Seaside Reef

This is a really fun surf spot, and the best time to visit is in the morning when the tide is low. Some of the best surfers in San Diego come here, and the break is known as one of Rob Machado’s favorite places to surf. Many world-class surfers also make their way here. Seaside is often described as San Diego’s version of Trestles.

Atmosphere

There are plenty of local surfers in the area, and this spot is best suited to experienced surfers. The atmosphere can be fairly aggressive, especially around the shorebreak on most days. The reef itself is not particularly difficult, but it is important to respect the surfers who are already in the water.

Additional Information

In certain sections, the water can suck out strongly during takeoff. If you end up caught in one of these areas, you can take a serious beating, so be careful about where you position yourself.

Although the spot can handle a higher tide when the swell is larger, it is generally considered a low-tide break. There is occasionally a fun left that continues peeling for a good distance, along with a shorter right. The left can also offer a very enjoyable short tube section immediately after takeoff.

The takeoff area is quite small and can comfortably accommodate only around 20 surfers. Once there are more people than that, paddling out is generally not worth the effort.

At high tide, the shorebreak can be entertaining as well, although you do not want the tide to become too high because you may end up surfing directly over the rocks along the shore. Be especially cautious of powerful back waves.

This is also a very popular spot for bodyboarders, so surfers can sometimes find themselves outnumbered. It is not always overwhelming, but the lineup can become quite crowded with spongers.

There is some kelp in the water, although it can be blown away more easily here than at some of the other Cardiff breaks.

The paddle out is relatively easy, although it is somewhat long. If you stay out of the impact zone, getting back outside is generally not too difficult.

Bathrooms are available at the spot, so there is no need to worry about having to hold it or, as surfers sometimes joke, crapping in your wetsuit.

During south swells, the rights breaking over the reef are considerably better than the lefts.

Access

Take Highway 101 south and continue past the restaurants in Cardiff. There is a large parking area just off the road, along with bathrooms and a lifeguard tower.

There are also plenty of small rocks visible above the water.

If you are driving north along Highway 101, you should be able to spot the area as the ocean comes into view while leaving Solana Beach.