San Diego County
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Positives
- Variety of spots
- Lots of clean waves
- Great weather
- flat day entertainment
Negatives
- Constant competitive crowds
- Relatively cool water
- pollution
- Urban atmosphere
San Diego County surf travel guide
North San Diego County is a great place to be a surfer, as thousands (millions?) of us have discovered in the past 60+ years. That is, if you don’t mind surfing with 60+ of your best friends at any given spot during any decent sort of conditions. North county has seen a sharp increase in the surfing population due to rampant housing development east of the Interstate 5 freeway and towns like Cardiff and Leucadia have become trendy relocation areas for East Coasters and Midwesterners.
San Diego boasts a deep surfing history and a wealth of lore at spots like Windansea and San Onofre, while Trestles is one of the world’s most famous waves. Much of the coast is laden with expensive homes, as basically all of San Diego’s beach towns are quite rich to some degree.
“Fair-weather surfer” is a good term to describe most surfers here as rain is rare and sunshine is the rule. Cloudy days keep a lot of people away from the beaches. There are so many surfers in San Diego that it is impossible to tell who is a local and who is not, but there is a solid longtime base of surfers claiming rights to certain spots like Swamis.
Surf spots in San Diego County
Research the 34 surf breaks in San Diego County and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 34 breaks in San Diego County.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to San Diego County
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- USD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
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- Dialing out
- 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.