Del Mar Beach is an all-beachbreak stretch that runs from the rivermouth down to 15th Street, breaking over sand with peaks that swing both left and right. It's an average-quality beachbreak that can't hold much size, but there's plenty of room to spread out and some genuinely good sandbars if you hunt for them.
When It Works
This one comes alive on smaller, peaky swells and falls apart once the surf gets too big. It pulls in swell from south through west-southwest to northwest and is usable from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. The banks are shifty, so expect the peaks to move around from session to session.
Wind and Tide
Look for east offshore wind to clean it up. It works on low and mid tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
The lineup stays uncrowded, and with the surf spread along a long stretch of beach there's usually room for everyone.
Access
Get in at the ends of the seaside streets of Del Mar.
