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GhostFingers · San Diego County · La Jolla

Windansea

Reef break over sandstone and cobble at Windansea Beach in La Jolla, below the bluff on Neptune Place. Reef shelves shape peaks that take both winter northwest and summer south swell.

La Jolla Famous spot

Spot intel

Parking

Free street parking on Neptune Place and Nautilus Street. Access is over rock and sand from the bluff.

Crowd

Thick and strongly local. The reef holds defined peaks and a tight priority hierarchy.

Beginner-friendly?

No.

Shallow sandstone reef, a rock entry and exit, an established local priority hierarchy, and a wave that stands up fast. Not a beginner wave.

Famous for

One of the most storied reefs in California surfing, marked by the palm-frond surf shack on the bluff, built in 1946 and a designated historic landmark.

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. Mid to low tide window.

Where it breaks

Coordinates
32.8330, -117.2800
Shore faces
WSW
Region
La Jolla, California

Common questions

What swell direction is best for Windansea?
Windansea works best on a SSW to WNW swell. It also picks up S to SW swell.
How big does Windansea need to be?
Windansea is best in the 3-8ft range on a 12-20s period.
What are the best conditions at Windansea?
Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
Where is Windansea?
Windansea is a storied sandstone reef in La Jolla, California. The beach faces WSW.
Does GhostFingers forecast Windansea?
Yes. GhostFingers grades Windansea 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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