Surfing in San Diego
Skill level
Beginner to advanced
Group size
1 – 5 / private lessons are available
Price range
$75 – $1,099 per person
Season
The surf is best August through November
Duration
1 hour – 5 days
57hours verified
We put a lot of time and energy into verifying our adventures. We have to! Our guides and clients are important to us. When we can, we make a point to ride waves at La Jolla
San Diego’s coastline and warm water are perfect for surfing
With famed areas like La Jolla and Point Loma catching swells from the north, west or south to the equally sought out river-mouth of Trestles at San Diego’s northern edge, the area has waves for all levels of surfer and a dedicated community to match. No matter your style or board, you can find an area to suit your needs. The end of summer and early fall see the best swells, but no matter the time of year, you’ll always see boards in the water looking for a perfect wave. Remember, too, that the water reaches an ideal temp in June. And, hey, if you need a little inspiration while you’re in town, check out the California Surf Museum in nearby Oceanside.
So many beaches, so little time
The options are endless and the good spots get crowded — quickly. So which ones are worth checking out during your surfing vacation? Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are classic destinations for locals and tourists alike, and their mellow waves are perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers looking to get their boards wet. For a step up on difficulty, Ocean Beach is home to a time-capsule of a neighborhood and its highly sought after north jetty — look out for walls of water! If you’re an old pro or a newly minted expert, local favorites are Black’s Beach and D Street, but if you’re gonna drop in here, mind your manners and your waves.
Most popular packages and classes in San Diego
Surf Lesson
Get the most out of surfing in La Jolla whether you are a beginner or advanced surfer, or anywhere in-between. Your guides know the area like the back of their hands and want to help you get up on your board for the first time, or take you out where you can up your game. The awesome crew at Surf Diva has been fueling surfing stoke for decades and it shows.
Surf Retreat at Pacific Beach
If you want a longer AND luxurious surfing vacation, consider this amazing 5-day retreat. You’re guaranteed to learn surfing basics, etiquette and ocean safety and awareness — complete with yoga and massage therapy to ease whatever aches after days catching waves.
Surf Camp San Diego
Partnered with incredible Pacific Surf crew, spend a weekend with three 90 minute lessons, hotel accommodations, a free board, and bike rentals and yoga. This is a perfect way to get an introduction to surfing San Diego’s incredible waves while discovering the city itself.
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