3 Waves to check out this Winter

🌊 🌊 🌊

Author

Gavin Bechtold
January 08, 2026

With winter, it brings strong NW swells to the coast of San Diego. Here’s 3 surf breaks to check out in Winter that aren’t always firing during other times of the year.

Continue South out of Ocean Beach and you’ll reach Sunset Cliffs. In my opinion, one of the best Winter waves in San Diego. Just be sure to hit it at low-medium tide. The Cliffs hardly break during a high tide.

A reef break in Pacific Beach just around the corner from Tourmaline. Usually a slower, mellower ride that’s good for a board with volume. Also super fun on a fish or mid-size board when it’s pumping.

This reef break is in La Jolla in between Windansea and Horseshoe. The La Jolla reef breaks are well known to light up in the Winter. Do yourself a favor and check this one out. Best on a shortboard.

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Cheers to catching more waves 🌊 

Gavin @ GoSurfingSanDiego