Surf spot

Beacons

Forecast conditions and map view for Beacons in USA, California, San Diego County. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: USA, California, San Diego County
Coordinates: 33.0651, -117.3047

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)	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.7	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.8	0.9	1	1	0.9	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.8	1	1	0.8	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5
Wave direction	SW	SW	SW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	WNW	W	W	W	W	W	WSW	WNW	W	W	WNW	WNW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	S
Wave period (s)	13.4	12.6	12.4	11.9	12.2	12.4	12	12.2	11.7	11.7	11.6	11.4	6.7	4.7	4.5	4.4	4.5	4.8	5.1	5.3	5.5	4.8	6.8	6.9	6.8	6.6	5.9	5.9	7	6.9	4.8	5	7.3	8.8	8.7	7.3	7.2	10.9	13.2	13.1	13.2	13.2	13.8	13.5	13.2	13	12.8	12.4	12.3	12.2	13.3	13.2	12.9	12.8	12.7	9.8
Wave energy (kJ)	122	107	104	110	122	159	175	146	119	141	138	136	41	19	18	22	28	36	48	51	48	21	41	41	46	61	72	67	56	44	17	16	24	36	34	25	26	55	80	93	94	94	95	99	101	106	104	104	101	106	88	86	84	75	74	45
Wind speed (km/h)	8	5.2	5.5	18.5	22.7	17	8.4	7.3	6.6	5.7	5.2	14.8	15.4	12.7	4.6	2.9	4.5	6.9	5.4	16.3	22.7	17.3	7.1	5.4	6.9	7.6	7.8	16.6	24.4	17.3	5.6	4.3	4.7	2.2	3.3	13.8	20	11.5	5.3	2.6	1.4	2.2	1.1	11.5	16.6	11.3	5.4	3.6	2.9	2.9	2.2	10.5	14.8	11.4	7.4	2.9
Wind direction	SWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SWCross-on	SWOnshore	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SWCross-on	SWCross-on	SWOnshore	WSWOnshore	SWOnshore	WSWGlassy	WSWGlassy	SSWGlassy	SSWCross-on	SCross-on	SSWCross-on	SWOnshore	SWOnshore	SWOnshore	SWCross-on	SCross-on	SCross-on	SSECross	SSWCross-on	SWOnshore	SWOnshore	WSWOnshore	SSWGlassy	WSWGlassy	SGlassy	SSWGlassy	SWOnshore	WSWOnshore	WSWOnshore	WSWOnshore	SWGlassy	NGlassy	NGlassy	NGlassy	WSWOnshore	WSWOnshore	WSWOnshore	WOnshore	NWGlassy	WNWGlassy	WGlassy	WGlassy	WSWOnshore	WSWOnshore	WSWOnshore	WNWCross-on	WSWGlassy

Beacons is a well-known surf break in Encinitas, San Diego County, California—a classic North County point/reef-style wave that’s popular with locals and experienced surfers.

Quick description

Wave type: Primarily a reef/point-style right-hand point break
Consistency: Can be very good when it’s working, especially with the right swell direction
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced depending on conditions
Crowd: Often crowded, since it’s a famous and reliable San Diego County spot

What it’s like to surf

Beacons typically offers long, peeling rights that can be smooth and playful on smaller days, but it can also become fast and powerful when swell increases. It tends to favor surfers who can trim, turn, and work a section rather than just straight-line ride.

Best conditions

Swell: Usually likes south to southwest swell
Wind: Best with light offshore or calm wind
Tide: Tide can make a big difference; many surfers prefer mid tide to higher tide, depending on the day
Bottom: Reef, so wave shape can be sensitive to tide and swell angle

Hazards / notes

Shallow reef in places
Crowds and localism can be factors
Conditions can change quickly with tide and swell

Overall vibe

Beacons is a high-quality North County wave with a reputation for producing long, fun rides when the ocean lines up. It’s a spot that rewards good positioning and patience.