Surf spot

Thousand steps

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

Country: USA, California, Orange County
Coordinates: 33.4983, -117.7416

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	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.5	0.5	0.7	0.8	0.9	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.6	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.7	0.6
Wave direction	SSW	SSW	SSW	S	S	S	S	S	S	W	W	W	S	S	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	SSW	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
Wave period (s)	11.9	11.7	11.4	11.3	11.2	10.9	10.9	10.9	10.3	4.7	4.9	5	8.8	9.1	5.5	5.6	6	5.8	5.8	5.6	5.7	6.2	6.2	6.5	6.6	6.8	6.8	6.2	12.4	13.6	13.4	13.3	14.4	14.3	13.9	13.8	13.8	12.3	13.5	13	12.9	12.8	11.9	11.8	11.6	11.5	11.3	11.3	10.9	11	11.8	11.7	11.6	11.5	10.3	10.4
Wave energy (kJ)	164	150	136	124	109	110	104	97	88	20	25	26	46	44	29	40	54	58	47	36	30	27	24	20	20	20	25	25	71	85	97	96	131	128	139	147	155	156	159	166	164	169	164	161	162	161	157	154	139	125	115	104	103	89	93	89
Wind speed (km/h)	7.6	4.8	7.3	14.5	14.6	10.4	6	5.9	6	7.2	5.2	12.4	14.3	11.1	5.9	8	7.4	9.2	5.6	19.1	19.5	15.5	10.6	11	9.6	6.6	5.6	12.3	14.5	12.1	5.4	4.3	3.4	1.6	1.4	10.9	14.3	10.5	4.8	2.9	3.1	1.8	2.9	10.2	15.5	15	7	1.8	3.3	2.7	3.1	11.2	14.7	14.1	5.3	3.4
Wind direction	SSEOnshore	SEGlassy	SOnshore	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSEOnshore	SOnshore	SSEOnshore	SSEOnshore	SSEOnshore	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWOnshore	SSEOnshore	SEOnshore	SSEOnshore	SECross-on	SEOnshore	SOnshore	SOnshore	SOnshore	SSEOnshore	SSEOnshore	SEOnshore	SEOnshore	SEOnshore	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SOnshore	SSEGlassy	SSEGlassy	ENEGlassy	WGlassy	SWCross-on	SWCross-on	SWCross-on	SWGlassy	WSWGlassy	SWGlassy	NWGlassy	WGlassy	WCross	WSWCross	WCross	WSWCross	WGlassy	WNWGlassy	WNWGlassy	NWGlassy	WSWCross	WCross	WCross	WSWCross	WSWGlassy

Thousand Steps is a well-known surf spot in Laguna Beach, Orange County, California, tucked below the bluffs along the scenic South Orange County coastline. Despite the name, it’s not literally a thousand steps, but the beach access is a famously long staircase that gives the spot its nickname.

Surf character

Type: Exposed reef/point-style break with shifting sand and rock influence
Wave quality: Can offer powerful, rippable waves when conditions line up
Best swell: Generally likes south to southwest swells
Best wind: Offshore winds from the east/northeast are ideal
Tides: Often works best on mid to low tide, though this can vary

What it’s like to surf

Thousand Steps can produce fun, punchy waves with good shape, especially on a decent south swell. It’s a spot that can be a little tricky and is more rewarding for surfers comfortable with variable conditions, rocky entries, and local lineup dynamics. When it’s on, it can hold up better than many nearby beach breaks.

Hazards / notes

Rocky entry and exit
Strong currents possible
Crowds can build on good days
The access stairway is steep, so carrying gear can be a workout

Overall vibe

It’s a classic Southern California surf spot with beautiful coastal scenery and a more adventurous feel than an easy beach break. Best suited for surfers who don’t mind a bit of effort for quality waves.