San Onofre State Beach is a popular surf spot located in Southern California, known for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly vibe. This beach has a rich surfing history, being one of the early sites for surfing contests in California. It's a family-friendly beach where beginners can feel comfortable, and the mellow environment makes it a great place to hang out.

The surf here features a famous, mushy longboard wave that is ideal for beginners. You can catch waves that break over boulders and sandy bottoms, with swells mainly coming from the south and west. The spot can handle swell sizes starting at around 1 ft (0.3 meters) and has both left and right waves. Old Man's is known as the premier area, especially during the summer, when it works best at lower tides. Just a bit further north is The Point, which generally has right-hand waves but can serve up some decent lefts too. It’s worth noting that the best winds blow from the northeast, and the surf works across low, mid, and high tides.

Getting to San Onofre is straightforward, with the park entrance accessible from Basilone Road. However, just a heads up: in the summer and on weekends, parking can get pretty crowded right at sunrise. If you plan to surf here regularly, consider asking about a yearly pass that allows access to both San Onofre and nearby Trails.