Grandview Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
W, NW, SW, SSW, WNW
Wind
E, NE
Surf Height
Knee high to a few feet overhead.
Tide
Grandview really needs a low to mid tide, as too much water gets up to the cliffs and there’s not much beach. And with scattered rocks on the bottom, reefy options present themselves when the tide drops.
Grandview Surf Guide
A beachbreak with a rock bottom covered by sand, Grandview offers a lot of different options depending on the mood of the ocean. And it’s good in both summer and winter. Featuring both left and right corners, it’s a great spot to bring the family when it’s small, and as a groundswell picks up, Grandview’s exposure ensures that the size and power build accordingly. Because it’s situated in the epicenter of the San Diego surf scene, crowds are on it, but the vibes are generally good.
Ability Level
All Abilities
When it’s small, Grandview is a gentle wave that’s fun for longboards and beginners. But as the conditions improve, the wave gets more challenging and powerful.
Local Vibe
Doable
Generally a quiet, mellow spot to catch a wave. There’s a lot of talent that lives in the surrounding community, so when the waves pick up and the conditions are decent, expect to share the water with some good surfers.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Not as busy as the more marquee spots in the area until it starts to get good, then it can be pretty busy.
Spot Rating
Fun
Thanks to its exposure, there’s usually a wave to be ridden at Grandview. When it’s small, it’s fun for longboards and beginners, and as the swell picks up, it can be a very rippable setup of lefts and rights.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
When it’s small, Grandview is a pretty easy paddle-out that may require a handful of duck-dives. As the size and consistency pick up, you’ll spend some time punching through the whitewater before you make it out the back.
Water Quality
Fair
Generally pretty clean, but like most spots in Southern California, caution should be exercised during periods of heavy rain.
Hazards
In 2019, giant boulders fell from the cliff and killed three women. Post up well away from the cliff. In the water, stingrays and rip currents are your biggest concern.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard, Bodyboard
Access
Park at the north end of Neptune Avenue near Grandview Street. A wooden stairway leads down to the beach.
Bottom
A sandy beach with flat rocks on the bottom covered by scattered sandbars.
Best Season
From summertime S swells to rolling NW swells in the winter, Grandview enjoys exposure to energy from all directions. Autumn is your best bet for scoring peaky conditions with offshore winds.
Do you have local knowledge about Grandview?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]