38th Avenue (Santa Cruz)
reef
lower-intermediate
Sometimes called the Hook's little sister, 38th Avenue is a user-friendly right reef that handles south and west swells. It offers long rides at lower tide and is popular with longboarders and groms.
Water temperature in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California
Water temperatures refreshed hourly from NOAA buoys and forecast models.
Pack the right rubber and you'll extend your sessions in Santa Cruz by an hour. Temps swing from upwelling lows to summer peaks, and the difference between a 3/2 and a 4/3 day can come overnight.
57°F5° this week
4/3mm fullsuit
Thicker suit needed for cold water
Recommended extras: booties recommended
7-Day Temperature Trend
Data from 38th Avenue (Santa Cruz) · Updated hourly
Beach Water Temperatures
Current water temperatures at each surf spot. Temperatures can vary based on local conditions, currents, and depth.
Surf spots in Santa Cruz
Featured Beaches
5 spots
38th Avenue (Santa Cruz)
IntermediateSometimes called the Hook's little sister, 38th Avenue is a user-friendly right reef that handles south and west swells. It offers long rides at lower tide and is popular with longboarders and groms.
Mitchell's Cove
IntermediateA reefy cove along West Cliff Drive that offers wedgy peaks and occasional barrels on W and NW swells. It's also a popular dog beach, so expect pups running around the sand.
Pleasure Point
IntermediateThe crown jewel of Santa Cruz's East Side, Pleasure Point is a long right point over reef offering multiple sections, from First Peak to Sewers. It's surfable year-round and accommodates longboards and shortboards depending on swell size.
Rockview (Santa Cruz)
IntermediateKnown locally as The Hook, Rockview offers a peaky right-hand reef break with playful sections that work on south and west swells. It's slightly more exposed than neighbouring Pleasure Point and has a punchier take-off.
Steamer Lane
AdvancedOne of California's most iconic waves, Steamer Lane is a series of right-hand reef points (Indicators, Middle Peak, and Slot). It offers long walls and powerful sections and is best tackled by experienced surfers comfortable with crowds and cliffs.
Loading map...
Featured Beaches(5)
Spot guide for Santa Cruz
Break types, ratings, and local tips for each beach.
Mitchell's Cove
reef
intermediate
A reefy cove along West Cliff Drive that offers wedgy peaks and occasional barrels on W and NW swells. It's also a popular dog beach, so expect pups running around the sand.
Pleasure Point
point
intermediate
The crown jewel of Santa Cruz's East Side, Pleasure Point is a long right point over reef offering multiple sections, from First Peak to Sewers. It's surfable year-round and accommodates longboards and shortboards depending on swell size.
Rockview (Santa Cruz)
reef
intermediate
Known locally as The Hook, Rockview offers a peaky right-hand reef break with playful sections that work on south and west swells. It's slightly more exposed than neighbouring Pleasure Point and has a punchier take-off.
Steamer Lane
point
advanced
One of California's most iconic waves, Steamer Lane is a series of right-hand reef points (Indicators, Middle Peak, and Slot). It offers long walls and powerful sections and is best tackled by experienced surfers comfortable with crowds and cliffs.
What to know about water temperature
- Weekly temperature trends and seasonal averages
- Gear recommendations for dawn patrol versus midday
- Upwelling signals that drop temps overnight
- Health and recovery tips for long cold sessions
Surf Guides for Santa Cruz
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
About surfing in Santa Cruz
- Water temperatures in Santa Cruz typically range from 55-72°F. For summer, spring suit or 3/2mm is recommended. In winter, you'll want 4/3mm. Spring and fall may require adjusting based on your cold tolerance.
- Water temperatures in Santa Cruz vary by season, ranging from 55-72°F. Check Quiver's live water temperature data for real-time readings at specific surf spots. Temperatures are typically warmest around August-September and coldest in January-February.
- Water temperatures in Santa Cruz range from 55-72°F, so most surfers wear at least spring suit or 3/2mm even in summer. A wetsuit is recommended year-round for longer sessions and early morning surfs.
See today's conditions at your beach
Free surf reports. Session tracking. Your forecast gets sharper the more you surf.
Free. No paywall. No catch.