Stone Steps is a surf spot located at the bottom of the cement staircase off Neptune Ave, known as South El Portal. It’s in north San Diego County and tends to be relatively uncrowded compared to other spots in the area. The place has gained some notoriety, partly due to the infamous beer-fueled Stone Steps surfing contest that’s held here. While it's not the most picturesque beach and can be less than ideal at times, it does attract a mix of surfers looking for a fun session.
The surf here can get variable, with beachbreak peaks that can be hollow and fast. It manages to handle swell sizes starting from around 1 ft (0.3 m) and can work with swells coming from the SouthWest, South, and NorthWest. You can expect both left and right breaks, depending on conditions. The best times to surf are generally during mid tides with small, peaky swells. Just keep in mind that at high tide, there’s little to no beach to work with.
Stone Steps breaks over a mix of boulders and sand, adding a bit of variety to the wave conditions. For the best experience, look for east winds, which are preferable here. Overall, it’s a spot that can offer decent waves, but like any beach break, conditions can change quickly, so it’s good to check forecasts before you head out.