United States > California > San Clemente

Lower Trestles

California's high-performance wave, popular for its playful walls and rippable sections.

Premium cobblestone point break offering perfect peaks. Known for consistent waves and high performance surfing. Multiple peaks suit various styles.

Current Conditions
Fair

Wave Height

0.4m
SSW 7s

Wind Speed

8 km/h
WSW

Water Temperature

24°C

Satellite view of Lower Trestles
Waves
Wind

Surf Forecast

Rating Scale:

  • Epic (5.0)
  • Good (4.8+)
  • Fair to Good (4.0+)
  • Fair (3.6+)
  • Poor to Fair (2.5+)
  • Poor (2.0+)
  • Very Poor (<2.0)
Sun
24 Aug
Morning
0.5m
SSW
7s
NW
1km/h
Midday
0.5m
SSW
7s
NNW
2km/h
Afternoon
0.5m
SSW
7s
W
6km/h
Mon
25 Aug
Morning
0.6m
SW
6s
NW
1km/h
Midday
0.6m
SW
6s
NW
1km/h
Afternoon
0.6m
SW
7s
WSW
5km/h
Tue
26 Aug
Morning
0.7m
SW
6s
NW
1km/h
Midday
0.6m
SW
7s
N
1km/h
Afternoon
0.6m
SW
7s
WSW
5km/h
Wed
27 Aug
Morning
0.6m
SSW
6s
NW
2km/h
Midday
0.6m
SSW
7s
N
2km/h
Afternoon
0.6m
SSW
7s
W
5km/h
Thu
28 Aug
Morning
0.5m
SW
5s
NNE
1km/h
Midday
0.5m
SSW
6s
NNE
1km/h
Afternoon
0.5m
SSW
6s
WNW
4km/h
Fri
29 Aug
Morning
0.6m
SSW
6s
NW
3km/h
Midday
0.6m
SSW
6s
WNW
2km/h
Afternoon
0.6m
SSW
7s
SW
6km/h
Sat
30 Aug
Morning
0.6-0.7m
SSW
6s
ESE
2km/h
Midday
0.6m
SSW
6s
S
1km/h
Afternoon
0.6m
SSW
7s
S
5km/h
Sun
31 Aug
Morning
0.7m
SSW
7s
SE
4km/h
Midday
0.7m
SSW
7s
SE
5km/h
Afternoon
0.7m
SW
8s
S
8km/h
Mon
1 Sep
Morning
0.7m
SW
6s
SE
5km/h
Midday
0.7m
SW
7s
SE
5km/h
Afternoon
0.7m
SSW
7s
SSE
12km/h
Tue
2 Sep
Morning
0.5m
SSW
15s
ESE
8km/h
Midday
0.5m
SSW
15s
ESE
7km/h
Afternoon
0.5m
SSW
15s
SSE
7km/h
Wed
3 Sep
Morning
0.5m
SSW
15s
SE
6km/h
Midday
0.0m
0km/h
Afternoon
0.0m
0km/h

Sunday, 24 Aug

12AM - 3AM
Poor to Fair
0.5m
SSW 6s
W 9km/h
24°C
2.7
3AM - 6AM
Fair
0.5m
SSW 6s
WNW 2km/h
24°C
3.5
6AM - 9AM
Fair
0.5m
SSW 7s
NW 1km/h
24°C
3.5
9AM - 12PM
Fair
0.5m
SSW 7s
NNW 1km/h
24°C
3.5
12PM - 3PM
Fair
0.5m
SSW 7s
NNW 3km/h
23°C
3.3
3PM - 6PM
Fair
0.5m
SSW 7s
W 5km/h
24°C
3.0
6PM - 9PM
Fair
0.5m
SSW 7s
WSW 10km/h
24°C
3.0
9PM - 12AM
Poor to Fair
0.5-0.6m
SW 5s
W 13km/h
24°C
2.5

Daylight Times

No daylight data available for this date.

Tide Times

No tide data available for this date.

Daily Overview

Overall Sunday is fair with waves holding around 0.9m. The swell is predominantly coming from the South South West (SSW), with light West (W) winds averaging 6km/h.

During daylight hours, peak conditions are expected between 06:00 - 09:00 with a rating of 3.5/5. It's recommended to check local webcams and conditions before heading out.

Spot Information

Trestles, often called "the Californian skatepark," represents one of North America's premier high-performance surf spots. This cobblestone point break creates perfectly shaped waves that seem designed for progressive surfing, offering long rides with multiple sections for turns and aerials.

The main peak, Lower Trestles, produces an A-frame wave that breaks both left and right over a cobblestone bottom. The consistent shape and moderate pace of the wave make it ideal for practicing advanced maneuvers. The wave maintains its form across various sizes, from 2 to 8 feet.

Summer months (June to September) typically deliver the most consistent conditions, with south swells providing the best waves. The spot works through various tides, though mid to high tide typically offers the best shape.

Local tip: The long walk to the break helps limit crowds, but Lowers can still get very busy, especially during prime conditions. Respect the lineup rotation and be prepared to share waves. The cobblestone bottom, while not as dangerous as reef, still requires awareness.

Required Skill Level

Beginner

Hazards & Warnings

Cobblestone bottom Long walk in Crowded conditions Strong currents

Wave Characteristics

Break Type:
Cobblestone Point
Bottom Type:
Cobblestone
Wave Quality:
Perfect
Wave Speed:
Medium
Wave Length:
Long
Consistency:
4/5

Ideal Conditions

Wind:

5-15 km/h E (90°)

Swell:

1-3m Period: 11s SW (220°)

Tides:

Low to Mid Tide

Peak Season:

June July August September

Best Times:

Early Morning Late Morning

Environmental Factors

Summer Water Temp:
20-23°C
Winter Water Temp:
14-17°C
Wind Protection:
Moderate
Swell Exposure:
Moderate
Tide Sensitivity:
Low

Logistics

Crowd Level:
Very Crowded
Access:
Moderate
Parking:
State park parking lot, long walk required
Facilities:
Toilets Showers State Park Facilities

Bathymetry Profile

Cobblestone point break with gradually sloping bottom. Series of underwater cobblestone reefs creating multiple peak zones. Sand patches between rock formations.

Depth Contours:

Inner Break:
1-2m
Middle Peaks:
2-4m
Outside Section:
4-6m

Seabed Features:

Cobblestone reefs Sand channels Multiple peak zones Gradual slope Scattered rock formations
Average Slope Ratio:
1:30

Local Knowledge

Local Etiquette:

  • Take turns
  • Share waves
  • Respect all skill levels

Local Rules:

  • No parking on residential streets
  • Stay on trail
  • Pack out trash

Known As:

Lowers The Crowd Factory