Surf: Camp Pendleton offers respite from the cramped surfing areas to the north with a stretch of beachbreak flanked by a massive army training camp. Handles the bigger swells on outside sandbanks that will throw out the odd barrel at low tides. E to S swells are preferable, making this more of a summer and fall break. Environment: Large parking lot with easy access makes this a favorite for blow-ins. Crowds can be huge but spread out over a wide area. The main hazard would be something going horribly wrong with the war games next door!