Surf spot

Scotchmans Cove

Forecast conditions and map view for Scotchmans Cove in USA, California, Orange County. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: USA, California, Orange County
Coordinates: 33.5534, -117.8277

Metric
Metric	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00
Wave height (m)	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.7	0.8	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.9	1	0.9	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5
Wave direction	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	SW	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
Wave period (s)	12.4	12.3	12.2	12.1	11.9	11.9	11.8	11.8	11.7	11.6	11.4	11.3	11.1	11.1	11.1	4.3	4.8	5.2	5.4	5.5	5.7	5.9	6	6	6	6	6	5.9	6	5.8	5.8	6	6	5.9	6	5.9	6	6	5.8	5.8	9.6	14.2	14.1	14.1	13.9	13.7	13.4	13.3	13.2	12.8	12.4	13.2	13.1	12.9	12.8	12.7
Wave energy (kJ)	207	186	171	159	156	155	144	143	134	123	113	110	107	107	101	16	31	45	52	47	45	49	50	50	64	69	65	54	48	40	35	31	30	30	31	30	31	28	21	18	46	101	108	107	105	118	121	118	116	125	127	109	99	98	89	87
Wind speed (km/h)	14.8	13.1	13.7	16.3	20.2	13.1	11.5	10.8	13.4	12.2	11.4	15	15.9	14.4	11.2	9	8.7	6.5	6.1	13.5	15.2	14.7	11.5	11.7	14	16.2	14.4	16.2	20	19.3	13	15	12.4	13.1	13.2	14	16.3	14.2	12.3	10.9	10.4	8.1	7.6	10.9	14.3	13.1	9.3	6	4.4	4.5	3.9	9.4	14.2	13.4	8.9	7.8
Wind direction	SSECross-off	SSECross-off	SSECross-off	SSECross	SCross	SCross	SCross	SSECross	SSECross-off	SSECross-off	SSECross-off	SCross	SCross	SSWCross-on	SWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SCross	SSECross	SSECross-off	SCross-on	SCross	SSWCross-on	SCross	SCross	SSECross-off	SSECross-off	SECross-off	SSECross	SCross	SCross	SSECross	SSECross	SSECross-off	SSECross-off	SSECross-off	SCross	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SCross	SSECross	SSECross	SSECross	SSECross	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SWCross-on	SWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SWGlassy	WSWGlassy	SWGlassy	SWCross-on	SWOnshore	WSWOnshore	WSWOnshore	SWCross-on

Scotchmans Cove is a scenic surf spot in Orange County, California, tucked along the coast in a more secluded, rocky stretch rather than a broad open beach break. It’s known for its picturesque cove setting, with nearby reefs and points helping shape the waves. The vibe is typically quieter and more local-feeling than many of Southern California’s better-known beaches.

Surf characteristics

Wave type: Mostly reef/point-style surf depending on swell and tide
Best swell direction: Usually handles southerly to southwesterly swells best
Wind: Offshore or light winds are ideal; onshore winds can make it bumpy
Tide sensitivity: Often tide-dependent, with certain tide windows working better over the reef

What it’s like to surf

Can offer clean, well-shaped waves when conditions line up
Typically better suited to intermediate to advanced surfers, especially if the break is over shallow reef
May be more technical and less forgiving than a typical beach break
Crowds are often lighter than at more famous Orange County surf spots, but access and local conditions can vary

Hazards / considerations

Shallow reef or rocks
Strong rip currents or surge during larger swells
Limited access or parking in some nearby areas
Wave quality can change a lot with swell angle and tide

Overall

Scotchmans Cove is the kind of spot that can be beautiful and fun on the right day, especially when a clean swell wraps into the cove. It’s less of a beginner-friendly, everyday beach break and more of a conditions-dependent surf destination with a scenic, tucked-away feel.