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Tourmaline Beach: A Surfing Haven

San Diego's Tourmaline Beach: Gentle waves, surfing history, and a welcoming spot for beginners and longboard enthusiasts.

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Tourmaline Beach, also known as Tourmaline Surfing Park, is a popular surf spot in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego. Known for its gentle waves, it's a favorite for beginner surfers and longboarders. The beach also offers tide pools and scenic views.

A brief summary to Tourmaline Beach

  • 601 Tourmaline St, San Diego, Pacific Beach, California, 92109, US

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a parking spot in the free lot.
  • Check the surf report before heading out, as summer offers the best surfing conditions.
  • Bring your dog before 9 AM or after 6 PM (April-Oct) or 4 PM (Nov-March) to enjoy the beach together.
  • Explore the tide pools to the north of the beach at the Linda Way Beach Access.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of La Jolla Boulevard and Tourmaline Street, walk west on Tourmaline Street for approximately 1000 feet. The beach access and parking lot will be at the end of the street. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    The Route 30 bus has a stop at La Jolla Blvd & Tourmaline St. From there, walk west on Tourmaline Street to the beach. A single ride on San Diego's public transportation costs $2.50 [citation needed].

  • Ride Share

    From anywhere in Pacific Beach, a ride-sharing service to Tourmaline Beach will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on demand and distance. The drop-off point is the parking lot at the end of Tourmaline Street.

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Discover more about Tourmaline Beach

Tourmaline Beach, officially named Tourmaline Surfing Park, is a renowned surfing destination located at the northern end of Pacific Beach in San Diego. Situated where Tourmaline Street meets the ocean, it marks the transition from the sandy shores of Pacific Beach to the rocky promontory of La Jolla. This beach is particularly famous for its welcoming waves, making it an ideal spot for novice surfers, longboarders, windsurfers, and kiteboarders. Established in 1963, Tourmaline Surfing Park holds the distinction of being the first surf park in the United States. However, surfing has been a part of this beach's culture since the 1930s. In the 1960s, the city of San Diego designated Tourmaline as a surfing-only beach in response to complaints from oceanfront property owners about surfers. This decision inadvertently fostered a thriving surf culture at Tourmaline, which continues to this day. Tourmaline Beach features a large parking lot adjacent to the beach, complete with public restrooms and showers. While swimming is restricted in most areas, the beach is perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and watching surfers. The park also includes a memorial dedicated to surfers who have enjoyed Tourmaline's waves over the years, with the motto: "Surf Well, Spread Aloha, Share Waves Without Judgment". Geologically, the beach sits at the base of 75-foot cliffs shaped by the sea. To the north, visitors can explore tide pools at the Linda Way Beach Access, while a walk south leads to the Crystal Pier at Pacific Beach.

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