Pacific Beach (San Diego)

Pacific Beach (PB) is one of San Diego’s most popular and consistent surf spots. The cam is hosted by Waterbar, an oceanfront restaurant on the PB boardwalk, with the feed powered by the Coastal Camera Network.

About the Break

Pacific Beach offers miles of beach break peaks running north from Crystal Pier toward Tourmaline. The wave is generally fun and approachable — not a heavy or world-class break, but consistently rideable for surfers of all levels. The area near Crystal Pier picks up the most swell and tends to have the most defined banks. PB is also one of San Diego’s most party-oriented neighborhoods, so the lineup can be a chaotic mix of locals, tourists, surf school students, and bodyboarders.

Surf Etiquette at Beach Breaks

Beach breaks tend to be more forgiving on etiquette than reef or point breaks: because the sandbars shift and there’s rarely one single best takeoff spot, the lineup is usually more spread out and less territorial. Still, the basics apply everywhere — the surfer closest to the peak has right of way, don’t drop in on someone already riding a wave, and take a moment to watch the lineup before paddling out if you’re new to it. Every break has its regulars, and a little patience goes a long way.

About the Cam Host

The cam is provided by Waterbar, a seafood and sushi restaurant at 4325 Ocean Boulevard, Pacific Beach, San Diego, California, with the feed powered by the Coastal Camera Network. Watch Live Cam →

Best Conditions

• Best swell direction: W to NW; SW in summer
• Best tide: Mid
• Best wind: Light east offshore
• Best season: Year-round
• Skill level: All levels
• Crowd factor: Heavy, especially weekends and summer

Getting There

• Parking: Free street parking (very limited); some paid lots
• Nearest town: San Diego (Pacific Beach neighborhood)
• Access: Stairways and ramps from the boardwalk down to the sand

Lessons & Rentals

San Diego Surfing Academy, Pacific Surf School, and Mission Beach Surfing School all offer lessons and rentals in the PB/MB area.

Location & Access

Pacific Beach sits on the Pacific coast in San Diego, San Diego County, California. See the California surf guide for the full regional picture →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pacific Beach surf cam free to watch? Yes — every cam in the directory is free and public, no login required.

Where exactly is the camera? At Waterbar in San Diego, CA — see the map above.

Are there other free surf cams nearby? Yes — see Nearby Live Cams below.