Pico Creek is a surf spot located just north of San Simeon. It's known for its fun combination of reef and sandbar right at the creek mouth. This spot can offer some decent waves, usually peaking on the outside before reforming into a faster inside section. Be ready for a challenging shorepound, which can catch you off guard at times. The vibe here is pretty relaxed, making it a good choice for surfers looking to enjoy a session without too much hassle.
The waves here really shine with a clean SouthWest swell. You'll find that it handles swell sizes around 2ft (roughly 0.6 meters) quite well. The break offers both left and right waves, keeping things interesting. If you're looking to get the best out of Pico Creek, aim for mid tide. Just remember, the beach break can also have scattered submerged rocks, especially in the southern part, so watch your step.
In terms of swell directions, you can expect it to work with a South and NorthWest swell as well. The ideal wind conditions are from the Northeast, which helps keep the surface clean for better rides. Just keep in mind, the inside can get speedy, so be prepared for a quick exit when the waves break.