San Diego City
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Positives
- Variety of spots
- Lots of clean waves
- Great weather
- Flat day activities
Negatives
- Constant competitive crowds
- Heavy traffic
- Pollution
- Urban atmosphere
San Diego City surf travel guide
The City of San Diego has it covered as far as quality reefbreaks go: Big Rock, Windansea, Sunset Cliffs, etc. The list goes on. Anything from the longboard sliders of PB Point to the behemoth left-handers of La Jolla Cove are at San Diego surfers’ disposal. South county reef areas like La Jolla and Point Loma really shine during solid winter swells, but there exists a tinge of localism at select breaks.
As a whole, South San Diego surf varies in aspects of power and consistency, but it’s safe to say most spots are quite user-friendly and mild on a global scale. Lengthy flat spells are not unheard of and summer crowds can be stifling, but quality conditions occur several times a year.
Surf spots in San Diego City
Research the 26 surf breaks in San Diego City and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 26 breaks in San Diego City.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to San Diego City
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring San Diego City.
Travel Information
General
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- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
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Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
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- 011
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- English, Spanish
Electricity
- Plug Type
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Visas
Due to Covid there are special restrictions so it is essential to check the latest news before booking any trip. Normally most Europeans, Aussies, Kiwis and Japanese are part of the Visa waiver program so do not need a visa to enter the USA for up to 90 days, but they do need to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) which costs US$14.
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta.
Other nationalities need to check as the rules are constantly being adjusted.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_the_United_States
Accommodation
Best to first search online. The cheapest coastal motel will cost around $140/night. There are several hostels, ranging from $30-$100/night. State Beach campgrounds are $30-$40 for a tent site. Good food is widely available, especially Mexican, but you can find absolutely everything in this highly developed metropolis. There are lots of bars and restaurants along Garnett Avenue in Pacific Beach. Also over 100 local microbreweries, many of them with excellent restaurants or food trucks. Ask for a “California burrito.”
Activities
Check out the Del Mar Fairgrounds for all sorts of events year-round. Tour Legoland. Window-shop and people-watch in newly gentrified downtown Encinitas. Check out Torrey Pines State Reserve, site of the only natural continental habitat for the world’s rarest pine, the Torrey. Visit Sea World, the SD Zoo, and the WaveHouse. Professional baseball (the Padres) is at Petco Park; also the Sockers (soccer) and the Gulls (ice hockey). Party on a rooftop in the Gaslamp District. Cruise downtown and Balboa Park. Check out the Midway aircraft carrier. Take the ferry to Coronado Island. Hike Potato Chip Rock. Get naked at Blacks. Go whale watching. Take a craft-beer tour. Golf at Torrey Pines.
Hazards & hassles
The best way to avoid crowds is to surf the less accessible spots as local surfers tend to populate the most famous places. North County usually has less pressure and local people are generally extremely friendly. Stay low-key, respect lifeguards beach restrictions and local heavies. Don’t stress if traffic is bad, because it always is. If it rains, watch out for polluted water. Wear sunscreen.
Handy Hints
Mentally prepare yourself for crowds and soft, average surf quality overall. A big wave gun will only be used rarely, usually at the Cove, Blacks and Swamis, which all get big and extremely powerful. There are plenty of shops to buy gear; try Surf Ride, Hansen’s, Surfy Surfy, Encinitas Surfboards, Mitch’s, Liquid Foundation, South Coast, PB Surf, or Bird’s Surf Shed. SD offers easy access to the US border for Baja runs.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.