Surfing in Trestles, California

Trestles is a collection of three distinct beach breaks located in San Onofre State Beach near Christianitos Creek in Orange County, California, approximately 60 miles south of Los Angeles. The three main breaks—Uppermost, Middles, and Lowers—each offer different wave characteristics shaped by the sandy bottom and the protection provided by the surrounding cliffs and rock formations. Access to Trestles requires either a 3-mile hike from the trailhead at San Onofre or paddling out from the nearby beach, which keeps the area less crowded than many Southern California beach breaks. The beach sits in a small coastal valley with consistent summer swells driven by Pacific weather systems, and the water temperature ranges from the mid-50s in winter to the low 70s during peak season.

What distinguishes Trestles from other California beach breaks is the consistency of rideable waves across multiple tide and swell conditions. The sand bottom creates forgiving, user-friendly wave faces that hold shape well, and the break responds predictably to different swell directions and wind patterns. Intermediate and advanced surfers find value in the variety available within a short paddle distance—switching between breaks depending on tide, swell size, and desired wave type. The surrounding area remains largely undeveloped due to state park protections, creating a more natural coastal environment than many comparable spots.

When you arrive at Trestles, expect a hike through coastal sage scrub and along sandy trails that can take 30 to 50 minutes depending on your fitness level and which break you're targeting. The beach itself features a mix of soft sand and harder-packed sections, with the breaks forming consistently during the best historical months of July, August, and September when water temperatures average around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind typically runs light to moderate at 9-10 mph during these peak periods, creating clean morning conditions before sea breezes build in the afternoon. The area experiences reliable swell during summer months due to Southern Hemisphere storm systems and tropical activity, though winter swells from Northern Hemisphere storms also produce waves here.

Local knowledge proves valuable at Trestles because the breaks shift seasonally based on sand migration and seasonal sand bars reshape the wave characteristics. Summer sand bars tend to create more hollow, punchy waves at Lowers, while Middles remains the most forgiving of the three breaks. Parking at the trailhead fills quickly on weekends during good swell periods, so arriving early is essential. Bring more water than you think you'll need for the hike out and back, as the trail offers no shade. The area has no facilities at the beach itself, so plan accordingly. Local surfers typically check conditions early and know that tide changes significantly affect wave quality, with mid-to-high tide often favoring cleaner conditions at the outer breaks.