What Makes the Boneyards the Best
Surfing at Boneyards
Boneyards is also a great place to catch some waves. Surfers of all abilities can enjoy the surfing conditions at this beach. The surf break is on a rocky reef under the water and the bottom of the ocean floor is sandy rock.
Waves coming from the left are easier to manage on the board. Waves from the right tend to be steep and challenging and short rides. Swells here start at less than a knee high and can get as big as double head at their top height.
Watch the Tides
As the access is via D Street or Swami's and a 5 to 15 minute or so walk make sure the tide is not high or rising to a high tide while you are visiting Boneyards.
Surfing here can be different, depending on the season. Summer days on the waves give surfers smaller swells and gentler conditions. The most challenging surfing here is during the winter months where the waves can get very large. The surf at Boneyards is typically bigger than neighboring Swami’s.
There is a good lookout at the end of K Street where you can see Boneyards and Swami’s, note that there is no beach access at this lookout.
Nude Beach
For visitors looking for some privacy and a different beach experience in the buff, Boneyards is the place to be. Here, beachgoers can enjoy the water and the sun without the hassle of clothing. There are only two nude beaches in San Diego, this being one and the other Black’s Beach which interestingly also has very good surf.
Both Boneyard’s and Black’s Beach are not officially nude but it is tolerated at both.