Where to surf in San Diego when the crowd packs the peak

Blacks Beach channels canyon energy into powerful wedges that break with more punch than any other San Diego beachbreak. Long-period northwest swells focus into double-up peaks, while south swells wrap in with surprising consistency.

Windansea is a shallow reef that draws in west swells and unloads with punchy peaks and hollow pockets. The takeoff is steep, rewarding precise positioning.

Mission Beach features sandbars that shift with every tide swing, creating fun peaks for longboards and fish when combo swells arrive.

Pacific Beach combines multiple sandbars with a pier that refracts swell, creating playful peaks and occasional barrels for quick turns.

Ocean Beach offers a mix of pier bowls and outer sandbars that light up on west swells. The municipal pier refracts swell energy into wedgy peaks that entice shortboarders and body surfers alike.

Sunset Cliffs is a collection of reef bowls tucked beneath sandstone bluffs. Different coves switch on depending on swell direction, rewarding exploration and confident entries.

Pipes is a high-tide favorite with playful peaks that run along a cobblestone bottom. The wave has more punch than Cardiff, attracting shortboarders and fish riders.

Torrey Pines State Beach stretches beneath dramatic cliffs, producing a variety of sandbars that favor combo swells. The north end near the river mouth offers the most consistent peaks.

San Elijo combines beachbreak peaks with a few rocky shelves that add extra punch. The campground above keeps dawn patrol lively as campers roll straight into the lineup.

Silver Strand is a military-adjacent stretch of beach that catches south swells and offers hollow peaks when sandbars align. The wide beach spreads surfers out, helping sessions feel relaxed.