Trestles is a sacred surf destination due to the consistent waves shaped by the cobblestone reef that lines the ocean floor. It’s also for the most dedicated surfers because it requires a long hike from the closest parking. In theory, that would keep the crowds away but surfers are a devoted group, so you will have plenty of friends with you in the water.

This surf guide provides information for the five main breaks in the Trestles area, from north to south:

• Cotton’s Point,
• Upper Trestles,
• Lower Trestles,
• Middle Trestles, and
• Church.

Directions are provided below as well as important information for each of the surf spots.

How to get to Trestles

Trestles is a legendary spot for the most dedicated surfers that catches waves year-round. Depending on the break of choice, it’s a one- to two-mile trek from the closest parking. To get to any of the Trestle breaks, take the Cristianitos Road exit off Interstate 5. There is a California State Park lot on El Camino Real near the intersection with Cristianitos Road (which requires an annual or daily pass), located next to the Carl’s Jr. Likewise, there is some non-metered street parking close to the exit. That’s where your walk (or bikeride) to the beach begins.

The maps apps aren’t ideal for getting to Trestles, FYI. Using Google or Apple Maps, you may follow directions to the Carl’s Jr. to get to the Trestles parking lot (or street parking if that’s your preference). Then walk or ride a bike from there.

Many surfers use e-bikes (rentals are available in town) to carry their surfboards down to the Trestles beach breaks. Some purists make the pilgrimage by foot. Some may push through on a skateboard.

From the parking area, either descend the dirt path (the Trestles Beach Trailhead) on the south side of Cristianitos Road where it intersects with S. El Camino Real, or cross over I-5 and enter the paved San Clemente Bike Trail to the left. Those two paths intersect at the bottom of the hill where you will see the Trestles map (photo posted above). From that intersection, take the path south towards the ocean to access Middles, Lowers, Uppers, and Cottons (you will get to them in that order as you head north at the water). To get to Church and Middles (from the other side of San Mateo Creek), continue on the paved bike trail to the top of the next hill. Turn right onto a dirt path that winds along the bluff, then down to the two breaks.

There are porta-potties out near the breaks, but no running water (so no showers). For the northern end of the Trestles area, the toilets are close to the intersection of the path and train tracks (where the sandy beach starts). For the southern end, the toilets are located on the beach path between Church and Middles.

Where to surf at Trestles

There are five main breaks in the Trestles area, north to south: Cotton’s Point, Uppers, Lowers, Middles, and Church. We’ve provided information below on what distinguishes each of the spots, in that order.

Cotton’s Point

Cotton’s Point is the northern-most surf break in the Trestles area. A favorite among local goofy-footers, the left-hand point break sits beneath President Richard Nixon’s former home up on the bluff, what was known as the “Western White House.”

Cotton’s does best at low tide with swell from the south and southwest and is good for a range of board types, though you will most likely find surfers on shorter boards, especially with bigger swell, of course. As Surfline says, “the wave typically offers a rather flat face that’s perfect for cutbacks.”

Upper Trestles

Down from Cotton’s is Uppers. A versatile right-hand break that can handle a range of tides, Upper Trestles also catches swell north to south, but really shines with north and northwest surges. Keep in mind, it’s a competitive spot full of highly-skilled rippers. Sometimes, it’s just fun to go watch.

Lower Trestles

Below Uppers is Lower Trestles, the crown jewel of the Trestles crown, where the World Surf League often hosts the tour finals. A picture-perfect A-frame featuring a hollow left, the wave was made for thrusters. The modern aerial was practically born on this high performance wave, which explains why it’s packed with locals morning to night. Like Uppers, it breaks in a range of tides. Unlike Uppers, it’s best on a south or southwest swell.

Middles

The name is a little confusing to some. Middle Trestles is not between Lower and Upper Trestles, which would be intuitive. It actually sits between Lower Trestles and Church, which is further south towards San Onofre. (It took one of us a long time to remember that.) You can access it either from the north end (head south from Lowers) or the southern entrance (going north from Church). A good break for longboards, it’s best on a mid-tide (considering the swell size and direction). Can work south to west/northwest.

Church

Church is the southern-most point in the Trestles area, just north of San Onofre. When conditions are right, it’s a dreamy spot for longboarders. Like Middles, it’s best on a mid-tide (but can handle higher tide if swell accommodates). Worth trying it on either a south or west swell. The competition for waves is formidable but generally pretty friendly.

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