California tide guide for faster wave selection
100 spots across California
Tides dictate which banks fire in California. This breakdown maps upcoming highs and lows to the sandbars, reefs, and piers that flip on with just a foot of variance.
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Popular cities for Tide Timing in California
More Tide Timing cities in California
- Santa Cruz
- Carlsbad
- Dana Point
- Laguna Beach
- Oceanside
- San Francisco
- Ventura
- Cardiff-by-the-Sea
- Hermosa Beach
- Manhattan Beach
- Santa Barbara
- Santa Monica
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Del Mar
- Goleta
- Imperial Beach
- Pacifica
- Solana Beach
- Venice
- Avila Beach
- Big Sur
- Bodega Bay
- Bolinas
- Capitola
- Carpinteria
- Cayucos
- Coronado
- Davenport
- El Segundo
- Grover Beach
- Half Moon Bay
- Isla Vista
- Jalama
- Long Beach
- Manchester
- Morro Bay
- Newport Coast
- Palos Verdes
- Pismo Beach
- Playa del Rey
- Redondo Beach
- Seal Beach
- Stinson Beach
- Torrance
Surf Guides for California
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
About surfing in California
- Tide preferences vary by spot in California. Generally, incoming mid-tides work well for most beaches, offering a good balance of wave shape and power. Check individual spot guides for specific tide recommendations.
- Tides significantly impact surf conditions in California. Low tide can expose reefs and sandbars creating hollow waves, while high tide often creates softer, more forgiving waves. Mid-tide transitions typically offer the most consistent conditions.
- You can check tide charts for California on Quiver's surf forecast pages, NOAA tide predictions, or various surf forecast apps. Quiver provides real-time tide information integrated with surf conditions for accurate session planning.