The best places to surf in San Diego help give San Diego its reputation for an excellent surf vacation. Malibu, Rincon, and Redondo Beach aren’t the only great places to surf in California. San Diego is also renowned for its fabulous surf. The Beach Boys even sang about it in “Surfin’ USA” with its references to Swamies, Del Mar, La Jolla and San Onofre. Total beginners and seasoned professionals alike can find any kind of wave they want for maximum stoke and fun.
The best places to surf San Diego depend on your skill level. For beginners, San Onofre is your go-to place. San Onofre is located at the northernmost edge of San Diego County, and is actually within the boundaries of the Pendleton Marine Corps base. In a way, it’s the last remaining beach in Southern California with that old-time California beach scene. Just like in the 1930s, you can still park right on the sand (no paved parking lots here) just steps from the water, and set up camp all day long and finish your day of surfing with a beach bonfire and barbecue. Its soft, mushy waves make it the perfect place to learn to surf.
More experienced surfers know the best places to surf San Diego. Sunset Cliffs, Black’s beach, and Moonlight Beach (at the end of D Street in Encinitas), for example are considered places for advanced surfers for various reasons. The waves can be more powerful, and the crowds more aggressive and less tolerant for lower-skilled surfers.
In between the beginning and advanced surf breaks, some of the best places to surf San Diego have waves suitable for all skill levels. Del Mar, Swami’s, Oceanside Pier, Beacon’s, north Moonlight Beach, and Mission Beach are popular surf breaks for intermediate and beginning surfers.
Like anywhere, just remember that some of the best places to surf San Diego are also some of the most crowded. Always exercise caution by knowing and practicing your best surf etiquette.