Overview
Grandview, in Leucadia, is a beachbreak with a rock bottom covered by sand, and it serves up plenty of options depending on how the ocean is running. It has both left and right corners and holds waves through summer and winter alike. When it's small it's a great spot to bring the family, and as a groundswell fills in, its open exposure lets the size and power build accordingly. Sitting in the middle of the San Diego surf scene, it rates as a decent, dependable all-rounder.
When It Works
Grandview draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), with southwest (SW) the best match. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, from knee-high fun up to a few feet overhead. The lefts come alive on summer south swells, the rights sharpen up on winter swells, and autumn is the pick for peaky conditions. When it's small the paddle-out is easy and needs only a handful of duck-dives; as it builds, you'll spend more time punching through whitewater before you reach the back.
Wind and Tide
Look for east (E) offshore wind to clean it up. Grandview can work across low, mid, and high tide, though a rising tide is generally the better call. Push too much water in and it backs up toward the cliffs with little beach left, so the reefy options show best as the tide drops.
Local Tips
There's almost always a wave to be had here, which suits everyone from beginners to experts and works on anything from a shortboard or fish to a funboard or longboard. The lineup stays fairly quiet and somewhat reserved until it starts to get good, and then it fills in, with plenty of talented local surfers in the water when the conditions line up.
Access
Park in the free car park at the north end of Neptune Avenue near Grandview Street, then take the wooden stairway down to the beach. Showers, lifeguards, and a surf shop are on hand. Post up well clear of the cliff base.
