Scripps
San Diego Surf Spots
Surf Guide
Scripps Pier, home of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, can occasionly have more defined sandbars, especially on the south side, than ones found just south at La Jolla Shores.
Ability Level
All Abilities
BegIntAdv
Beginner to advanced
Local Vibe
Doable
WelcomingIntimidating
Competitive.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
MellowHeavy
Often packed.
Spot Rating
Fun
PoorPerfect
Rippable beachbreaks peaks when on, learners paradise when it's not.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
LightExhausting
Typical beachbreak but can be a lot of duck dives when it's on -- comes with being best on consistent, shorter-period swells.
Water Quality
Fair
CleanDirty
Typically ok but gets dicey after a rain.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Shorter period W; NW less than 15 seconds; long period SW over 15 seconds
Wind
E, SE, even S
Surf Height
chest-high to a couple feet overhead
Tide
mid