San Diego is one of the world’s most popular surfing destinations. The coastline offers some of the best waves that draw thousands of local and tourist surfers from all around. If you are ready to get on the surfboard, check out the best places to surf in San Diego below.
1. Pacific Beach – Ideal for Everyone
Originally a sleepy seaside community, Pacific Beach has morphed into a wild party hotspot. It is the best site to catch your first glimpse of the San Diego surf. Thanks to the gentle wave breaks in this area, it is popular among surfers, especially the young crowd looking to surf during the day and party the night away at the beach. In addition, the beach itself is wonderful, with plenty of parking and restrooms.
If you are interested in learning surfing or taking your skills to the next level, we suggest you check out a surfing school in the Pacific Beach area. You will find plenty of options. However, we warn you – don’t be surprised if you spend most of your time partying at the beach rather than surfing the waves at the Pacific Beach!
2. Mission & Ocean Beaches – Ideal for Beginners
The long, sandy beach that includes Mission and Ocean beaches has moderate surf, but surfers make the most of it due to its proximity and ease of access. During the busy summer months, lifeguards separate swimmers from surfers, as they do at all the other popular beaches in town, so it’s crucial to make sure you’re in the right place. It is a great place for beginners and the beach scene more than makes up for what the surf lacks.
3. Black’s Beach – Ideal for Experts
Black’s is well-known among surfers for its large winter swells, but the rest of the world knows it as San Diego’s nudist beach. You can undoubtedly catch some of San Diego’s best waves at Black Beach. Swells from the open ocean rush in and expel their energy in large hollow peaks, which means Black’s is not for the faint of heart. Also, keep in mind that there is a long climb down the cliff and a lot of extra paddling required to get into the lineup. You can expect the surf going well into the 10′ to 12′ range!
Remember, Safety Comes First!
While surfing can be super fun, you must recognize and accept where you stand in terms of surfing abilities and choose the right beach to ensure a safe and fun-filled day of riding the waves. If you haven’t mastered a beginner’s wave, don’t try an advanced one!
