The Ultimate San Diego Surfing Guide
If you’re ready to make waves during your San Diego vacation, the Pacific Terrace Hotel is the perfect beachfront getaway for San Diego surfing! Not only are we located near some of the best surf spots, but our neighbor, San Diego Surf School, is right next door to help with everything you need for the perfect day of surfing in San Diego.
Our Ultimate San Diego Surfing Guide offers more info about the San Diego Surf School, the best San Diego surf spots, where to grab a bite to eat and a refreshing beverage, and more! Surf’s up in San Diego – are you ready to catch a wave?
Hang 10 at Pacific Beach in San Diego with the San Diego Surf School
If you want to have some fun getting out on the water and learning to surf in San Diego, you’re at the right place at the Pacific Terrace Hotel. One of the best surf schools in San Diego is located just steps from your beachfront room or suite. If you want to try San Diego surfing lessons with a seasoned pro during your vacation, you are sure to enjoy your surfing adventure with the San Diego Surf School crew.
If you're ready to hit the waves, our Surf & Stay package makes it easy. With 10% off your room and 15% off surf lessons from the highly rated San Diego Surf School, it’s the perfect way to experience the thrill of surfing during your stay at Pacific Terrace Hotel. Already staying with us? Enjoy 15% off when booking surf lessons with San Diego Surf School — just use code SPECIAL15OFF.
Best San Diego Surfing Spots
There are a variety of favorite San Diego surf spots to check out, depending on your skill level. Here are a few to consider:
- Law Street Beach (0.3 Miles to Hotel) – Large waves and a reef break make it perfect for experienced surfers who like higher swells.
- Crystal Pier (0.5 Miles to Hotel) – One of the most popular San Diego surfing spots due to the infamous pier and good waves.
- Pacific Beach Drive (1 Mile to Hotel) – Great beach for surfers of all skill levels due to the gentle and consistent waves.
- Tourmaline Surfing Park (2 Miles to Hotel) - Great beach for beginners just learning to surf.
- La Jolla Shores (4.3 Miles to Hotel) - Gentle, rolling waves, an amazing view, and a soft, sandy bottom make La Jolla Shores a great choice for new surfers.
Top Local San Diego Surfing Shops
From surf wax and water shirts to wetsuits and sunscreen, you’ll find everything you need for a day of surfing at one of these popular San Diego surf shops:
- Pacific Beach Surf Shop (0.7 Miles to Hotel) Pacific Beach Surf Shop is one of the original San Diego surf shops and first opened its doors in 1962. A vital part of the Pacific Beach community since that time, you’ll find surfboard sales and rentals, surf lessons, and plenty of cool shirts and surf swag.
- Bird Rock Surf Shop (1.5 Miles to Hotel) The popular family-owned Bird Rock Surf Shop in La Jolla offers surfboard rentals and sells everything from boards and tees to drinkware and stickers for surfing fans.
- Hermosa Surf Shop (1.5 Miles to Hotel) From surfboards and beach towels to wetsuits and hoodies, the Hemosa Surf Shop in San Diego has everything you need, including a cool café with smoothies, Acai bowls, and specialty toast!
Surf-Friendly Dining Near the Pacific Terrace Hotel in San Diego
After a great day of learning to surf at Pacific Beach, these are some of the best restaurants near the Pacific Terrace Hotel and the best San Diego surf spots for lunch, dinner, and happy hour:
- Oscar’s Mexican Seafood (0.1 Miles to Hotel) After working up an appetite learning to surf in the Pacific Ocean, treat yourself to a well-deserved taco (or 4) by walking over to Oscar’s Mexican Seafood. They are best known for their seafood tacos, including the Grilled Shrimp, Smoked Fish, and Surf-n-Turf Tacos! They are great with an order of freshly made chips and guacamole!
- The Grass Skirt (0.6 Miles to Hotel) This tropical speakeasy is close to the best San Diego surf spots and is so much fun to visit. The Grass Skirt offers a variety of unique cocktails and is a unique place to visit after a day of surfing. Grab a booth or fire pit table and order a big spiked punch bowl to share with friends. Also, enjoy Southeast Asian cuisine like fresh Albacore Poke Bowls, California Roll Tacos, and Bang Bang Shrimp at one of the best secret spots in San Diego.
- Cannonball at Belmont Park (2.3 Miles from Hotel) Enjoy this fun place to watch the sun set and sip on craft cocktails at San Diego’s largest oceanfront rooftop bar. Cannonball on Mission Beach offers delicious food and drinks with amazing views and a fresh selection of sushi and sashimi, which is the perfect treat after a morning of surf lessons in San Diego.
Spend Your Summer Vacation Surfing in San Diego During Your Stay at the Pacific Terrace Hotel
The Pacific Terrace Hotel is the perfect location near all the best surf spots in San Diego. We offer the best beachfront property and stellar onsite resort-style amenities that make us the ideal choice for your San Diego surfing adventure.
Make your reservation today at the best hotel in Pacific Beach and enjoy spending some time in the California sunshine surfing the day away and relaxing at our amazing waterfront hotel in San Diego.
