Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
Yes
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
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Named after Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Swami’s is a world-renounced surf spot. Swami was the founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship, which maintains a temple overlooking this reef point. The beach extends south to San Elijo State Beach, but Swami’s usually refers to the point break nearest the cliff-top park. Access to the beach is through this small park that offers plumbed restrooms, potable water, benches with ocean views, picnic tables, bicycle racks, and a small off-street parking lot. Access to the beach is via a long set of stairs.

Because of its fame and great winter swells, Swami’s can be quite crowded when conditions are good. The off-season is considerably less crowded (on some days you may only encounter a handful of surfers), but the beach is still worth a stop.

Swami’s falls within the Swami’s State Marine Conservation Area, a 12.65-square-mile area that is rich with kelp forest, surf grass, California spiny lobsters, halibut, and other marine species.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Legendary surf spot.

Cons

Crowds. Limited parking.

Features

Picnic tables
Surfing
Wildlife
Wildlife

Location

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