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GhostFingers · San Diego County · Solana / Del Mar

Seaside Reef

Cobble reef at the south end of the Cardiff state beach stretch, above Solana Beach. Reef structure shapes a peak that holds size better than the sand either side of it.

Solana / Del Mar Famous spot

Spot intel

Parking

State beach day-use lot on Coast Highway 101 with a posted fee.

Crowd

Thick on a good swell. Shortboard-heavy, and the peak is a defined takeoff zone.

Beginner-friendly?

No.

A reef peak with a tight priority hierarchy, cobble underfoot, and a wave that stands up fast on size. Not a beginner wave.

Famous for

The reef at the south end of the Cardiff state beach, and a long-running contest site on the north county coast.

Lineup etiquette

Priority on a reef goes to the deepest rider. Paddling inside an active takeoff is the standard call-out.

When it’s on

South through west swell with light offshore wind from the east through northeast. Mid to low tide window.

Where it breaks

Coordinates
33.0030, -117.2810
Shore faces
WSW
Region
Solana / Del Mar, California

Common questions

What swell direction is best for Seaside Reef?
Seaside Reef works best on a SSW to WNW swell.
How big does Seaside Reef need to be?
Seaside Reef is best in the 2-8ft range on a 12-20s period.
What are the best conditions at Seaside Reef?
Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
Where is Seaside Reef?
Seaside Reef is a contest-site reef in Solana / Del Mar, California. The beach faces WSW.
Does GhostFingers forecast Seaside Reef?
Yes. GhostFingers grades Seaside Reef with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, winter 2026.

New to reading a forecast? Start here.

Launching winter 2026.

Six-tier verdicts for every California break, calibrated to swell, period, direction, tide, and wind.

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