Crystal Pier, located at the end of Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach, is a popular surf spot that offers a decent beachbreak in a lively area. It attracts surfers looking for a casual session close to the heart of the city. The atmosphere here is laid-back, making it a good place for both seasoned surfers and those just getting into the sport.

The surf works best with small, peaky swells coming from the southwest (optimal swell direction) and can handle swell sizes as low as 1 ft (0.3 m). When conditions are right, surfers can catch both lefts and rights as the waves break over sandy bottoms. The ideal wind direction is from the northeast, and the best times to surf are during mid to high tides. The beach can get a bit hollow at times, especially as the swells pick up, giving surfers some fun rides when everything falls into place.

Crystal Pier can also pick up swells from the south and northwest, adding some variety to the surf conditions. There’s plenty of room to spread out and find your own space, so it's a good option if you're looking to avoid the crowd during peak times. Just be aware that like many beachbreaks, the quality can vary depending on the day and conditions.