Two Hundred and Four (San Clemente)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Two Hundred and Four (204s) is a peaky, exposed beach break best suited to surf sessions that are timed around mid tide. Conditions are typically most favorable in summer, when the spot is known for fairly consistent surf and a mix of rideable lefts and rights. Wave quality is generally described as average, with rides typically short to medium. The spot can work across swell directions, and it’s reported to peak best with southwest to west-northwest swell, producing peeling waves that are more predictable when winds stay light and appropriately offshore. On larger sets, the break may close out, though it can hold up better than some other nearby beach breaks. Safety is a key consideration: the shoreline can involve submerged rocks, and rip currents are an issue, particularly during larger swells. Access also depends on a designated railroad crossing—using it properly is part of staying safe around this launch area. Local guidance emphasizes parking around the North Beach area and walking south to the spot. For timing, mid tide is consistently recommended; low tide can feel closey, while high tide may get fat and reduce the quality of the peaks.
- Exposed peaky beach break
- Best at mid tide
- Summer is the most consistent season
- Fairly consistent beach-break surf, especially in summer
- Peaky wave shape can produce rideable lefts and rights
- Straightforward access from the North Beach area using a designated crossing
- Exposed conditions mean waves can get messy or close out when the swell is too large
- Occasional rip currents, especially during larger swells
- Railroad crossing creates a specific access constraint
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, NNE
- Offshore directions
- E, NNE
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Mediterranean-style thermal sea-breeze influence; spot wind can vary from clean to blown and can be lighter in off-peak conditions.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gusts reported by the spot guide; overall gustiness not described as extreme.
- Best Months
- July
- Thermal Window
- Other · Afternoon · +15–25 kts · Dir: W, WNW, NW · Regional pattern: breeze typically builds late morning into afternoon and persists toward late afternoon; best conditions generally align with mid-tide sessions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small to medium surf reported across sources.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop conditions reported; can affect grooming and ride quality depending on wind.
- Launch
- Small — Sandy beach access via designated railroad crossing from nearby parking areas.
Through the year
Can be crowded on weekends and during good summer swells; sometimes crowded overall.
December through March (primary rainy season; often accompanied by strong winter storms)
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed beach break with fairly consistent surf, often peaky. Works best in summer; can show average wave quality and may include peaky sections that are sensitive to tide.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, WNW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is best; low tide can feel closey and high tide can get fat.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach setting.
- Wind Effect
- Works best with light offshore winds from the East or Northeast.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out on very large swells, but holds up better than some nearby beach breaks.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Average wave quality reported; generally more consistent in summer.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Short to medium length rides depending on the peak and swell direction.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Short to medium length rides depending on the peak and swell direction.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Two Hundred and Four (San Clemente) in the full forecast view.
Two Hundred and Four (San Clemente) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–8 ktsGusts 14 kts
- Direction
- WSW246°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 268 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.2 m11s period
- Temperature
- 14–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Two Hundred and Four (San Clemente) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.7–1.2 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Submerged rocks
- Rip currents
- Railroad traffic
- Crowds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence reported; rescue availability is limited.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services can be reached via 911; nearest lifeguards are typically stationed at North Beach or San Clemente Pier.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies. Use the designated railroad crossings only.
- No surfing in swim-only designated zones if applicable during summer months
- Park at North Beach and walk south towards the spot.
- Best at mid-tide; low tide can get closey and high tide can get fat and close out at dead low tide.
- Use designated railroad crossings only.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- San Clemente
- Nearest Town
- San Clemente
- Parking
- Paid parking is available at the North Beach Metrolink station lot or along El Camino Real.
- Public Transport
- Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service the area (station at/near the pier); local bus service by OCTA
- Access
- Access is via the North Beach area in San Clemente; pedestrians must use the designated railroad crossing to reach the sand.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various hotels and vacation rentals are available in San Clemente and Dana Point.
- Food & Drink
- Several cafes and restaurants are located at North Beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf shops are available in nearby San Clemente.
- Gear Storage
- Limited public gear storage; storage is typically via private club memberships or on-site for registered guests at coastal campgrounds.
- Gear Repair
- Local surf shops in San Clemente offer board repair services.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Two Hundred and Four (San Clemente)?
The best overall months at Two Hundred and Four (San Clemente) are July.
Which wind directions work at Two Hundred and Four (San Clemente)?
Two Hundred and Four (San Clemente) works with E, NNE winds. Offshore directions are E, NNE.
What skill level is Two Hundred and Four (San Clemente) suitable for?
Two Hundred and Four (San Clemente) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.