Uppers
High-performance cobblestone-and-sand right and left at the north end of San Mateo Point in San Clemente. A long, rippable wall that draws the broad South County swell window.
When it’s on
Uppers works best on a S to SW swell. It also picks up WSW to WNW swell. Light wind from the northeast through east. Mid-tide window.
Spot intel
- Parking
- Cristianitos exit off the 5, then a roughly 20-minute walk down the access trail from the San Onofre State Beach lot. Day-use parking fee.
- Crowd
- Thick and skilled. One of the most contested lineups in California. Shortboard-dominated, with a rotation that rewards the deepest paddler.
- Beginner-friendly?
No.
A long walk in, a fast performance wall, and a packed lineup with zero patience for missed positioning. Not a beginner wave.
- Famous for
- Upper Trestles. The right-handers above Lowers: longer walls, fewer surfers in the lineup, and a 20-minute walk from the parking at San Onofre.
- Lineup etiquette
- Priority on a point goes to the deepest rider. Dropping in on a wave already underway from the peak is the standard call-out.
Where it breaks
- Coordinates
- 33.3845, -117.5945
- Shore faces
- SW
- Region
- South OC, California
Common questions
- What swell direction is best for Uppers?
- Uppers works best on a S to SW swell. It also picks up WSW to WNW swell.
- How big does Uppers need to be?
- Uppers is best in the 4-8ft range on a 12-20s period.
- What are the best conditions at Uppers?
- Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 1-3.5ft.
- Where is Uppers?
- Uppers is a performance cobble point in South OC, California. The beach faces SW.
- Does GhostFingers forecast Uppers?
- Yes. GhostFingers grades Uppers with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, winter 2026.
Nearby spots
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