Del Mar is a nice laid-back place to surf. It consists of mostly beach breaks and a reef or two. There are many two-way peaks. Unfortunately, most of the time it is either too small or too mushy to get barreled. Surf averages 2-5 feet during summer and 3-5 during winter. The parking rules there are strictly enforced however, so make sure your registration is up to date and you've put enough money in the meters.
Moonlight is located in Encinitas and faces SW. Moonlight is more powerful than Del Mar and is usually bigger. It is also hollower. Moonlight seems to be one of the premier summertime breaks as it is always packed during that season (its shape favors a south swell). It consists of all beach breaks and is a fun place to surf.
Trestles is located at the north end of Camp Pendleton. It consists of four main breaks: Uppers, Lowers, Cottons, and Churches.
Uppers is mainly a winter break. It consists of long well-shaped rights and a fairly consistent left. Uppers breaks best during west swells. The takeoffs are steep and hairy but if you make that you are rewarded with a thick, rippable wall. The bottom is rocky, especially in winter. Be careful during the lower tides, because you will hit the reef if you bog a barrel (This has happened to me a number of times).
Pipes is a fun beachbreak. The waves that break there can make you swear you're surfing a point break when they are good. This spot favors a west swell. It is rideable up to 12 feet, bigger than that and it tends to close out. Low tide gives you hollow waves, especially on the inside whereas high tide provides fast and fun waves more towards the outside.
This so-called surf city has a wide sandy beach and TONS of peaks from which to choose from. The bottom consists of sandbars which greatly influence the quality of the waves. The crowds focus around the pier but consistent surf can be found on both sides of it. Favors a west swell and has been known to pack a punch.
Seaside on smaller days closely resembles a dumpy shorebreak with some lines. On bigger days, waves start breaking at the reef. This spot is a lot of fun on the right day. It is hardly ever packed either. This may be due to the fact that ever since El Niņo, the spot has drastically changed. Gone are the frequent cold winter sessions with crisp barrels awaiting.
Great winter waves can be found here. Long, peeling rights that seem to taper forever. The logger factor is a downer, however. Suckouts is sometimes the remedy. It is a short, steep, gnarly wave and is located just north of the main peak. If there's too many people and it's the only good spot around, try going left!
Grandview has been good to me. I love this wave. On a 6'-8' day, it just pumps! Long lefts and rights, not TOO many loggers. Say hi to John Turbeville while you're out there. Barrels can be found here, though they are not very common. Waves are mellow on takeoff, then quickly begin to steepen. Great for pumping down the line.
If you are a shortboarder, go there only if you don't want to surf the main (best) peak on a solid day, because you probably will not be getting any wave. My rule of thumb is if the lot's full on a solid day, go elsewhere. All in all, a great wave. Swami's can handle any size swell. Say hi to Dale Dobson while you're out there. The Chob also makes some cameos.
Six foot S swell and high tide? Try Ponto's! This spot hits a little harder than other spots in the vicinity. Quality sandbars are necessary for this spot to work well. Also, this spot isn't very crowded most of the time. Of the five times I've surfed it, I've surfed with four other guys or fewer three times.
This is a fun wave. Long walls right and left. Usually pretty crowded. Parking can be a hassle. If it's a short wave period, don't surf at Scripps, it needs a little power to get rid of the flat spots. I've never surfed the N side of the pier, but It's never crowded. If you're looking to shoot a pier, don't go here, it is strictly prohibited and you'll probably ding your board. *Scripps pier is visible in the pic of Black's below*
Black's rules. Almost always good and almost always packed. A great place to go when it's waist high everywhere else. It's the place to go if you have plenty of time to surf. Long walk down the hill but almost always worth it. Lots of barrels on the right day. Bring food and drinks so you can surf all day.
