Why Grandview Surf Beach Is Awesome
Hidden Gem
The waves at Grandview are consistently good to the point that multiple surf schools operate here. Many, if not most, Grandview visitors are surfers and longboarders. However, plenty of folks come for the views and the walks.
Use the bathroom before you travel to Grandview. Prepare for a tough little walk up the staircase after a few fun hours at the beach.
Great for Everybody
All types of folks love Grandview Surf Beach. Whether you surf, fish, watch birds, dive, sunbathe, collect rocks or stroll on the sand, there's something for you at Grandview.
Little Crowds & No Facilities
One of the beach's big selling points is the lack of people. Many other beaches in the San Diego area get crowded. Not so Grandview Surf Beach.
Want to Surf at Grandview?
Though there are not a lot of sunbathers and beachgoers the surf line up can get crowded. Arrive early to avoid crowded waves.
It's part of Leucadia State Beach in the Leucadia neighborhood, which is operated by the City of Encinitas Parks and Recreation Department. Grandview guests get all of the space they do due to the lack of bathrooms and the steep walk down to the beach via a staircase. In other words, there are practical reasons for solitude, but many folks happily take the tradeoff.
For example, one alternative is the extremely popular South Ponto Beach a mile north in Carlsbad. Come summertime, it's common to see drivers wait in line for hours just to park at Ponto State. Grandview is a totally different story.
Sandy Beach at Low Tide
Grandview Surf Beach is a sandy beach at low tide. When there is a high tide most of the beach can get covered up. The amount of sand does vary, usually winter has less sand and tends summer can have more sand. This is due to the gentler ocean conditions that pushes the sand on the beach in the summer and the opposite effect in the winter.
Still, the beach is sandy enough for most visitors to more than enjoy their sunset strolls.
Where Grandview Surf Beach Shines
Where Grandview really shines is in three areas. First, the lower crowds. Second, the grand views! Third, consistent surfing and longboarding opportunities.
Grandview is a small, laid-back beach, but it delivers some fantastic waves. As far as "neighborhood" surf beaches go, Grandview comes up tops.
Know Your Limits
Do be careful about surfing and longboarding at Grandview when it's crowded. That can occur on some weekends and when the waves are especially surfer-friendly. The waves can get strong, so watch yourself and know your limits.
Best Tides for Surfing at Grandview
All of the tide stages here provide good surf and a rising tide is better than a lowering tide. Grandview Surf Beach features lefts and rights together with left and right offshore reef breaks. Several surf schools operate here, so sign up for a surf lesson if you are looking to learn how to surf.