Carlsbad State Beach
San Diego Surf Spots
Surf Guide
Occasionally good, often mediocre but rideable, this stretch of coast offers a wide range of serviceable beachbreak peaks for those who don't want to battle the crowds of further north or south.
Ability Level
All Abilities
BegIntAdv
Come one, come all.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
WelcomingIntimidating
Generally pretty mellow.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
MellowHeavy
Can be crowds on the best sandbars, but generally pretty spread out.
Spot Rating
Poor
PoorPerfect
Average SoCal beachbreak -- has its days, but generally the kind of place one goes to just get a couple waves and get on with the day.
Shoulder Burn
Light
LightExhausting
Unless it's overhead, it's also pretty mellow.
Water Quality
Clean
CleanDirty
Not horrible, though after a rain can get pretty suss.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Like many beachbreaks in SoCal, a combo swell -- SW-NW -- is best here.
Wind
E-NE.
Surf Height
Waist high to overhead.
Tide
Mid.