Before you hit the surf this summer, do your research. Unless you're a pro, stick to the beginner beaches to avoid territorial locals and powerful currents. From Del Mar to Sunset Cliffs, take a look at San Diego's best surfing spots for the beginners, intermediates, and experts.

Beginners

15th Street, Del Mar.
Del Mar offers good exposure to swells and maintains a sand bottom beach break for beginners.

Intermediate

South Mission Beach at the jetty, Pacific Beach.
The south jetty creates a swell unseen in mainstream Pacific Beach. Venture far south for the most challenging surf.

Pipes, Cardiff.
Cardiff trained Rob Machado with southwest swells, reefs at either end, shouldery waves, and nurturing conditions.

Expert

Black's Beach, La Jolla.
Black's Beach is known to hold surf up to 12 inches and is acclaimed as the surf spot for the best wave in San Diego.

Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach.
Rocky reefs and multiple point breaks create varying degrees of swell size for a rocky ride. Dominated by territorial locals, Sunset Cliffs is a scrambling-session for serious surfers.