Lower Trestles
4.2(11)reef
intermediate
**Lower Trestles** stands as California's proving ground for progressive surfing, rated 9/10 for wave quality.
Early access
1.5-mile hike from parking, creating natural crowd filter
Dawn patrol surfing in San Onofre
San Onofre, California
Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.
First light in San Onofre means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 4 spots are worth the 5am alarm.
Sunrise
6:19 AMFirst Light: 5:49 AM
Day length: 10h 33m
-1 min vs yesterday
Sunrise
6:19 AM
First light: 5:49 AM
Sunset
4:52 PM
Last light: 5:22 PM
Data from Lower Trestles · Updated daily
7-Day Sun Schedule
| Day | Sunrise | Sunset | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today(Today) | 6:19 AM | 4:52 PM | 10h 33m |
| Tomorrow | 6:20 AM | 4:51 PM | 10h 31m |
| Fri, Nov 13 | 6:21 AM | 4:50 PM | 10h 30m |
| Sat, Nov 14 | 6:22 AM | 4:50 PM | 10h 28m |
| Sun, Nov 15 | 6:23 AM | 4:49 PM | 10h 27m |
| Mon, Nov 16 | 6:24 AM | 4:49 PM | 10h 25m |
Today(Today)
Sunrise
6:19 AM
Sunset
4:52 PM
Day Length
10h 33m
Tomorrow
Sunrise
6:20 AM
Sunset
4:51 PM
Day Length
10h 31m
Fri, Nov 13
Sunrise
6:21 AM
Sunset
4:50 PM
Day Length
10h 30m
Sat, Nov 14
Sunrise
6:22 AM
Sunset
4:50 PM
Day Length
10h 28m
Sun, Nov 15
Sunrise
6:23 AM
Sunset
4:49 PM
Day Length
10h 27m
Mon, Nov 16
Sunrise
6:24 AM
Sunset
4:49 PM
Day Length
10h 25m
Best dawn patrol spots in San Onofre
Featured Beaches
4 spots
Lower Trestles
IntermediateLower Trestles stands as California's proving ground for progressive surfing, rated 9/10 for wave quality.
Middles
Beginner friendlyMiddles is a beach break in San Onofre, CA. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, pollution.
Trails
Beginner friendlyTrails is a beach break in San Onofre, CA. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, pollution.
Upper Trestles
IntermediateUpper Trestles offers high-performance cobblestone rights, rated 8/10, working best on west to northwest swells (240-315°, center 280°).
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Featured Beaches(4)
Dawn patrol access guide for San Onofre
Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.
Middles
3.9(15)beach
beginner-intermediate
Middles is a beach break in San Onofre, CA. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, pollution.
Trails
3.9(15)beach
beginner-intermediate
Trails is a beach break in San Onofre, CA. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, pollution.
Upper Trestles
3.9(17)point
intermediate
**Upper Trestles** offers high-performance cobblestone rights, rated 8/10, working best on west to northwest swells (240-315°, center 280°).
Early access
10–15 min walk/bike; pack water, light leash
Dawn patrol tips
- Glassy morning conditions before onshore winds
- Less crowded lineups at sunrise
- East-facing beaches for sunrise views
- Spots with easy parking for early arrivals
Surf Guides for San Onofre
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
About surfing in San Onofre
- Dawn patrol in San Onofre typically starts at first light, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the glassiest conditions before onshore winds develop.
- Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.
