Jalama is California's wind-swept secret—a remote Central Coast beach break that rewards those willing to drive the long, winding road to reach it with uncrowded waves and spectacular isolation. The famous Jalama burgers at the beach park provide sustenance, but the real draw is the wave: exposed to the full Pacific, capable of excellent conditions when winds cooperate. The problem is that winds rarely cooperate—fierce afternoon howlers are the norm—making morning sessions essential. For those who time it right, Jalama offers empty California perfection.
Water temp
15°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Jalama Beach County Park. Long windy drive.
Forecasts are validated against real-time buoy data.
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Apr
Winter NW swells. Often windy afternoons.
Verified by Surfline spot guide
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions