Overview
Church is a sand-and-cobblestone point setup at the far south end of the Trestles arena. It’s mostly right-hand point surf, with the occasional left off the north end of the trestle. Under the right conditions it can produce long, lined-up rights with hollow sections.
When It Works
Church is reliable and works year-round, with the best season from November to February. Autumn, winter, and spring are the main seasons.
The optimal swell direction is southwest, and the spot also works on south to west swells, including west-northwest. It is usable from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 3 m / 10 ft.
A solid west swell can make the paddle back up the point long.
Wind and Tide
The offshore wind direction is northeast. Church prefers medium-high tides, and a rising tide is better. Low tide can make it more semi-hollow.
Local Tips
It suits a wide range of surfers, from beginners through experts, depending on the day. Shortboards, fish, funboards, and longboards all make sense here.
It can get busy, though it is not usually as packed as Lowers. The lineup atmosphere is generally cordial.
The water is typically pretty clean, but San Onofre Creek can unload after rain.
Access
Access is via San Onofre State Park, by parking and walking north from San Onofre, or by making the longer trip south from Trestles. Another option is the trail after parking off the Cristianitos exit, and access can also come via Camp Pendleton.
There is a car park with paid parking, plus restrooms, showers, camping, and lifeguards.
Watch for car break-ins, beach backpack theft, speeding trains on the trestle, and rattlesnakes after rain.
