Summary
San Clemente, California is one of the West Coast’s most iconic surf towns, home to world-class waves, a laid-back surf culture, and perfect weather year-round. The jewel of San Clemente’s surf scene is Trestles, widely considered one of the best surf spots in California and a frequent host of top-tier World Surf League (WSL) events.
Whether you’re looking to ride the legendary peaks at Lower Trestles or explore mellow beach breaks near the San Clemente Pier, this surf town has something for everyone.
Why Surf San Clemente?
-
Home to Trestles, one of California’s best waves
-
Consistent surf all year
-
Great variety of surf spots for all levels
-
Warm climate and easy access from Los Angeles and San Diego
-
Strong surf community with lots of surf shops, shapers, and camps
San Clemente is more than just a surf destination, it’s a lifestyle. You’ll find some of the best local surfers in the U.S. regularly paddling out here, especially at Trestles, which remains the crown jewel of the California coast.
When to go
The best time to surf Lower Trestles, San Clemente, is in summer, for more consistent southerly swells which are optimal for Lower Trestles. In winter, northerly swells will make Upper Trestles work more consistently. Therefore, surfing is good in San Clemente throughout the whole year.
| January-February | March-April | May-June | July-August | September-October | November-December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for: | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers |
| Air temperature | 20°C 68°F | 22°C 68°F | 25°C 77°F | 30°C 86°F | 28°C 82°F | 22°C 72°F |
| Water temperature | 15°C 59°F | 16°C 61°F | 19°C 66°F | 20°C 68°F | 19°C 66°F | 17°C 63°F |
| Crowd | Very crowded | Very crowded | Very crowded | Very crowded | Very crowded | Very crowded |
| Swell Consistency | 75% | 70% | 75% | 80% | 70% | 70% |
| Swell height | 5 ft | 4 ft | 4 ft | 5 ft | 4 ft | 4 ft |
Where to stay in San Clemente
Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in San Clemente!
Surf Spots near San Clemente
Lower Trestles
San Clemente’s crown jewel and one of California’s best waves. Lower Trestles is a high-performance, cobblestone reef break offering long, peeling rights and lefts. It’s super consistent in summer and attracts a mix of locals, pros, and traveling surfers. Despite the crowds, the vibe is usually friendly, and the wave quality is unbeatable.
- Wave direction : Right and left
- Bottom : Reef/rocks
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : NE
- Optimal wind direction : SW
Upper Trestles
A more powerful and less crowded option compared to Lowers. Upper Trestles offers punchy, faster waves that work best on winter swells. It’s ideal for surfers looking for steeper take-offs and more critical sections. The waves here can get hollow and challenging when conditions line up.
- Wave direction : Right and left
- Bottom : Reef/rocks
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : WNW
- Optimal wind direction : NE
San Clemente Pier
A fun, user-friendly beach break right in the heart of town. The waves here are consistent, with peaks breaking on both sides of the pier. It’s a great spot for beginners, longboarders, and anyone looking for a relaxed surf session. The pier area is also surrounded by restaurants, surf shops, and a lively local scene.
- Wave direction : Right and left
- Bottom : Sand
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : SW
- Optimal wind direction : NE
Getting there
San Clemente is conveniently located between two major cities:
-
From San Diego: ~1 hour by car (60 miles)
-
From Los Angeles: ~1.5 hours by car (65 miles)
You can also reach San Clemente by Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train, which stops right in town—a unique and scenic way to travel with your board.