San Diego, California
Looking for the best surfing in San Diego? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around San Diego. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Surfing Spots in and near San Diego
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San Diego, California
Surf Scripps Pier
5.0Park on La Jolla Shores Drive and make the short walk down the boat ramp north of the pier. This spot often has some of the clearest waters in San Diego, making it a picturesque place to surf. During low tide, check out the tide pools just north of the surf spot to find some awesome sea life.Read more -
San Diego, California
Surfing at Black's Beach via the Main Gate
5.01 mi / 650 ft gainWith arguably some of San Diego’s best waves, Black’s Beach can be found in the vicinity of the University of California San Diego campus, at the southern end of Torrey Pines State Beach and north of La Jolla Shores. Stately eight-figure mansions now line the bluffs where pastures and the Black f...Read more -
San Diego, California
Ocean Beach Dog Beach
5.0Ocean Beach Dog Beach is considered "The Original Dog Beach" and one of the first leash-free dog beaches in the U.S., according to city's website. There's something really magical about being at a beach during sunset, and even up to an hour after sunset can still cast beautiful light on the wat...Read more -
San Diego, California
Black's Beach via the Ho Chi Minh Trail
4.30.61 mi / 259 ft gainFinding the actual trail is 80% of the adventure. Once you turn down La Jolla Farms Road you will follow it for about 3/4 of a mile and there won't be anything too apparent that you are there, except a few cars parked along the street. Make sure to plug in the directions from the map so you know ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Surf at Sunset Cliffs
4.5This is a fun, soft, A-frame point break with a reef bottom and kelp beds a little deeper than the lineup to keep the waves clean. Breaks right and a left. Works even when there's a little bit of wind, but not a lot. It's best on a 4-6 foot swell and only go on a mid to low tide. This is th...Read more -
Coronado, California
Coronado Central Beach
Coronado Central Beach in San Diego is a 1.5-mile-long, wide sandy beach set against the backdrop of the iconic Hotel del Coronado. It’s popular for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The flat terrain is ideal for skimboarding and walking, attracting families who often spend the ent...Read more -
Coronado, California
Coronado Beach
4.6Photograph the iconic and historic Hotel Del and Coronado Beach on Coronado Island. The Del is a beautiful Victorian resort, which is the second-largest wooden structure in the United States. The Del offers amazing photo opportunities during sunset and during sunrise when it is beautifully backli...Read more -
Encinitas, California
San Elijo State Beach Campground
4.5This campground is located right next to the beach as well as next to the San Elijo Lagoon. Head to the beach during the day for a swim. This is also a great place to catch a sunset. If you want to stretch your legs and get moving a bit, you can hike around the San Elijo Lagoon to the east of the...Read more -
Imperial Beach, California
Catch a Sunset at the Imperial Beach Pier
5.0From San Diego, head South on Hwy 5 for 12 miles. Take a right on exit 5A for Palm Ave/CA-75. Take CA-75 west for 1.6 miles. Stay on Palm Ave as it splits from CA-75. Take Palm Ave for 1 mile until it reaches the coast. Turn left on Seacoast Dr and take it for 1 mile until you reach the Imperial ...Read more -
Encinitas, California
Stonesteps Beach
Stonesteps Beach is incredibly scenic during every season. In the winter this beach is usually fairly rocky, and in the spring/summer the sand returns. If you're looking to hang out on this beach just be sure to set up your towel or chair a good ways away from the cliffside as there is a lot of...Read more -
Encinitas, California
Photograph Surfers at Beacons Beach
5.0Pack for a day of fun, and don’t forget your camera! Getting there is easy. You can plug “beacons beach” or Leucadia State Beach right into your gps. You’ll find it right off of Neptune Street, where you can park in the parking lot on top of the sea bluff. Walk down the windy beach trail and you ...Read more -
Encinitas, California
Grandview Beach
5.03 miGrandview Beach is a great spot for surfing when conditions line up (see Surfline). it's also an ideal spot to kick back and relax (bring your whole fam, dogs too). If you're looking for a little fitness, you can start at either Grandview Beach and head south along the beach to the San Elijo la...Read more -
Carlsbad, California
South Carlsbad Campground
5.0South Carlsbad Campground is a picturesque experience. Imagine gorgeous sea cliffs overlooking a lovely beach, with ample activities to pursue (or just lay in the sun and enjoy some quiet time). The most popular campsites, 1-70 and 156-222, are perched on the edge of a bluff and feature the best ...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Buccaneer Beach
If you're looking for a beach to bring your family, Buccaneer Beach is the place to go. It has a little bit of everything plus a huge parking lot, so it's really never full (unless you go midday on the 4th of July or something). There is a grassy area next to the parking lot with benches to have...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Surf the South Jetty, Oceanside Harbor
4.5The jetty's of Oceanside Harbor serve to protect and stabilize the mouth of the San Luis Rey River meaning the sand and subsequent breaks remain fairly consistent and sand bars last for quite some time. After heavy rains large sand bars will form making for decent waves. It is also a great place ...Read more -
Rosarito Beach Municipality, Mexico
Surf in Baja Norte
Hit an ATM before crossing the border, then take the 1 down the coast past Tijuana and into Rosarito. Make sure to pack the wallet with singles and nickels to pay the $2.05 at each booth.Make your way down to K38 where you can have your pick of beach, point, or reef break. Robert's turnoff from...Read more