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GhostFingers · San Diego County · Sunset Cliffs / OB SD

Sunset Cliffs

Cliff-access reef-and-point stretch south of Ocean Beach along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, San Diego. Multiple reef takeoff zones along the bluff. Holds long-period NW and W groundswell.

Sunset Cliffs / OB SD Famous spot

Spot intel

Parking

Free street parking along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and Ladera Street. Bluff trails and stair cuts down to the reef; the descent is steep and the return is longer with a wet board. Car break-ins are regular along this stretch.

Crowd

Thick on swell days. Locals run the lineup. The cliff above makes every positioning error public.

Beginner-friendly?

No.

Reef bottom, strong currents along the bluff, steep cliff-access entry, and a lineup with no patience for novice positioning. Not a beginner wave.

Famous for

Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma. A chain of reef and cobble breaks along the bluffs above Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: a long-time San Diego underground scene, more locals than tourists.

Lineup etiquette

Priority on a reef-point goes to the deepest rider. Snaking is the standard call-out.

When it's on

Long-period west through northwest groundswell on the winter side, south through southwest groundswell on the summer side. Light offshore wind from the east. The reef wants size, chest-high and up. Mid- to lower-tide window.

Where it breaks

Coordinates
32.7369, -117.2572
Shore faces
WSW
Region
Sunset Cliffs / OB SD, California

Common questions

What swell direction is best for Sunset Cliffs?
Sunset Cliffs works best on a WSW to WNW swell.
How big does Sunset Cliffs need to be?
Sunset Cliffs is best in the 3-8ft range on a 12-20s period.
What are the best conditions at Sunset Cliffs?
Light or offshore wind under about 10 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
Where is Sunset Cliffs?
Sunset Cliffs is a reef points + ledges in Sunset Cliffs / OB SD, California. The beach faces WSW.
Does GhostFingers forecast Sunset Cliffs?
Yes. GhostFingers grades Sunset Cliffs with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, summer 2026.

New to reading a forecast? Start here.

Launching summer 2026.

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

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