Southern Cal Winter camp/surf suggestions

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seabright	Southern Cal Winter camp/surf suggestions	Lead	[-]
Posts: 1 (12/03/08 17:13:04) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Tags : san, surf, camping, onofre, camp I'm a so cal native but have been up in Santa Cruz for the past 14 years, so I'm in need of some suggestions. We'll be leaving sc during our prime swell window to visit family in oc during early January. I thought that maybe we'd turn it into a surf camp trip since I'm down there. We did baja a couple of years ago but are not that ambitious this time. So we're thinking of San Mateo campground for a little San O for a few nights. But I'm not sure how the surf is down there in the winter ie- is it worth the camping hassle?. I'm open to San diego county as well. But we could always jam back up home for a little midweek vaction January surf too. What do you guys recommend? ThanksQ
jlduck		#1	[-]
Posts: 208 (12/03/08 17:54:13) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I camp & surf San Mateo and San Onofre all the time, and a few times I've gone in January. Its fine. San Mateo is a short drive from San O, and your camping pass gets you into the beach. It's also a short drive & a long walk to Trestles, and its a short drive to Doheny. The camping is family style car camping and the sites are nice, especially if you can score one that backs up to the creek bed. The waves in the winter down there are, well, like anywhere in California in the winter. Except maybe...Maverick's...
seabright		#2	[-]
Posts: 2 (12/06/08 07:53:35) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Thanks for the quick response. Any other ideas about Southern cal surf/camp options in January... or typical surf at San O in the winter? Thanks, David
kai54		#3	[-]
Posts: 34 (12/06/08 09:06:12) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	San Elijo SB? I don't if you can camp there in the winter but it may worth a check. From that "base camp" one could potentially hit spots to the north in Carlsbad (i.e., Tamarack, etc.) or to the south like Cardiff Reef or Swami's (both can get really good during the winter - though the locals at Swami's can be pretty protective during a big swell...). Bit of a drive to San-o though. Have a blessed Christmas wherever you go!
seabright		#4	[-]
Posts: 3 (12/14/08 08:18:49) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	After a little research, we're thinking of San Elijo. Does anyone have any thoughts on this campground? (Places to eat, best campsites, overall conditions of facilities, etc.) Thanks!
Thumper	San Elijo	#5	[-]
Posts: 131 (12/14/08 09:15:08) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	San Elijo is a great choice. Not exactly camping under the giant redwoods in the middle of nowhere, but you're sitting right on top of some great surf spots. Pipes, Cardiff Reef, Solana, Swami's all are within a mile or two. Walk down the stairs from your camp spot to Pipes and you'll be set. Tons of restaurants within walking distance from breakfast spots to very high end dinner places. Sounds like a great time. Good luck.
mhc1954		#6	[-]
Posts: 79 (12/14/08 13:57:33) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Keep an eye on your stuff. I've read several times that theft is more common at San Elijo than other campgrounds.
kai54		#7	[-]
Posts: 35 (12/14/08 15:28:31) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Like I mentioned earlier, San Elijo could be a good base camp location to explore other spots (seems like Thumper agrees)... "Chart House" - within walking distance. $$$ somewhat pricey though. There was a Mexican spot I used to hit along the PCH - "Juanita's" (?) I think. Solana Beach area. Fish House Veracruz on Carlsbad Village Drive, C.P.K. in Solana Beach.
seabright		#8	[-]
Posts: 4 (12/14/08 17:03:16) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	One last question or two... what are morning/mid-week crowds/vibes like at Pipes and Cardiff? Any other longboard spots in close proximity worth checking? I'll be surfing with my 13 year old daughter. She can surf pretty good, but she's no ripper. She has grown up surfing in Santa Cruz and knows etiquette and how to handle herself in the water. Though I know some spots aren't so friendly to youngans Last Edited By: seabright 12/14/08 17:08:20. Edited 1 times.
Thumper		#9	[-]
Posts: 132 (12/14/08 17:18:45) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Walk down the stairs to Pipes. Lots of space. Good people. No teratorials for the most part. Juanitas is great for burritos. Pipes Cafe across the street is great for breakfast.
shoot802		#10	[-]
Posts: 4 (12/14/08 22:42:06) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Cardiff is very female friendly. Lots of girls (young and old) hit it there on a daily basis. Anywhere in front of San Elijo can be good. Tippers (Just north of Cardiff/suck-outs) is often a fun alternative to Cardiff. If you are not cooking for yourself in the campgrounds, make a trip across the tracks to VGs Bakery. The best in the world. Juanitas is a must for a couple of meals. Everything there is good. Check the La Paloma for interesting flicks....Maybe a surf movie if you are lucky. If you want another option head SOUTH to Torrey Pines and try the north end. There is a lot on the east side of the highway. Park and walk in. Saves the drive to San O and is something different.
seabright		#11	[-]
Posts: 5 (12/15/08 17:45:20) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Thanks for all of the tips.... keep 'em coming if you've got any more! I'll give you a trip report upon return.
kai54		#12	[-]
Posts: 36 (12/16/08 22:00:26) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hey seabright - an alternate activity after a good session could be the California Surf Museum located in Oceanside. 223 N. Coast Highway Oceanside, CA 92054 (760) 721-6876

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Southern Cal Winter camp/surf suggestions

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