Surf’s Up! San Diego’s Hottest Surfing Spots

With nearly perfect climate year-round, 70 miles of beautiful coastline and countless celebrated surf spots, San Diego offers surf enthusiasts the true Southern California dream. As the Golden State waxes up their boards in recognition of “California Surfing Day” on September 20, now is the perfect time to start planning your San Diego surfing adventure. Whether you’re a beginner wanting to practice or an experienced wave-shredder ready to step it up, San Diego’s wave-crashing coastline offers something for everyone. (Feature image, Thomas Ashlock, unsplash.com)

San Diego’s surf culture dates back to 1916 when the first surf exhibition was held at the Del Mar Pier. Since then, the region has been home to some of the world’s greatest surfing legends whose colorful stories are both inspiring and informative. The California Surf Museum in Oceanside honors these legends of surfing history with rotating exhibits and a wide collection of vintage boards and surf memorabilia.

San Diego’s Surfing Paradise

Opportunities to ride the waves are abundant up and down San Diego’s 33 public beaches, from Oceanside to Imperial Beach. The following are some of the most popular San Diego County surf spots, located from north to south.

Swami’s Beach, Encinitas

Located along San Diego’s North County coastline, Encinitas was made famous by the Beach Boys’ hit song “Surfin’ USA.” Encinitas’ Swami’s Beach is one of San Diego’s prime surf spots where big waves break off the narrow, cobblestone-strewn beach challenging experienced surfers. Stone Steps Beach, another popular Encinitas surf spot, is accessible by a staircase that leads from the cliffs to the beach. From the cliffs, spectators have great views of daredevil surfers below and the area’s magnificent scenery.

Black Beach, La Jolla

La Jolla is known for its beautiful scenery and local surf culture dating back to the 1940s. To the north, Black’s Beach offers some of the best surf in the region for the advanced surfer, whereas La Jolla Shores to the south is an excellent place for beginners to learn the sport.

Windansea Beach, La Jolla

Experienced surfers head to Windansea Beach, made famous by Tom Wolfe’s story “The Pump House Gang,” where they can enjoy hard surf breaks created by underwater reefs common in the area.

Pacific Beach and Mission Beach

For those who want to try surfing for the first time, the 2.5-mile stretch along Pacific Beach and Mission Beach offers surf action year-round, from northwest and southwest swells to changing wave shapes with the shifting sandbars. North Pacific Beach offers popular surf locations like Tourmaline and Crystal Pier, and surfers of all skill levels hit the waves near the South Mission Beach Jetty.

Sunset Cliffs, Point Loma

Located on the Point Loma peninsula, Sunset Cliffs is recognized more for its surfing and scenery than its beaches. The jagged cliffs and rocky bottom make getting to the water a challenge, and the area attracts only the most daring surfers. Main surfing spots include Luscomb’s, a surf break in the middle of a small bay with a rock spire near the shore. Neighboring Ocean Beach (OB) offers a 1960s hippie vibe and is another popular surfing community.

Become a Pro

Although challenging at times, learning to surf is still plenty of fun, and there are plenty of good, easy places in San Diego to give it a try. For those who want to learn from experts, San Diego offers a variety of local schools and surf camps that offer group and private lessons daily.

Surf Diva

Located on La Jolla Shores, Surf Diva is the world’s premier women’s surf school that skews heavily female with a “girl power” attitude and bevy of expert surf instructors. The surf school is open year-round and offers surfing classes for women, men, girls and boys and overnight camps for teens.

Pacific Surf School

Pacific Surf School in Mission Beach boasts experienced, knowledgeable instructors under the guidance of surf veterans from the professional surfing circuit. Lessons take place in the gentle surf breaks off Mission Beach.

Coronado Surfing Academy

Since 2004, the Coronado Surfing Academy has taught thousands of students of all ages and abilities the joy of surfing along Coronado Beach. The academy’s certified instructors are dedicated to providing their students with the ultimate surfing experience.

Surf Celebrations

The 8th Annual San Diego Surf Film Festival returns May 8-11, 2019 with events and screenings occurring at various locations around San Diego. Highlights of the hometown festival include 15 of the finest international surf films, a meet the filmmakers and artists luncheon, surfing expression sessions and an opening night event featuring live art, music and local beer.

Surfing America’s USA Surfing Championships brings together the nation’s best surfers and stand-up paddlers to compete in exciting events throughout the year. During June 12-22, 2019, the USA Surfing Championships and Team Trials includes competitions in Adult Shortboard, All Longboard, SUP Surf Championships and Team Trials, Adaptive Championships and Team Trials, held in Oceanside in San Diego’s North County.

Man’s best friend also gets into San Diego’s surfing spirit during the annual Imperial Beach Surf Dog Competition, held August 10, 2019, in Imperial Beach. Fearless surFUR dogs show off their wave riding skills in single and tandem (dog/dog and dog/human) heats, for prizes. A canine fashion show is also featured.

Make it a super gnarly vacation with a stay in San Diego. For more information visit here.

Photos courtesy of www.sandiego.org