San Diego’s cliffs, offering solitude, barrels, and breathtaking sunsets.
Best Season
October–March
Crowd Level
Low to Medium
Ocean Beach Pier
A versatile San Diego break offering lefts and rights around the iconic OB Pier, with a lively local scene and consistent waves.
Best Season
May–October
Crowd Level
Medium to High
Dog Beach
A chill and pet-friendly surf spot in Ocean Beach with mellow waves and sandy vibes.
Best Season
May–October
Crowd Level
Moderate
Ocean Beach Jetty
A fun, punchy beach break with jetty wedges and a gritty local surf culture.
Best Season
April–October
Crowd Level
Medium to High
Mission Beach
A lively beach break in San Diego with soft peaks, surf schools, and a boardwalk buzzing with energy.
Best Season
Spring to Fall
Crowd Level
High
Pacific Beach
A classic San Diego beach break with fun peaks, surf schools, and a laid-back, youthful boardwalk vibe.
Best Season
Spring through Fall
Crowd Level
High
Tourmaline
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Rockpile
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Bird Rock
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Big Rock
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Windansea
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Simmons Reef
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Little Point
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Horseshoe
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
La Jolla Cove
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Scripps Pier
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Blacks Beach
This is a nearby surf spot with consistent waves and scenic views.
Best Season
Year-round
Crowd Level
Medium
Why Tijuana?
A unique border town surf zone where Southern California meets Mexico’s raw coastline.
- Playas de Tijuana offers fast, hollow waves near the U.S. border
- Quick surf access from San Diego
- Authentic food and vibrant urban surf culture
- Less crowded than its SoCal neighbors
Travel Information
Getting There
- • Drive or walk across the U.S.–Mexico border
- • Surf is just 15–20 minutes from the crossing
- • Best to surf with locals or with guidance first
Best Time to Visit
- • Winter for powerful NW swells
- • Summer is good for southern pulses
- • Dawn patrol before wind picks up
Local Tips
- • Street-smart attitude helps — not a touristy surf zone
- • Waves can be punchy and fun with minimal crowds
- • Stay aware and connect with locals when possible