It’s pretty obvious that Tourmaline Surf Park is known for its surfing, or might I more accurately say it’s ‘iconic surf culture’. As a local that lives quite close to Tourmaline, the beach is not as much known for its waves but for its laidback vibe.
And this most iconic surf culture feeling all starts in the parking lot!
Hanging Out in the Parking Lot at Tourmaline
What’s the Parking Lot Culture All About?
Tourmaline’s unique parking situation drives its parking lot culture. Drivers often circle the area waiting for spots to open, making it a great destination for socializing. It’s also the ideal place to catch scenic views and watch the sunset.
Locals are known to catch a few waves, then hop out to relax and hang out in the parking lot. The friendly laidback vibe is to me what this beach is all about!
Some say, why go to the beach when you can hang out in the parking lot all day?
Surfer Taking a Left at Tourmaline
The Surf
Though, on a good day, the waves at Tourmaline can reach between 4 to 5 feet in height, the swells are far from treacherous, and the conditions almost always serene.
If you’re a longboarder or beginner surfer, you’re in luck! The waves are a bit slower than in many other San Diego surf spots and hold up longer due to the reef just outside the beach. The reef is mostly on the north side of the beach, which is great for the surf, fun for the tide pools that appear on shore during low tide, but not the best for the feet.
There are three surf spots surfers can surf at: Old Man’s, which is slow and mushy; Channels, which offers small but fast waves; and Pumphouse, which offers classic beach breaks. You will find mostly longboarders in this area, though short-boards are not unheard of and certainly not unwelcome.
I’d say overall that the waves at Tourmaline Beach are consistent and laidback, as is the crowd. The people are mostly friendly and non-aggressive, and surfers are there for the same reason you are – to be one with the ocean and squeeze a daily surf-sesh in between everyday responsibilities.
Two Surfers Walking Along the Beach at Tourmaline
When is the Best Time to Surf at Tourmaline?
As one of San Diego’s iconic surf locations, knowing when to visit Tourmaline for the best chance at great surf is important. Friends often ask me, ‘What’s the best time of year to surf at Tourmaline Surf Park, what is the best tide for surfing at Tourmaline, or even just is the beach good for beginners’?
I happen to live walking distance from this beach so let me share what I’ve learned from years of surfing here and in the area.
The conditions you’ll want to look out for are wave heights of waist to head high, wind from the NE or E, swell direction from the N, NW, or SW, and to answer one of the most common questions I get asked, try and visit during low to medium tide.
Also know that generally, the best surf conditions happen between November and February, but surfers can have a great time year-round.
Longboarding is the Way at Tourmaline Beach
Is Tourmaline a Point Break?
No, Tourmaline is not a point break, rather Tourmaline Surf Park features a reef break.
While the waves can be powerful at times, the reason I personally enjoy a good reef break is the consistency of the waves. Compared to other beach breaks that move as sand moves around with tides, storms and even the seasons, reefs don’t move, which means long, consistent waves!
However, if a point break is what you’re looking for, PB Point is located just a short paddle north of Tourmaline. Beginners at Tourmaline can enjoy the consistency on calmer days and advanced surfers can take on the powerful waves usually during the winter when waves are larger.
Beautiful Sunny Summer Day at Tourmaline Surf Beach
How Can I Spend a Day at Tourmaline?
Whether you visit as a surfer or as an observer, you can easily spend an entire day at Tourmaline Beach.
It is not uncommon for visitors to begin their mornings in the water, spend the days socializing and picnicking, and in the tide pools at low tide. If you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of a Pacific Octopus or a starfish!
Activities and Beach Rental Equipment
More adventurous visitors may want to engage in some serious water activities. Fortunately, there are many nearby rentals including PB Surf Shop!
It offers hourly, full-day and multi-day options including surfboards, wetsuits, boogie boards, skim boards, paddleboards, and kayaks. If you’re a beginner- no worries; many of these shops also offer surfing lessons!
If you pop-up up just north in La Jolla, you can also rent a surfboard at a discount with a Go City San Diego pass using discount code GVSD5OFF.
Things to Do Beyond the Beach
If you need some diversity in your beach day, the area also offers several ‘non-beach activities.’
For example, shopaholics can get their fix at nearby La Jolla Village. Belmont Park on Mission Beach which features the world-famous Giant Dipper roller coaster built in 1925 is just under 3-miles away.
You can head about 12 miles to the Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego which offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and activities like pool and bowling.
If you’re willing to venture about 30 minutes by car or rideshare like Uber or Lyft, I’d recommend that hikers check out Cowles Mountain, Sunset Cliffs, or Torrey Pines State Park, while the Mission Basilica San Diego, the first Mission in California, is an ideal destination for San Diego history buffs.
Walk the Beaches of Pacific Beach
If you take a short walk to the north, you will enter Linda Way Beach Access headed towards PB Point and False Point.Though this area lacks Tourmaline’s soft sand, it is replete with tide pools that are home to a myriad of sea creatures. You cannot walk any further north as you will run out of beach but just around the point is the beginning of the La Jolla Beaches.
If you walk southbound, past Law Street Beach and North Pacific Beach, you will come across Crystal Pier, a serene and favored fishing spot, and a perfect place to stroll and take in the scenery. Continue south and you’ll find my home beach, Pacific Beach, known for white sands, chill vibes, and great surfing!