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GhostFingers · San Diego County · PB / Mission Beach

Tourmaline

South-facing sand-and-cobble break at the north end of Pacific Beach in San Diego. Mellow, multi-peak break that holds small NW and SW swell. The county's primary longboard and surf-school venue.

PB / Mission Beach Beginner-friendly

Spot intel

Parking

Free paved lot at the end of Tourmaline Street, about 175 spaces. Free street parking along La Jolla Boulevard and the adjacent residential blocks. Lot fills by mid-morning on weekends.

Crowd

Thick on weekends and after work. Longboard and surf-school clusters spread across the peaks. The 5 and the 8 funnel weekenders straight to this lot.

Beginner-friendly?

Yes.

Soft, slow break with multiple peaks, forgiving wave shape, and an established surf-school presence. The catches are crowd density on weekends and along-shore current, not the wave.

Lineup etiquette

Beachbreak priority is per-wave, not by lineup position. A wave already taken from the peak isn't open to paddle into.

When it's on

West, northwest, or southwest swell with light offshore wind from the east. Mid-tide window.

When beginners can paddle out

Knee-high to shoulder-high on any tide with light wind. First light runs glassiest and least crowded.

Where it breaks

Coordinates
32.8020, -117.2620
Shore faces
W
Region
PB / Mission Beach, California

Common questions

What swell direction is best for Tourmaline?
Tourmaline works best on a SW to WNW swell.
How big does Tourmaline need to be?
Tourmaline is best in the 1.5-6ft range on a 12-18s period.
What are the best conditions at Tourmaline?
Light or offshore wind under about 6 knots, with the tide around 1-3.5ft.
Where is Tourmaline?
Tourmaline is a longboard point in PB / Mission Beach, California. The beach faces W.
Does GhostFingers forecast Tourmaline?
Yes. GhostFingers grades Tourmaline with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, summer 2026.

New to reading a forecast? Start here.

Launching summer 2026.

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

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