Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Encinitas, CA, Surfing
It’s no secret that Southern California draws both professional and casual surfers from all over the world. Here, wave riders encounter beautiful weather year-round, big waves, and a welcoming culture that makes their sport all the more rewarding. Though there are several fantastic destinations for surfing in the region, North County San Diego is a fan favorite. Below, we’ve listed everything you need to know about the best Encinitas, CA, surfing spots. If you’d like more local insight into area restaurants, shops, healers, and more, be sure to access our complimentary Destination Guide to North County San Diego!
What You Need to Know About Encinitas, CA, Surfing
Encinitas, CA: One of the Best Surf Towns in the Country
About two hours south of Los Angeles and 30 minutes north of greater San Diego, Encinitas is a beachside retreat like no other. Here, a focus on health and happiness combine with ideal ocean conditions to create an amazing surfing destination. With a variety of surf shops, surf schools, and beautiful beaches, it’s no surprise that Encinitas occupies Surfer Magazine’s number three spot as one of the best surf towns in the U.S.!
3 of the Best Breaks in the Area
GRANDVIEW
For the best combination of northwest, southwest, and combination swells, Grandview Beach is an ideal surfing spot in Encinitas. Grandview is most known for being beginner-friendly, but remains popular with professionals all the same. Expect some crowds from time to time at this beach.
SWAMI’S
Just to the south of the Encinitas Self-Realization Center, you’ll discover Swami’s. This popular point break is a place where people come to not only surf, but also hang out with like-minded people seeking their healthiest, best selves. Though the best seasons to surf at Swami’s are spring and fall, surfers of all skill levels can carve huge waves here year-round.
LA JOLLA COVE
Just a 25-minute drive south of Encinitas, La Jolla Cove is one of the best destinations for advanced surfers. To catch the perfect wave here, you need luck, patience, and, most of all, sharpened skills. The rocky shoreline and size of the breaking waves here can be intimidating at certain times of year, so be sure to exercise caution when attempting to catch a big one here.
Where to Rent Equipment
Want to experience Encinitas, CA, surfing, but don’t want to bring a board? Not to worry: There are plenty of great places nearby that rent out high-quality surfing equipment. Here are just a few of our favorite places:
- Concept Surf Shop
- The Hatch Bicycle and Adventure Workshop
- San Diego Surfboard Rentals.
Where to Learn How to Surf
If you’re new to the sport of surfing, Encinitas is an amazing place to start your journey. There are a variety of top-notch surf schools in the area where you can learn the tricks and tools of the trade. Here are some of the best options in town:
- Moonlight Beach Surf Camps
- Leucadia Surf School
- Okay, Let’s Surf.
Stay Near All of the Best Encinitas, CA, Surfing Spots!
Located in the heart of North County San Diego, the newly renovated Inn at Moonlight Beach is a surfer’s dream accommodation. Our family-owned inn is not only close to all of the best beaches in the area, but it’s also designed to nourish life from the inside out. Our modern, boutique inn is the first hospitality building in the world undergoing the WELL Building Standard™ certification. Our thoughtful architecture and flourishing gardens make for a truly unique, elegant retreat just blocks from the beach and downtown Encinitas. Thanks to the clean air, purified water, circadian lighting, nutritious food, and on-site spiritual wellness activities, discovering your healthiest self begins here. We’d love for you to reserve one of our sublime suites as you embark on your surfing adventure in Encinitas!
For a truly unique and completely relaxing Encinitas experience, be sure to also browse our specials and packages!
