Four Mile
Right-hand reef and point setup at a creek mouth on the north coast above Santa Cruz, off Highway 1. Cobble and reef shape a wall that runs on long-period northwest swell.
When it’s on
Four Mile works best on a WSW to WNW swell. It also picks up SSW to WSW swell. Light offshore wind from the northeast. Mid tide window.
Spot intel
- Parking
- Roadside pullout on Highway 1. A posted trail crosses agricultural land and a rail line to the beach, roughly half a mile.
- Crowd
- Thick when it breaks. The walk does not thin it out on a good northwest swell.
- Beginner-friendly?
No.
Reef takeoff with a tight priority hierarchy, a long walk back to the car, cold water, and a white-shark presence the north coast does not downplay. Not a beginner wave.
- Famous for
- One of the best-known north-coast right points above Santa Cruz, reached by a posted trail off Highway 1.
- Lineup etiquette
- Priority on a point goes to the deepest rider. Paddling inside an active takeoff is the standard call-out.
Where it breaks
- Coordinates
- 36.9500, -122.1500
- Shore faces
- SW
- Region
- North Santa Cruz, California
Common questions
- What swell direction is best for Four Mile?
- Four Mile works best on a WSW to WNW swell. It also picks up SSW to WSW swell.
- How big does Four Mile need to be?
- Four Mile is best in the 3-8ft range on a 11-18s period.
- What are the best conditions at Four Mile?
- Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
- Where is Four Mile?
- Four Mile is a trail-in right point in North Santa Cruz, California. The beach faces SW.
- Does GhostFingers forecast Four Mile?
- Yes. GhostFingers grades Four Mile with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, winter 2026.
Nearby spots
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