As El Nino continues, it has brought promising surf to those along the Southern California coast. From North County to south San Diego, we are taking a look at spots that are a little off the radar as opposed to main spots.

1. Oceanside

Ditch the crowds this next trip. Instead of starting out for the jetty and south pier, head to Crosswaith Street. Park your car right along S. Pacific as you glance at what spot looks best from the top of the white picket fence and dirt hill. This nice beach break will bring plenty of barrels for avid or even novel surfers. There is a large rock just south of the walk down, so if the current forces you a few yards down, keep this in the back of your mind. Crosswaith can be found in between Tyson Street Park and Buccaneer, making this spot best for an early morning paddle out. You can grab the finest breakfast burrito and French toast at Buccaneer Café after your sesh.

2. Carlsbad

With warm waters and the cliffs drawing a lot of the attention, Tamarack is a solid break right off the jetty. For regular foot surfers, this break has your name all over it. Filled with cobblestone and sand, this spot is not very prone to large crowds and people in the area are generally pretty chill. Check it out for a WNW swell in the afternoon, so you can head to Dini’s right down the street and warm your soul with their quality selection of bourbon and whiskey.

3. Solana Beach

Skip past Encinitas and avoid crowds at D Street and Swamis as you find your way to Fletcher Cove. Never highly crowded because many overlook it for surrounding spot, such as Cardiff or Del Mar. This beach break offers a convenient location to go along with A-frame sections that break over rocks. Typically best during the summer, trunks are the go-to option when east winds are sent this way. After a few hours in the water, walk into downtown Solana Beach with more than 90 unique urban shops and restaurants located on the side of Highway 101.

4. Little Point

When you have had enough of battling locals at wind and sea, head a few hundred yards over to a predominantly left break. This shallow reef is filled with rocks, so it is more of an advanced surf spot that offers hollow barrels when the conditions line up with each other. This break works a little different from most of San Diego, so when a south swell hits, make sure to find a few people out in the lineup. After you’ve called it a day with a few buddies, head to Bird Rock Coffee Roasters and take in the local art scene on display.

5. Stonies (Diamond Street)

Just south of Tourmaline Beach and a few yards from Crystal Pier, Stonies offers easy access. If in a jam and not sure exactly where to paddle out, this is the place to go, especially on Thursday and Friday evenings, since most of the crowds will be absent, out drinking. Diamond Street offers a beach break for all varieties of surfers, which can be exposed to several different swell directions. Once done surfing late into the sunset hours, cruise up to Garnett Street and hang with the others that are one up on you at the bars.