In the heart of San Onofre State Beach, between Camp Pendleton and San Clemente, Lower Trestles is considered the most perfect developed A-frame on Earth. Cobblestone bottom, privileged exposure to N and S swells, predictable thermal wind – it's the official stage of the WSL Finals since 2021, where the world title is decided in a single day.
Ideal Conditions (May–September)
- •3–8 ft swell @ 12–18 sec from 180–230° (S/SW)
- •W-NW thermal offshore wind from 6am to 11am
- •Water temp 17–22 °C in summer (springsuit or trunks)
- •Low to mid tide = hollower walls; high = more open and full
Area breaks:
- Lower Trestles – the main stage: A-frame with long rights and lefts, ideal for aerial maneuvers.
- Upper Trestles – more classic right, point break with long walls and lighter crowds.
- Middles – alternative between Upper and Lower, works on bigger swells.
- Church – peeling left in Pendleton, requires military access permit.
- San Onofre / Old Man's – classic logbreak for longboard and beginners.
Historical Milestones
- •1940s – Marines surf Trestles on leave from Pendleton
- •1990 – ASP establishes first pro tour event at Lower
- •2000s – Kelly Slater wins multiple Boost Mobile/Hurley Pros
- •2021 – WSL Finals debut at Trestles; Gabriel Medina wins the first
- •2024 – Caitlin Simmers takes world title in her rookie CT season
- •2026 – Lexus Trestles Pro confirmed for September as WSL Finals
2026 Lineup
Crowd: 50–150 at Lower on a good day; Upper always cleaner. Localism: exists among San Clemente locals, but if you're polite, wait your turn and don't drop in, you'll surf fine. The 25 min trail walk filters out the lazy. Tip: arrive before dawn for the first nearly-empty sets.
How to Get There
- •Fly to San Diego (SAN) – 70 min by car – or Los Angeles LAX (90 min)
- •Rental car essential; park at San Clemente State Beach ($15/day)
- •Walk 25 min on the trail (crosses Interstate 5 via tunnel)
- •Apps: Surfline (HD live cam), MagicSeaweed, NOAA buoy 46232
Trestles 2026 Checklist
- ✓5'8–6'2 high-performance quiver (Trestles rewards modern boards)
- ✓2/2 springsuit or trunks in summer
- ✓Backpack with water, snacks and wax (25 min walk)
- ✓Surfline Premium to read swell before leaving home
- ✓Lunch at Carbonara or Pizza Port in San Clemente after
Beyond the Wave
- •Evening session at Doheny or Salt Creek for variety
- •Visit the Surfing Heritage Center in San Clemente
- •Mountain biking at San Onofre Bluffs
- •Tacos at Pedro's Tacos – post-surf tradition
Trestles is modern surfing's sanctuary: perfect wave, democratic vibe, and history written by the best. With the WSL Finals in September 2026, it's the place to be if you want to witness where the world title is decided. See you in the lineup! 🇺🇸🏄♂️
Photo Gallery
REFERENCES
Sources: World Surf League Lexus Trestles Pro / WSL Finals 2026, Surfline forecasts and live cams, Surfer Magazine, San Onofre Surfing Club, Save Trestles archive, NOAA Buoy 46232, statements from Caitlin Simmers, Griffin Colapinto, Caroline Marks and Kolohe Andino.
