The Greenroom Hotel's Guide: Where to Surf in California This Fall

For locals in California, the fall serves as a second summer, where the weather remains pleasant, the surf picks up, and the crowds, for the most part, are thin. In Oceanside and all of California, the fall marks the beginning of the swell season, where northern swells, powered by distant winter storms off the coast of Alaska, collide with our rugged coastline to form picturesque waves. Additionally, as the fall brings in the first snows of the season in the mountains to the east, winds blow predominantly offshore, grooming incoming surf into lines of tantalizing swell without a drop of water out of place. Continue reading below to find out where to surf in California this fall.

Oceanside: The Hometown Favorite

Oceanside offers some of the most consistent surf in Southern California year-round, but it really shines in the fall. Thanks to its exposure to both north and south swells, Oceanside Pier and Harbor become go-to spots for fall surf. With its mix of lefts and rights, Oceanside Pier offers fun peaks ideal for shortboarders looking for punchy, steep waves. During fall, when offshore winds are more common, the waves here can become particularly clean and hollow. Meanwhile, the Harbor area often offers more manageable waves, perfect for longboarding or those looking for a mellower session.

Carlsbad: A Variety of Breaks for Every Surfer

Just south of Oceanside, Carlsbad offers a variety of breaks that come alive in the fall. Tamarack Beach is a local favorite, known for its shifty beach breaks and consistent sandbars that can produce quality lefts and rights. Fall brings in a mix of southwest and northwest swells, creating fun, rippable waves catering to beginner and advanced surfers. On the other hand, the Ponto Jetties provide a more localized option with their unique setup of north and south jetties offering different wave experiences. The north jetty tends to produce a mellow left during the fall, while the south jetty provides a fun right that can handle a bit more size. Both spots are best during mid-tide with a small to medium swell.

Black's Beach: A Fall Favorite for Advanced Surfers

For those willing to venture a bit further south, Black's Beach in La Jolla is a must-visit. Known for its powerful and hollow waves, Black's Beach becomes even more formidable as the northwest swells arrive in the fall. This spot is renowned for its steep walls and hollow sections, making it a go-to for advanced surfers looking to challenge themselves. Fall conditions often bring lighter winds and the first hints of the bigger winter swells, which combine to create some of the best surf conditions in Southern California. Be prepared for a bit of a hike to reach the break, but the reward is a stunning beach with some of the most consistent and powerful waves in the region.

Lower Trestles: The Crown Jewel of Southern California Surfing

It's hard to talk about California surf spots without mentioning Lower Trestles. Located a short drive north of the Greenroom Hotel, "Lowers" is considered one of the premier surf spots in California and worldwide. Fall is an ideal time to surf here, as the water remains relatively warm and the crowds thin slightly compared to summer. Lower Trestles is a cobblestone point that produces some of the best waves in Southern California, with long, rippable walls and a variety of peaks. This spot is particularly famous for its performance waves suitable for high-performance shortboarding, but you'll find everything from long, peeling rights to shorter, punchy lefts. While Lowers is typically packed with sponsored pros and air-hucking groms, the other peaks, like Uppers, are far more welcoming.

Encinitas: A Charming Coastal Alternative

Further up the coast, Encinitas offers several classic breaks worth checking out. Swami's is the crown jewel here, offering long, right-hand point breaks that can hold a decent size, making it an excellent choice for fall swells. Seaside Reef and Grandview are popular spots in Encinitas that come to life during the fall, with reef setups that offer a mix of lefts and rights over varied tide conditions.

With the perfect blend of warmer water, offshore winds, and a mix of swell directions, nothing beats fall surfing in California. Book your stay at our California Beach hotel for the perfect fall surf trip home base. Whether you're an experienced surfer looking to chase the best swell or a newcomer eager to learn, California has something special for everyone this fall.