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Moonlight State Beach is located in North San Diego County and is known for being a reliable and user-friendly beachbreak. This spot catches swells from the NW, SW, and other directions, which means you can find waves pretty much year-round. It’s a great location for surfers of all levels, with gentle, forgiving waves when the surf is smaller, making it ideal for beginners to start catching their first waves. However, as the swell picks up, the conditions can become a bit more challenging, with stronger currents and more powerful surf, especially in the autumn months when the conditions often line up nicely.
The surf at Moonlight Beach generally ranges from about knee high to a few feet overhead (0.6 to 2.4 meters). It handles swell sizes from 2 ft (0.6 m) to 8 ft (2.4 m) and is particularly fun with swells coming from various directions like South, South-Southwest, and West-Northwest. When the tide is low to mid, you can expect better shapes and less crumbling waves. The bottom consists of shifting sandbars which create scattered peaks along the beach, offering a mix of beach break waves. The best winds for surfing here are from the NE, ENE, and E, which can keep the surf clean. On small days, the paddle out is a breeze, but you’ll definitely have to put in some effort when it’s really pumping.
Moonlight Beach can get crowded, especially on warm sunny days during summer, but the vibe is usually pretty mellow. There’s room to spread out, so finding a less crowded peak is totally doable. This spot is suitable for surfers of all abilities — whether you’re a beginner on a longboard or an expert looking to ride some powerful beach breaks. Keep in mind that while the conditions are generally good, they can vary with seasonal swells, especially in autumn, making it a popular spot for locals when the surf is at its best.