Lower Trestles
Lower Trestles is the world standard for high-performance surfing—a cobblestone point break in San Clemente that produces perfect, rippable waves with mechanical consistency. The wave has hosted more world championship events than any other spot, and the level in the water reflects it. A 20-minute walk from the parking lot keeps some crowds away, but Lowers is still often packed with some of the best surfers on Earth. California's high-performance mecca.
Today's Conditions
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Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
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Strike Score Breakdown
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (215°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 240°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
10/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: 20-minute walk from parking lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Lower Trestles?
Lower Trestles works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Lower Trestles?
Offshore wind at Lower Trestles blows from the NE (45°). Anything in the 0° to 90° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Lower Trestles?
Lower Trestles wants SW swell (180° to 240°) between 0.6m and 2.5m, with a period of 16s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Lower Trestles?
The main season at Lower Trestles is Apr-Sep. A secondary window runs Mar, Oct. Southern hemisphere groundswell season (Apr-Oct) is best.
How do I get to Lower Trestles?
Fly into LAX, then allow about 60 minutes by road. 20-minute walk from parking lot.
What kind of wave is Lower Trestles?
Lower Trestles is a point break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Southern hemisphere groundswell season (Apr-Oct) is best.
Getting There
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