Surf San Diego
SoCal's surf playground with sunshine, swells, and serious style.
30+
Surf Spots
260+
Sunny Days/Year
Year-Round
Peak Season
2–8ft
Wave Height
Surf Spots
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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
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 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
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
Imperial Beach
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
Popular Instructors
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Jimmy Walker
Professional photographer in the bay area
$40.00/lesson
Surf Photographers
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@jimmywalker
$108.00/session
Surf Shops
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Surf Products
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Surf Rentals
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Surfyx Services
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Why San Diego?
The heart of Southern California surf beginner to pro, this city delivers.
- Dozens of iconic breaks from Black’s Beach to Sunset Cliffs
- Warm water and mellow climate most of the year
- Plenty of surf schools, rentals, and community surf clubs
- Vibrant beach towns like Ocean Beach and Encinitas
Travel Information
Getting There
- • Fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- • Rent a car or use trolley/bus to reach coastal zones
- • Quick drive from Orange County or Los Angeles
Best Time to Visit
- • Fall for glassy waves and less wind
- • Summer for long days and warm water
- • Winter swells for advanced riders
Local Tips
- • Black’s Beach can get heavy — check conditions first
- • Sunrise sessions are quieter and cleaner
- • Many beaches have free parking but arrive early