10 Best Beginner Surf Spots in San Diego

San Diego is known as a surfer haven with its miles of scenic shoreline up and down the coast. With mild weather year-round, surfing can be enjoyed in any season. If you are starting out, there are plenty of spots where the ocean is easier to navigate. Here are the best beginner surf spots in San Diego that should be on your list.

Essentials:

• take precautions after heavy rain – sewage and other waste flow into the ocean from rivers in a relatively short time causing high water pollution and the risk of infections for those who surf or swim in the waters. It is recommended that you wait at least 72 hours after a storm.
• be respectful of others’ space – it’s best to give local surfers plenty of room, especially if you are a newcomer.
• check if there are reef breaks underneath the surf – it is ideal for beginner surfers to find beaches with sandy bottoms, but if you do go to a beach with reefs underfoot, make sure to wear the proper footwear (surf booties).
• always check the surf report before heading out – it is important to get an accurate reading on the current tide, winds, and surf to be safe. You can get the latest surf reports for San Diego here.
• consider taking surf lessons – if you are completely new to surfing, a professional instructor can not only show you the ropes but knows the lay of the land and where to catch the best waves.

La Jolla Shores

Part of La Jolla, the scenic stretch of northern San Diego tucked in between La Jolla Cove and Scripps Pier, the Shores is a popular spot for beginners. The area is protected against the southwest trade winds by La Jolla Bay and the waves are consistently reliable. The water never gets too cold and often reaches temperatures in the summer around the high 60s to mid-70s. There is a sand bottom, with no coal reefs to worry about under the surf.

Amenities: public restrooms/showers, free parking (that fills up quickly in the summer months), and lifeguard supervision.

Ocean Beach

The ideal spot for beginner surfers is the area north of Ocean Beach Pier where the calmer water and gentle waves allow for an easier environment to swim out in. The water is also shallow, which is helpful if you are getting your bearings on a surfboard. One of the benefits of surfing at Ocean Beach is that it tends to be less crowded than its neighbors Pacific and Mission Beaches.

Amenities: public restrooms/showers, free parking, and lifeguard supervision.

Pacific Beach

One of the liveliest surfing spots in San Diego, Pacific Beach is known for its close proximity to restaurants and nightlife as well as the historical wooden Crystal Pier. The best breaks (sand bottom) are a bonus for beginner surfers, as well as the generous length of the beach that will allow surfers to spread out. Advanced surfers tend to surf near the pier, but Tourmaline Beach in Tourmaline Surf Park to the north sits on the border of Pacific Beach and La Jolla and is a great spot for beginners.

Amenities: public restrooms/showers, free parking, and lifeguard supervision.

Mission Beach

Located directly to the south of Pacific Beach, this beginner-friendly spot allows surfers to spread out with plenty of room and has sand bottom breaks. The waves are gentle for the most part, but do be cautious when a winter storm rolls in. It takes a bit more to paddle out at Mission Beach to get to the ideal surf. The best part for those starting out is the southern part of the beach, though avoid the direct jetty area where more experienced surfers frequent. During the summer months, it can get crowded, especially with Belmont Park is in full swing.

Amenities: public restrooms/showers, free parking, and lifeguard supervision.

Del Mar

One of the best surf spots in this picturesque seaside town is 15th Street which is located at the north end of South Beach and the end of 15th Street (look for the bluffs). It is less crowded than Del Mar City Beach to the direct north and has consistent waves. Another spot is 11th Street, which is a bit of a trek to get to, but worth the effort. You can either park at the end of 11th Street, cross over the train tracks, and make your way down over the bluff or walk over from 15th Street on the beach.

Amenities: public restrooms and limited free street parking.

Solana Beach

Located just north of Del Mar, Fletcher Cove (known to locals as Pillbox) is this coastal town’s central beach that is known for its calm surf. The high tide is also easy to navigate with the spacious beach. Solana can get a bit crowded during the summer, but this North County prime spot is worth dealing with the crowds. There is also a playground for kids, as well as a cliff overlooking the cove that is a perfect place to watch sunsets.

Amenities: public restrooms/showers, free parking, and lifeguard supervision.

San Elijo State Beach

Located just above Del Mar in Cardiff-By-The-Sea, this two-mile stretch of beach is a great surf spot for beginners because it has gentle waves and is spacious with few rocks. The state beach costs $15 per vehicle to enter for a daily pass and there are also campgrounds that can be booked up to six months in advance and include one vehicle with the site.

Amenities: public restrooms/showers and lifeguards.

Moonlight Beach

As the central beach of Encintas, Moonlight is great for those surfers just starting out because the waves can be forgiving when the swells are low and the slope of the beach is gradual to get into the water. After a day of surfing, warm up by one of the many fire pits that line the sand. It can get quite crowded on a hot summer day, but on a mild winter day, you can have the beach almost to yourself.

Amenities: public restrooms/showers, free parking, and lifeguard supervision.

Oceanside Pier

The longest wooden pier on the Pacific Coast, this iconic structure is a great place for both beginners and skilled surfers alike. The north and south side of the pier are great for those just getting their footing since the waves are smaller and consistent. There are plenty of rentals and surf schools around the pier, as well as custom boards in Shaper’s Alley. After hitting the waves, head over to California Surf Museum in downtown Oceanside to learn about the local surf history and culture.

Amenities: public restrooms/showers, free parking three blocks from the pier in the transit center parking structure and the lots on Cleveland Street, and lifeguard supervision.

San Onofre Surfing Beach (Old Man’s)

Situated just across the border from Oceanside in San Clemente – Orange County, this state beach is one of the best places for surfers of any skill level. San Onofre has a lot of defined surfing areas including the world-class surfing at Trestles which caters more to the experienced surfer. For those who are just starting out, Old Man’s is ideal since there are gentle breaks and space to spread out. This beach is day-use only, but Bluffs Beach to the south allows tent and RV camping. Daily parking per vehicle is $15.

Amenities: public restrooms/showers and lifeguard supervision.