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GhostFingers · Central Coast · North Santa Cruz

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.

North Santa Cruz Famous spot

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.

When it’s on

West through northwest groundswell with light offshore wind from the northeast. Mid tide window.

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.

New to reading a forecast? Start here.

Launching winter 2026.

Six-tier verdicts for every California break, calibrated to swell, period, direction, tide, and wind.

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