Best San Diego-area Surf Beaches With 75 miles of wide-open coastline, the San Diego area has many unique spots for great surfing. Most consist of beach breaks with southwest exposure, but several are reef breaks.
Trestles
This famous rivermouth break is located at the border of Orange and San Diego Counties. Expect a long hike from the parking lot and heated competition for the waves.
Del Mar
The sand bottom beach break at Del Mar makes it a good surfing spot for beginners, and it’s rarely crowded, so you can easily find your own wave.
Cardiff
With reefs at either end of the cobblestone beach, Cardiff is a good intermediate spot. Rob Machado perfected his surfing style here.
Black’s Beach
Known for San Diego’s best wave, Black’s Beach attracts expert surfers all year round. Expect a long paddle out to the sometimes 10 to 12 foot waves here.
La Jolla Shores
A popular and protected beach, La Jolla Shores is a gentle spot for those learning to surf. Many surf schools operate here, and a lot of young locals practice here before heading off to the bigger breaks.
The Central Coast
Expect mediocre surfing conditions along the sandy shoreline running through Pacific, Mission and Ocean Beaches, but the close proximity to town makes the Central Coast a popular surf spot. During the busier summer months, lifeguards divide surfers from swimmers to keep the peace.
Sunset Cliffs
Fringed by rocky reefs, Sunset Cliffs at Point Loma is usually dominated by territorial native surfers. Expect to spend time scrambling down the bluffs and paddling around rocks to reach these expert waves.
SURF REPORT 
