Imperial Beach
San Diego, USA
Beach breakBeginner
The southernmost city in the United States has an unpretentious, open-armed beach break that welcomes surfers of all levels, just miles from the US-Mexico border and brimming with local surf stoke.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size3-8ft
Wind
NE
Offshore
Tide
Any
LowMidHigh
Season
October–March
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Both
Bottom
Sand
Shape
Soft, rolling beach break, gentle and forgiving on small swells
Length
20–60m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Beginner
- •Why: One of San Diego's most forgiving beach breaks, low-consequence waves with sand throughout.
Hazards
- •Occasional water quality advisories (proximity to the Tijuana River mouth)
- •Summer rip currents near the pier
- •Limited surf services compared to other San Diego beaches
Local Tips
- •Check water quality reports before surfing, storm events can temporarily affect the water near the river mouth.
- •The IB Pier is the town landmark; the best peaks tend to form a short walk north of the structure.
Location
32.5779, -117.1346