Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, with the exception of Crystal Pier and Mission jetties, are essential the same break. This is all beach break, with shifting sand bars so it is hard to predict. This area can get pretty hollow at low tide, but is often closed-out. Mission Bay/Pacific Beach, 5-7 miles from UCSD.
In an area awash with beach cruisers, bikinis and booze, Pacific Beach accommodates surfers of all stripes. At the northern end, experienced longboarders congregate at PB Point. Just south, the gentler Tourmaline Surf Park is a favorite of beginners and longboarders. At the end of bar lined-Garnet Avenue, adjacent to boardwalk, stands the Crystal Pier. Here playful waves that break year-round can be ridden with anything that floats. Overall, these spots are fun, but can’t handle swells bigger than head high to overhead. But when it comes to scoring easy-going waves, PB can’t be beat.
Level: Beginner to intermediate Best Swell: Combo swell, northwest and southwest Best Season: Fall Parking: The only parking lot is at Tourmaline Surf Park.