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. For years it hosted the WSL tour and the NSSA Nationals, Trestles is set to host surfing at the 2028 Olympics, and the level in the water reflects it. The walk in 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.
Lower Trestles surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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
- 1.5m - 2m
- 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
Access: Walk in from the Cristianitos Road trailhead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Lower Trestles?
Lower Trestles is a point break in San Clemente, USA, with peaks that run both left and right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Lower Trestles?
Trestles gets a mention in the Beach Boys' 1963 song Surfin' U.S.A., and Richard Nixon's 'Western White House' overlooked Cottons, just north of Uppers. In 2008 the California Coastal Commission blocked a toll road that would have cut through San Onofre State Beach and joined the freeway at Trestles.
What swell works best at Lower Trestles?
Lower Trestles picks up swell from the S round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.5 to 2m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Lower Trestles?
A NE wind is dead offshore at Lower Trestles, and anything from the N round to the E keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Lower Trestles?
Lower Trestles is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Lower Trestles?
The most reliable run of swell at Lower Trestles comes Apr to Sep. There's a second window in Mar and Oct too. Southern hemisphere groundswell season (Apr-Oct) is best.
How cold is the water at Lower Trestles?
The water at Lower Trestles averages around 18°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Lower Trestles good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. It gets busy (crowd 10/10), so mind the pecking order. Incredibly crowded. High-performance standard. Cobblestone entry.
How do I get to Lower Trestles?
The nearest airport on our list is LAX, then it's roughly a one-hour drive. Walk in from the Cristianitos Road trailhead.
What other surf spots are near Lower Trestles?
The closest breaks we track are San Onofre (3.3 km), Oceanside (29 km) and The Wedge (36 km), handy when Lower Trestles isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Southern hemisphere groundswell season (Apr-Oct) is best.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
San Onofre
🏕️ Original surf camp • Mellow longboard • Old-school soul
Oceanside
🌊 Pier consistency • All-level access • Working-class waves
The Wedge
⚠️ Newport's beast • Jetty wedge chaos • Shore break fury
Huntington Beach
🇺🇸 Surf City USA • US Open home • California quintessential
Swami's
🕉️ Spiritual surf • Temple backdrop • Year-round quality
Black's Beach
🏔️ Scripps Canyon power • Cliff descent required • SoCal's heaviest
Plan a trip around Lower Trestles
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