Pelican Watch is a surf spot located right in front of a hotel/motel that shares its name. This spot has gained a bit of a reputation among local surfers, especially in recent years, with improvements noted in the sandbars. It's a popular place to hit the waves, and you'll often find others joining in on the action. Just be ready for a crowd, since when it's good here, it tends to be the place to be for surfers in the area.
The surf at Pelican Watch can serve up rides on both lefts and rights, making it a versatile spot. It works well with swells coming from the north and south, and can handle swell sizes starting from around 2 feet (0.6 meters). The waves break over sandy bottoms, which is nice for beginners but also produces some power, especially when the swell is right. For the best conditions, aim for low to mid to high tides, ideally with a west wind. Just be mindful that the waves can break hard and close to shore, so keep an eye on the lineup.
If you’re planning to camp, there’s good camping available in the nearby State Recreation Park. This can be a nice option for those looking to spend a few days soaking up the sun and surf. Just be prepared for the competition in the lineup, as Pelican Watch tends to attract a lot of surfers when conditions are right.