If you're headed to North County, San Diego, from out of town you may be wondering which of the many breaks are worth your while. We've got you covered with a guide to our local surf spots from Cardiff State Beach north through Leucadia to Ponto State Beach. We've even tossed in a few of our favorite handmade products to make you beach ready like reef-safe sunscreens and handwoven blankets.
Cardiff
Encinitas
Swamis: This is the best wave in North County San Diego, and also the most crowded. But there's a reason. This is the only spot that can handle very large surf in North County. It's easy to paddle out so all levels will be happy here, but be prepared for a lot of attitude from the locals. Good mix of short and longboarders, even if it's big the reef is breaking. This is mainly a right wave. Good people watching, so grab a handwoven blanket with all natural leather strap and stay a while.
Boneyards: This is the mellower continuation of the reef at swamis. Great for intermediates who wanna skip the crowd. Solid left and right.
D Street: A punchy and fast beach break. Popular among local teenagers-be prepared to be amazed. Fun spot for intermediate and advanced surfers. Left and rights are good at this local Encinitas surf spot. Very little shade so make sure you grab some all natural sun repair serum from our retail shop.
Leucadia to South Carlsbad
Stone Steps: Fun little beach break with a left and right, although summer is mainly a left. Solid spot for beginners and intermediates. This was an old famous spot for a beer drinking/surf competition now banned by the city. Bummer.
Beacons: Beach break very friendly to beginners and intermediates with a really soft wave. You'll find a left on the South end and a right on the North. This is a very slow and forgiving wave. This is our family's local North County San Diego surf spot. Pick up a sustainably-made dress at our shop to throw on when you get out of the water and head to any of the amazing local restaurants.
Grandview: Cool mix of reef and beach break. For some reason locals here can be aggressive, but it's usually a pretty fun wave for everybody, especially short boarders. Good parking lot and street parking where you can usually find a spot even in summer.
Ponto: This is a State Beach off the estuary, so the runoff builds a cool sandbar that becomes a really advanced wave when it works. The majority of the time the waves are small and it's a fun little spot for everyone with a sandy bottom. Beware the estuary runoff.
If you need anything from sunscreen to beach blankets, beach bags to ethically-produced clothing, stop by our shop in Leucadia or shop online anytime.
