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
6:42 AMFirst Light: 6:12 AM
Day length: 12h 1m
-2 min vs yesterday
Sunrise
6:42 AM
First light: 6:12 AM
Sunset
6:43 PM
Last light: 7:13 PM
Data from Lower Trestles · Updated daily
7-Day Sun Schedule
| Day | Sunrise | Sunset | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today(Today) | 6:42 AM | 6:43 PM | 12h 1m |
| Tomorrow | 6:43 AM | 6:42 PM | 11h 59m |
| Tue, Sep 29 | 6:43 AM | 6:40 PM | 11h 57m |
| Wed, Sep 30 | 6:44 AM | 6:39 PM | 11h 55m |
| Thu, Oct 1 | 6:45 AM | 6:38 PM | 11h 53m |
| Fri, Oct 2 | 6:45 AM | 6:36 PM | 11h 51m |
| Sat, Oct 3 | 6:46 AM | 6:35 PM | 11h 49m |
Today(Today)
Sunrise
6:42 AM
Sunset
6:43 PM
Day Length
12h 1m
Tomorrow
Sunrise
6:43 AM
Sunset
6:42 PM
Day Length
11h 59m
Tue, Sep 29
Sunrise
6:43 AM
Sunset
6:40 PM
Day Length
11h 57m
Wed, Sep 30
Sunrise
6:44 AM
Sunset
6:39 PM
Day Length
11h 55m
Thu, Oct 1
Sunrise
6:45 AM
Sunset
6:38 PM
Day Length
11h 53m
Fri, Oct 2
Sunrise
6:45 AM
Sunset
6:36 PM
Day Length
11h 51m
Sat, Oct 3
Sunrise
6:46 AM
Sunset
6:35 PM
Day Length
11h 49m
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.
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