Overview
Surfside/Sunset/Bolsa Chica Beaches is a long run of beachbreak stretching about six miles, so it is easy to spread out and find your own peak. Bolsa Chica State Beach fronts a scenic 300-acre wetland preserve, one of the last reminders of what much of Southern California's coastline once looked like. The peaks break over sand and offer both lefts and rights.
When It Works
The beaches draw swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), with southwest (SW) swell the best match. It works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft and tends to come alive on the smaller end of that range. Consistency is moderate, so expect worthwhile windows rather than surf on every check.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast (NE) offshore wind to clean it up. It breaks on low and mid tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
The peaks suit intermediate surfers, and with so much beach to work with you can usually find a bank of your own. Expect a busy lineup when it is working.
Access
There is a car park with free parking, plus restrooms and lifeguards on the beach.
