An Introduction To Sunset Cliffs Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 14, 2025
Located not even more than a tongue lashing away from the surf and the downtown of San Diego is Sunset Cliffs surf, which makes it the best car free place for surfing altogether. Just walk or bike to the spot and voila, it’s the perfect combination of nature and the city.
Sunset Cliffs is famous for its consistency and variety, so it is suitable for different skill levels. Luscombs and Newbreak provide reliable, well shaped waves, while Garbage Beach attracts advanced surfers with its more powerful, faster breaks and technically demanding conditions.
But from the surf, the area has that kind of natural beauty that conveys to anyone the finest possible perspective of San Diego’s coast and the most direct connectivity to the Pacific Ocean. Surfers enjoy everything from demanding surf to the peace of the cliffs and tide pools, where so much life is teeming, providing much-needed texture to the surf experience.
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In This Guide
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Best Time To Surf Sunset Cliffs
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Peak Sunset Cliffs Surf Season | September to March
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Sunset Cliffs surf reaches its peak from September through March, when northwest winter swells wrap into San Diego’s rugged coastline. During this time, Sunset Cliffs surf delivers powerful, 3 to 6-foot reef break waves that peel along rocky points, creating long, fast rides.
The dramatic backdrop of sea caves & cliffs enhances the session’s intensity. Pre-dawn sessions at Sunset Cliffs surf are coveted for glassy conditions before onshore winds build. While the reef requires respect & experience, surfers rewarded with epic lines consider this the best season to chase high-quality, uncrowded surf.
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Shoulder Sunset Cliffs Surf Season | April, May & August
Suited For All Skill Levels
In April, May, & August, Sunset Cliffs surf softens to more user-friendly waves, typically around 2 to 4 feet. Spring’s residual winter energy & late-summer groundswells produce clean, peeling peaks ideal for learning & refining technique. Sunset Cliffs surf during these shoulder months offers a gentler introduction to reef breaks, with manageable conditions & fewer crowds.
The scenic coastline provides inspiration, while the waves maintain enough shape to practice cutbacks & bottom turns. It’s a fantastic time to enjoy Sunset Cliffs surf with a balance of challenge & accessibility.
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Low Sunset Cliffs Surf Season | June & July
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
Sunset Cliffs surf quiets down in summer, delivering smaller, softer waves from 1 to 3 feet. These months offer Sunset Cliffs surf that’s perfect for beginners & longboarders to explore the reef in safe conditions. Calm mornings produce gentle rollers that break further from the shore, making it easier to get into position.
While advanced surfers may seek more powerful spots, Sunset Cliffs surf during low season provides relaxed, scenic sessions with plenty of open water. It’s the ideal period for mellow rides & enjoying San Diego’s picturesque cliffside beaches.
Sunset Cliffs Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Sunset Cliffs Surf Temperature:
19–21°C (66–70°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm wetsuit is comfortable; some may prefer a spring suit during warmer afternoons.
Rainfall:
Summer is typically dry, with only about 0–1 rainy days per month.
Sunset Cliffs Surf Temperature:
18–20°C (64–68°F)
What To Wear:
Continue with a 3/2 mm wetsuit, conditions remain pleasant, with cooler mornings.
Rainfall:
Rainfall begins to increase slightly, with about 1–3 rainy days per month by November.
Sunset Cliffs Surf Temperature:
15–17°C (59–63°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm wetsuit is recommended for the cooler winter waters.
Rainfall:
Winter is the wettest season, averaging 5–7 rainy days per month.
Sunset Cliffs Surf Temperature:
16–18°C (61–64°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm wetsuit remains suitable; conditions gradually warm towards late spring.
Rainfall:
Rainfall decreases, with about 2–4 rainy days per month.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Sunset Cliffs
| Sunset Cliffs Surf Spots | Distance from Sunset Cliffs | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Garbage |
In Sunset Cliffs |
4-10 foot |
Hollow reef break, longer rides |
Advanced (sharp reef) |
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Luscomb’s |
In Sunset Cliffs |
3-8 foot |
Fast, hollow reef break |
Intermediate to Advanced |
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Ocean Beach Pier |
Approx. 2.5km (1.5mi) north |
2-6 foot |
Gentle beach break, great for beginners |
All levels |
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New Break |
Approx. 4km (2.5mi) north |
3-7 foot |
Reef break with variable conditions |
Intermediate to advanced |
Further Information To Sunset Cliffs Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: High tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Garbage is a well-known reef break at Sunset Cliffs that offers long, wrapping lefts & rights during solid west swells. Best at high tide with light east winds, the wave breaks over a rocky shelf, offering smooth, rippable walls that can hold size. The wave can be mellow on smaller swells but turns powerful & hollow when larger swells arrive. Access requires a paddle-out from the cliff base, adding an element of adventure. Crowds can be moderate, with a core local crew dominating the peak, especially on quality days. This spot is recommended for experienced surfers due to the reef & paddle.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: High tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Luscomb’s is another reliable reef break at Sunset Cliffs offering long, peeling rights during solid west swells & glassy east winds. High tide is essential to keep the waves rideable over the shallow reef. The wave offers clean take-offs & playful walls that can be ideal for carving maneuvers, though sections can close out during bigger swells.
The paddle-out is straightforward, though the take-off area can get competitive with a solid group of locals. While it’s approachable for intermediate surfers on smaller days, Luscomb’s demands respect during larger, more powerful conditions.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West or northwest
- Crowd Factor: High
Ocean Beach Pier offers multiple peaks breaking along both sides of the pier, favoring west-northwest swells & clean east winds. Mid tide offers the best shape, with the north side producing longer rights & the south side offering punchier lefts.
The waves break over sand & rock, offering a mix of peaky beach break & reef-like sections. This spot is popular year-round, drawing a diverse crowd of shortboarders & longboarders, especially when the waves are clean & manageable. It’s a good all-level wave but can get heavy during solid swells, requiring experience & awareness of the crowded take-off zones.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: High tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West
- Crowd Factor: Low to moderate
New Break is a lesser-known spot at Sunset Cliffs offering long, mellow rights during west swells & east winds. High tide is crucial to avoid the sharp reef, & the wave works best on bigger swells that wrap into the cliff area. The wave is slower & more forgiving than other Sunset Cliffs breaks, making it ideal for longboarding or relaxed shortboard sessions.
The crowd factor remains low due to the more challenging access & softer wave quality. However, its peaceful setting & long walls make it an enjoyable alternative to the more crowded Garbage & Luscomb’s when conditions align.
Rating: 3.5/5
Travel Time To Sunset Cliffs Surf Spots
| Sunset Cliffs Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
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Garbage |
Approx. 5-10 min. |
Approx. 3-5 min. |
Not required |
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Luscomb’s |
Approx. 5-10 min. |
Approx. 3-5 min. |
Not required |
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Ocean Beach Pier |
Approx. 35 min. |
Approx. 10 min. |
5-10 min taxi or 35 min bus |
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New Break |
Approx. 60 min. |
Approx. 20 min. |
5-10 min taxi or 40 min bus |
Accommodation In Sunset Cliffs
If you want a smooth USA surf trip, start by booking your lodging through Trip.com. They provide numerous accommodation choices near the beach, ranging from upscale resorts to budget guesthouses. Early booking frees you up to spend more time surfing and less time worrying about where to stay.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
€40 to €65 |
$45 to $70 |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€125 to €220 |
$135 to $240 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€250 to €600+ |
$270 to $650+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Sunset Cliffs Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Sunset Cliffs surf schools offer a more adventurous setting for learning to surf, with stunning cliffside views & a raw, natural coastline. Saltwater Surf Lessons is ideal for those seeking personalized coaching, with tailored programs for beginners and intermediates. Ocean Experience Surf School combines skill development with a focus on ocean safety, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
Ocean Beach Surf School and Ocean Beach Surf Lesson are excellent choices for both individuals and groups, offering supportive and fun environments to build confidence on the waves. OB Surf & Skate adds a unique twist, blending surf lessons with skateboarding expertise, making it a great option for those eager to immerse themselves in surf culture.
For surfers ready to step beyond mellow beach breaks, Sunset Cliffs surf schools provide the perfect environment to level up your skills while enjoying one of San Diego’s most scenic surf zones.
Sunset Cliffs Surf Camp
For families and young surfers, Sunset Cliffs offers fantastic surf camps tailored to inspire a passion for the waves. Surf Camp San Diego specializes in children’s programs, providing a safe, engaging environment that prioritizes fun and skill development.
Ocean Beach Surf School and Ocean Experience Surf School also cater to kids, combining essential ocean safety education with exciting, hands-on surfing lessons.
These camps foster confidence and a love for surfing, making them ideal for younger surfers eager to explore the sport.
With abundant accommodations nearby, Sunset Cliffs is a perfect destination for families looking to combine surf education with a memorable beach getaway.
Sunset Cliffs Surfboard Hire
Sunset Cliffs surfboard hire gives surfers easy access to the right gear for tackling the area’s reef & point breaks, whether you prefer a reliable shortboard or a classic longboard for cruising.
Ocean Beach Surf Lesson and OB Surf & Skate offer a diverse selection of boards, catering to beginners and seasoned surfers alike with their well-maintained inventory.
South Coast and Better Surf Than Sorry provide additional rental choices, featuring everything from beginner-friendly foam boards to advanced shortboards designed for Sunset Cliffs’ dynamic waves.
With plenty of options around San Diego, Sunset Cliffs surfboard hire makes it easy to grab the right board for your session. Having the right equipment lets you focus on enjoying the waves and soaking in the dramatic coastal backdrop.
Sunset Cliffs Surf Report & Surf Cam
Maximize your surf sessions in USA by staying informed with Surf-Forecast and Surfline. Surf-Forecast provides detailed forecasts of swell, tide, & wind, while Surfline offers live cams at prime USA surf spots through subscription.
A Drimsim eSIM or a Yesim eSIM activates right after arrival, so you don’t have to worry about local SIM cards. This setup lets you check forecasts, watch live cams, and upload your Sunset Cliffs surf videos anytime.
How To Get To Sunset Cliffs Surf
- San Diego International Airport (SAN) To Sunset Cliffs
Distance: 10km (6mi)
To reach Sunset Cliffs surf, the most convenient route is to fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN) and then take a taxi or ride-share to your destination.
Below is a guide with various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Sunset Cliffs based on your preference.
Public Transport
Approx. 1 hr.
Details:
From Terminal 1 or 2, board the San Diego MTS Route 992 shuttle to the Old Town Transit Center. At Old Town, transfer to the Blue Line Trolley toward San Ysidro & ride to the Santa Fe Depot, then switch to MTS Bus Route 35 toward Ocean Beach.
Disembark at the Ladera Street stop, then walk about 10 minutes south along the bluff to reach Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. This low-cost option involves two transfers & a short walk, so it’s best suited for travelers without heavy gear.
Shuttle Service
Approx. 20-40 mins.
Details:
Several private shuttle companies, including HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups, operate shared & private transfers from SAN to Sunset Cliffs. Shared vans depart on fixed schedules, dropping off at major hotels in Ocean Beach before proceeding to Sunset Cliffs, while private shuttles provide direct service at your chosen time.
Vehicles are spacious enough for boards & luggage, air-conditioned, & often include complimentary bottled water. Booking at least 24 hours in advance ensures availability.
USA Travel Information: The 7 Essentials You Need To Know
The U.S. surf scene is legendary, and the country is set up for easy travel, but don’t skip the essentials. Currency is the U.S. Dollar, with card payments accepted everywhere. English is spoken nationwide. Tap water is safe, and emergency services are fast and can be reached at 911.
Our USA surf page breaks down all 7 essentials, including safety advice, visa entry rules, and health tips, to help you stay informed before hitting the waves.
Travel Insurance For Your Sunset Cliffs Surf Trip
Imagine showing up in USA ready to surf, only to find your luggage didn’t make it. Or worse, waking up sick on the first day. Travel insurance prepares you for the moments you can’t plan for.
USA surf trips deserve that extra layer of confidence. VisitorsCoverage gives you access to trusted plans so you can ride each wave knowing you’re covered. Smart travel is safe travel.
Discover Sunset Cliffs: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the surf is flat at Sunset Cliffs, the area’s natural beauty and nearby attractions offer plenty of alternatives to keep you entertained. Below are 4 must-do activities when the waves are down.
Or take some time to explore San Diego, a city full of coastal charm and cultural highlights. GetYourGuide and Viator offer a variety of memorable experiences, helping you make the most of your time in the area.