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

6:49 AM
First Light: 6:19 AM

Day length: 11h 41m

-2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:49 AM

First light: 6:19 AM

Sunset

6:29 PM

Last light: 6:59 PM

Data from Lower Trestles · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:49 AM

Sunset

6:29 PM

Day Length

11h 41m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:50 AM

Sunset

6:28 PM

Day Length

11h 39m

Fri, Oct 9

Sunrise

6:50 AM

Sunset

6:27 PM

Day Length

11h 37m

Sat, Oct 10

Sunrise

6:51 AM

Sunset

6:26 PM

Day Length

11h 35m

Sun, Oct 11

Sunrise

6:52 AM

Sunset

6:24 PM

Day Length

11h 33m

Best dawn patrol spots in San Onofre

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Featured Beaches(4)

Lower Trestles

Intermediate

Lower Trestles stands as California's proving ground for progressive surfing, rated 9/10 for wave quality.

Middles

Beginner friendly

Middles is a beach break in San Onofre, CA. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, pollution.

Trails

Beginner friendly

Trails is a beach break in San Onofre, CA. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, pollution.

Upper Trestles

Intermediate

Upper Trestles offers high-performance cobblestone rights, rated 8/10, working best on west to northwest swells (240-315°, center 280°).

Dawn patrol access guide for San Onofre

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Lower Trestles
reef
intermediate
4.2(11)

**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

Middles
beach
beginner-intermediate
3.9(15)

Middles is a beach break in San Onofre, CA. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, pollution.

Trails
beach
beginner-intermediate
3.9(15)

Trails is a beach break in San Onofre, CA. It is suited for beginner-intermediate surfers. Watch out for rip currents, pollution.

Upper Trestles
point
intermediate
3.9(17)

**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

Dawn Patrol
You're here
Sunset Sessions
Evening golden hour spots
Tide Windows
Optimal tidal conditions
Water Temperature
Conditions & wetsuit guide

Style

Beginner Spots
Gentle waves for learning
Longboard Spots
Mellow waves for logging

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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