Pacific City Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Pacific City Surf Guide
The flat-bottomed, user-friendly beachbreak at Cape Kiwanda is best when it's small and glassy, as the sandbars can produce some shapely rights and lefts. It's generally soft, except when the swell increases and the big outside right starts breaking off of the barren cape. The inner beachbreak, however, is heavily surfed. The waves are perfect for beginners and just about anybody else who doesn't crave sand-sucking pits.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Beginner-Advanced.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
San Onofre without the cobblestones.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Pacific City gets packed, especially on weekends when the surf's not giant or the south winds aren't approaching gale force.
Spot Rating
Poor
Kinda fun.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Not too bad.
Water Quality
Clean
Clean.
Hazards
Tsunami, moderate shark factor.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish
Access
From either direction, exit Highway 101 onto Three Capes Scenic Loop and drive to Pacific City. At the north end of town along Cape Kiwanda Drive, you'll see the wide, paved parking lot with the brewery on the left. Park anywhere in the lot.
Bottom
Sand.
Best Season
June-September.
Do you have local knowledge about Pacific City?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]