The Green Room hotel is perfectly positioned to give surfers of all levels access to the best waves in San Diego County. Located at the junction of South Oceanside and Northern Carlsbad, our Oceanside hotel is just a stone’s throw away from half a dozen of Southern California’s most cherished surf breaks. Whether you’re a new surfer traveling to Oceanside to pick up a new passion or an experienced surfer on a strike mission to chase a swell, there’s a wave nearby to suit your abilities. We’ve written extensively about the surf in Oceanside and San Diego surfing more broadly. Now, we’re exploring the Carlsbad surf scene. Continue reading below for The Green Room Carlsbad Surf Guide.

Carlsbad Surf through the Seasons

Fall Surfing in Carlsbad

Fall typically sees the arrival of the first significant swells of the season as the summer crowds dwindle and north swells begin to churn in the Pacific. During this time, surfers can expect a mix of southwest and northwest swells, which deliver fun waves to spots like Tamarack State Beach and Ponto Jetties.

Winter Surfing in Carlsbad

Winter is the official swell season in Southern California. The change in seasons brings larger swells and more consistent surf, thanks to powerful winter storms in the North Pacific. Winter often delivers long-period north swell that produces sizable surf throughout the season.

Spring Surfing in Carlsbad

Spring marks the transition from the larger winter swells to smaller, more manageable surf. As the water and air temperatures rise, south swells become more prominent. While the waves may not be as consistent or powerful as during the winter months, spring still offers plenty of fun days to enjoy the Carlsbad surf.

Summer Surfing in Carlsbad

Summer in Carlsbad tends to be characterized by smaller surf and less consistent conditions. South swells may occasionally bring some waves to the area, but overall, summer is the least consistent time of year. Summer is a great time to take lessons or paddle out on a longboard. Oceanside, just north of Carlsbad, has more exposure to south swell and, therefore, more consistent surf in the summer.

Carlsbad Surf Spots

Tamarack Beach

Located at the foot of Tamarack Avenue, Tamarack State Park is a favorite among Carlsbad surfers for its consistency throughout the year. The beach sits just north of a small river, where reliable sandbars produce shifty and playful surf. The waves at Tamarack Beach are incredibly tide-dependent. Ideal conditions line up with a medium tide and a south swell under 6 feet. During larger swells, a right-hander breaks off the south side of the river, which works best with a lower tide.

Carlsbad State Beach

The North end of Tamarack collides with the peaky beach breaks of Carlsbad State Beach, where they form shifty waves that work best at mid to high tide with a bit of swell. Compared to Tamarack, the waves at Carlsbad Beach lack shape, although they can clean up nicely, given the right conditions.

Ponto Jetties

The Ponto Jetties are divided by a waterway and break up Carlsbad State Beach. The south jetty produces a fun right during the winter, while the north jetty is home to a leisurely summer left. Because the jetties are separated by a waterway, they are two distinct beaches with their own parking areas.

The Green Room Hotel stands as the ultimate home base for surfers visiting San Diego County. With easy access to the waves in Oceanside and Carlsbad and unique amenities like complimentary surfboards and beach cruisers, our boutique Oceanside hotel has everything you need for a Southern California surf trip.