Scripps
San Diego Surf Spots
Surf Guide
Scripps Pier, home of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, can occasionally have more defined sandbars, especially on the south side, than ones found just south at La Jolla Shores. Sandbars tend to get more defined after big swells and/or periods of rain. LINEUP TIPS: Etiquette | Surf Safety Basics
Ability Level
All Abilities
Beginner to advanced.
Local Vibe
Doable
Competitive.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Often packed.
Spot Rating
Fun
Rippable beachbreaks peaks when on, learners paradise when it's not.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Typical beachbreak but can be a lot of duckdives when it's on -- comes with being best on consistent, shorter-period swells.
Water Quality
Fair
Typically ok but gets dicey after a rain.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Shorter period W; NW less than 15 seconds; long period SW over 15 seconds
Wind
E, SE, even S.
Surf Height
Chest-high to a couple feet overhead.
Tide
Mid.