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Level 2/10

San Onofre

San Clemente, USA (CA)
👥Crowded

San Onofre is the birthplace of California surf culture—a mellow point break where surfers have gathered since the 1930s, establishing the beach-going, wave-riding lifestyle that would define a generation. Old Man's section provides gentle, forgiving waves perfect for longboarding, while the general atmosphere retains an old-school camaraderie that has become rare at most crowded California breaks. The summer south swells roll through with metronomic regularity, creating the kind of easy, accessible surfing that introduces beginners to the sport and keeps veterans returning for pure soul sessions.

Spot Details

Swell Requirements

Optimal direction
SSW (210°)
Direction range
180° - 250°
Size range
0.5m - 1.8m
Ideal period
12s+

Wind Requirements

Optimal direction
N (0°)
Offshore range
315° - 45°
Best window
morning

Tide Requirements

Optimal tide
all
Optimal range
0.3m - 1.5m

Water temp

18°C

Wetsuit

3/2mm fullsuit

Difficulty

2/10

Crowd level

7/10

Access: San Onofre State Beach. Multiple areas: Old Man's, Dogpatch.

Getting There

Airport
SNA
Drive time
40 min

Nearby Buoy

Forecasts are validated against real-time buoy data.

46224 (NOAA)

Best Season

Peak: Jun-Sep

Secondary: May, Oct

Summer S swells best. Mellow longboard wave.

Data Quality

verified

Verified by Surfline spot guide