San Diego Surf Spots
Titan Beach Rentals guarantees our guests first-class customer service, and one of the many ways we do this is by providing all our vacationers with a guide to help plan their vacation. Offering local tips and suggestions can make planning your activities less of a hassle and more enjoyable.
Our San Diego guide is meant to introduce our guests to the area by sharing all of our favorite San Diego surf spots, and providing updated surf reports. From shredding at Black’s Beach, to teaching the groms how to get up at Tourmaline Surf Park, we have you covered.
If you have any questions, or need us to help narrow down some of our suggestions, please feel free to contact us! Also, you might enjoy reading our recommendations for the best hiking trails in San Diego.
Black’s Beach
Located in La Jolla, Black’s Beach is known for its powerful surf break and stunning scenery. It’s a popular break among experienced surfers and can be challenging for beginners, but the waves are well worth it, which is why it is known as one of the best San Diego surf spots.
Additionally, the sets can be as unpredictable and the beachgoers, as it is a well-known nude beach. Keep your eyes on the waves, my friend.
Lower Trestles
Located in San Onofre State Beach, Trestles is a world-renowned surf break that attracts surfers from all over the globe. It’s known for its consistent waves and is a popular break for surf competitions, and is Kelly Slater’s favorite break.
However, there can be 100+ surfers lined up, especially on the weekends. We would not recommend if you are a beginner.
Windansea
Located in La Jolla, Windansea is a popular break for experienced surfers. It’s known for its fast, hollow waves and can be challenging for beginners.
That said, the area is as beautiful, scenery wise, as you will find in all of San Diego. Plus, keep on the lookout for “the Shack”, which is a classic California surf staple, as a small palm hut located on the shore, built way back in 1946.
La Jolla Shores
Located in the heart of La Jolla, La Jolla Cove is a popular break for beginner and intermediate surfers. The waves are smaller and more manageable, making it a great break for learning to surf.
Don’t make the mistake of paddling out at La Jolla Cove, as you will find out next.
La Jolla Cove
Surfable waves are few and far between, usually best in the winter when the tides build.
This is a dangerous area for beginners and those who don’t know the underwater landscape. The rocks and size of the waves should definitely scare off newer surfers and groms.
That said, you won’t find many better waves to surf when its pumping, and it is an easy spot to setup for some amazing photos from shore.
Swami’s
Swami’s is one of the most iconic surf spots in San Diego, located at the southern end of Encinitas, just north of Solana Beach. It’s a world-class surf spot that’s popular with locals and visitors alike. Swami’s is a great surf spot for intermediate to advanced surfers, with waves that can range from waist-high to well overhead.
The waves at Swami’s are known for being fast and powerful, with steep drops and long, peeling rides. The reef bottom can create some challenging conditions, with well groomed waves.
Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs is a popular surf spot located in Point Loma, San Diego. This surf break is known for its consistency, offering some of the best waves in the area year-round. The waves at Sunset Cliffs can range from waist-high to overhead and are suitable for intermediate surfers and above.
The surf at Sunset Cliffs is characterized by a steep drop followed by a long, fast ride down the line. The reef bottom creates some challenging conditions, with waves breaking in both left and right directions. When the conditions are right, Sunset Cliffs can produce some of the best waves in the area, with long, peeling rides and challenging barrels.
Tourmaline Surf Park
An excellent surf spot for beginners and intermediate surfers, with a consistent break that’s suitable for learning and improving your surfing skills.
The waves at Tourmaline Surf Park are generally mellow and fun, with waves that can range from knee-high to chest-high. The break is a sandbar that produces mostly left-hand waves, but it can also offer some fun rights on occasion. The area is also known for its friendly atmosphere, making it a great spot for families and beginners to learn how to surf.
Seaside Reef
Situated at the southern end of Cardiff State Beach, just south of Swami’s. Seaside Reef is a great surf spot for intermediate to advanced surfers, with waves that can range from waist-high to well overhead.
The waves at Seaside Reef are known for being fast and hollow, with steep drops and long, peeling rides. The reef bottom can create some challenging conditions, with waves breaking in both left and right directions.
Ponto Jetties
Ponto Jetties is a great surf spot located in North County San Diego. The surf break is situated at the south end of Ponto Beach, just north of the Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad. The surf at Ponto Jetties is typically best in the fall and winter months, when northwest swells can produce some of the best waves in the area.
The waves at Ponto Jetties can be fast and powerful, making it a great spot for more experienced surfers. The surf break is characterized by a steep drop, followed by a long, fast ride down the line. When the conditions are right, Ponto Jetties can produce some of the best waves in the area, with barrels and steep drops that will challenge even the most seasoned surfers.