The Best Surfing in San Diego
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
Black's Beach Trail
1.13 mi / 276 ft gainBlack's Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near La Jolla, California.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 Front (Boardwalk)
5.6 mi / 26 ft gainOcean Front (Boardwalk) is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near San Diego, California.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
La Jolla Beach Trail
2.33 mi / 295 ft gainLa Jolla Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near La Jolla, California.Read more -
San Diego, California
Hike to Black's Beach via the Ho Chi Minh Trail
4.31 mi / 400 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
Bayshore Bikeway: Centennial to Tidelands Park
3.43 mi / 56 ft gainBayshore Bikeway: Centennial to Tidelands Park is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Coronado, California.Read more -
Coronado, California
Catch a Sunset at Coronado Beach
4.5Photograph 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 -
Solana Beach, California
Cardiff State Beach to Solana Beach Trail
2.43 mi / 43 ft gainCardiff State Beach to Solana Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Solana Beach, California.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 -
Encinitas, California
San Elijo State Beach
1.41 mi / 20 ft gainSan Elijo State Beach is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California.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
Beacon's Beach Walk
0.22 mi / 26 ft gainBeacon's Beach Walk is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Encinitas, California.Read more -
Encinitas, California
Photograph Surfers at Beacons Beach
Pack 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