Southern California has a distinct mix of northwest, west and south-swell exposure. This page limits comparisons to a useful coastal window instead of mixing the full California coastline. San Diego is included here as part of Southern California and also has a narrower page for focused local comparison.
Read exposure before height
Start with a recent physical buoy, then compare period and direction with the orientation of the coast.
Headlands, islands and curved bays create shadow zones; a strong offshore reading does not guarantee the same size at every beach.
Available coverage
20 recent observations0 model points2 reference stations
Latest regional observation:
Anacapa PassageReference without a recent reading · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 34.17000, -119.43000 · History not captured yetCapistrano Beach Nearshore, CA (284)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 33.44500, -117.68000 · History not captured yetDel Mar Nearshore, CA (153)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 32.95700, -117.27900 · History not captured yetGoleta PointReference without a recent reading · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 34.33000, -119.80000 · History not captured yetGreen Beach Offshore, CA (271)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 33.33600, -117.65900 · History not captured yetHarvest, CA (071)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 34.45200, -120.78000 · History not captured yetLeucadia Nearshore, CA (262)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 33.06200, -117.31400 · History not captured yetLong Beach Channel, CA (215)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 33.70000, -118.20100 · History not captured yetMission Bay West, CA (220)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 32.74900, -117.50200 · History not captured yetNOAA LJPC1Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 32.86700, -117.25700 · History not captured yetOceanside Offshore, CA (045)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 33.17800, -117.47200 · History not captured yetPoint Loma South, CA (191)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 32.51700, -117.42500 · History not captured yetRed Beach Nearshore, CA (264)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 33.29100, -117.50100 · History not captured yetSan Nicolas Island, CA (067)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 33.22600, -119.89100 · History not captured yetSan Pedro South, CA (213)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 33.57600, -118.18200 · History not captured yetSan Pedro, CA (092)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 33.61400, -118.31400 · History not captured yetSanta Cruz Basin, CA (203)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 33.76900, -119.56500 · History not captured yetSanta Monica Basin - 33NM WSW of Santa Monica, CAObservation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 33.76500, -119.07700 · 24-hour history enabledSanta Monica Bay, CA (028)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 33.86000, -118.64100 · History not captured yetSCRIPPS Nearshore, CA (201)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 32.86800, -117.26700 · History not captured yetTopanga Nearshore, CA (103)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 34.02200, -118.57800 · History not captured yetTorrey Pines Outer, CA (100)Observation · Source: NOAA/NDBC · 32.93300, -117.39100 · History not captured yet
History is enabled gradually when reusable, correctly identified observations are available. Models and references without a stored series keep their own page, but do not show historical charts.
Buoy and history FAQs
What buoy information is available for Southern California surf buoys?
The published catalog includes 22 physical or reference stations and 0 model points for this region. Each source identifies its provider, location, data type and history status so observations are not mixed with estimates.
Why do some buoys have no historical charts?
Charts appear only when SwellOracle has a stored series of reusable, correctly identified observations. A station can keep its information page even when there is not yet a sufficient series for a chart.
What is the difference between a physical buoy and a marine model?
A physical buoy or station represents instrument measurements. A marine model estimates conditions at a grid point. Use observations as local confirmation and models as spatial context rather than treating them as equivalent sources.
How should swell height, period and direction be interpreted?
Read all three variables together: height describes the size of the signal, period helps explain its energy and direction shows where it comes from. Coastline shape, depth and local exposure can change what reaches the beach.