New Break (Nubes)

New Break / Nubes is a coveted reef break with spectacular right-handers. Visit this Sunset Cliffs break during the week and at low tide for the best experience.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Why you'll love this beach
Why you'll love this beach
Surf's Up at One of Point Loma's Most Consistent Surf Breaks
New Break (Nubes)
Overview
Things to Do
Bundle & Save
Popular Activities
Get There & Parking
Featured Activity
Know Before You Go
Stay Nearby
Similar Beaches

Highlights

Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking
Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking

Overview

Longboarder Carving a Wave at Nubes at Sunset CliffsTrail to Nubes Surf Break

New Break, or Nubes, is one of the best surf breaks of Point Loma. This reef break is beautiful, consistent and not especially dependent on wind direction. Swells wrap around a submerged point, almost creating a point break. This leads to a variety of long and fast right-handers.

In addition to great surfing conditions, the backdrop at New Break is incredible. The warm California sun and blue skies float overhead, the Pacific Ocean is behind you and there's a sheltered cove ahead. The right-facing waves from Nubes sometimes collide with lefts from the Chasms break on the opposite side of the cove, giving you extra opportunities for fun.

There’s not much in the way of the beach at New Break, except when the tide is near its lowest point. During high tides, the entire spot tends to stay submerged. This can give you awesome photos as waves crash into cliff faces and send spray high into the air.

Things to Do

Running
Running
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Swimming
Swimming

Everything You Need to Know About New Break

The close proximity of Nubes to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park makes for a great afternoon trip. You can surf for hours, go for a hike, enjoy some breathtaking vistas and catch a gorgeous sunset, all in the same day. By the time you get back to your hotel at night, you’re tired but happy.

Scenery at Nubes

The scenery at Nubes is amazing, too. Towering bluffs and jagged sandstone rock formations emerge strikingly from swirling ocean waters. Waves splash against the reef, cliffs and rocky beach.

Local Tips
Check the Surf Report
New Break is a popular surf spot, and the size and quality of the waves can vary depending on the conditions. Be sure to check the surf report before you go to make sure the waves are suitable for your skill level.

Depending on the weather and sunlight, New Break’s bluffs create long shadows for incredible photo opportunities.

Waves at Nubes

With the correct surfing conditions, Nubes provides a solid lineup of right-handers. Look for swells of at least three to five feet, and preferably ones of 10 to 12 feet. The cliff formation in this area means you need to go when the tide is falling, close to its lowest point. Nubes is best for experienced surfers since the irresistible pockets break above a rocky bottom with coral. This can get dangerous quickly if you have a wipeout.

Bundle and SAVE!

USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Explore the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum with your All-Inclusive Go City pass! Check out the hangar deck and flight deck, plus over 60 exhibits, displays and interactive experiences. Enjoy an authentic tour narrated by Midway sailors!
Buy Now
Local Tips
What attractions are included with a Go City San Diego pass?

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, SeaWorld, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, PETCO Park Tour, iFLY San Diego and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

How to Get There & Parking

Free Parking
Free Parking
Lot Parking
Lot Parking

Driving to New Break / Nubes

Nubes is just south of Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. It’s in Point Loma and on the way to Cabrillo National Monument. You need to park on the Point Loma Nazarene College campus, so make sure to put that destination in your GPS if you’re using a navigation app.

If you’re traveling on I-5, look for exit 20 on I-8 going west. From there, turn left onto Sunset Cliff Blvd. After a mile, you’ll see Narragansett Ave. Turn left and go six blocks to Catalina Blvd. Follow Catalina Blvd south approximately 1.5 miles and turn right when you see Lomaland Drive and Point Loma Nazarene University.

Parking & Getting to Nubes Surf Break

Reaching New Break Beach doesn’t take long from the campus’s main parking lot, but there are many twists and turns, so you’re in for an energetic adventure. From the main parking lot, walk downhill to a second parking lot and look for the trail leading to the edge of the nearby bluff. This path takes you to the southern edge of Garbage Beach.

Depending on the tide, you can either walk south from Garbage Beach or look for a closer access point to Nubes. From the top of the path, you can walk along Lomaland Drive until you come to a gate on your right-hand side. This takes you to a small parking lot near Young Hall. No parking is allowed here, but New Break Beach is directly below the lot.

Always be careful when descending to the beach. The access points are steep and the sandstone rock can be unstable. If you see other surfers or college students, it’s a great idea to ask for the safest path down. Sometimes this means using a knotted rope and other times you just need to climb down slowly.

Featured Activity

San Diego Harbor Cruise on San Diego Bay at Sunset
San Diego Harbor Cruise
Enjoy this ‘San Diego Top Pick Award’ winner as you set sail on a three level luxury ship providing 360-degree views of San Diego’s scenic beauty. Relax for a 1-2 hour narrated tour, learn about the city from the bay.
Buy Now

Know Before You Go & Tips

No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Camping
No Camping
No Glass Containers
No Glass Containers
No Motorized Vehicles
No Motorized Vehicles
No Smoking
No Smoking
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Shade
Shade

Tips for Nubes

Be Respectful

Point Loma’s breaks, including Garbage Beach and New Break Beach, have been carefully guarded secrets for a long time. This means that locals can sometimes feel protective of “their” favorite surf spots. It’s important to be respectful of other surfers and follow proper surf etiquette, such as avoiding dropping in or snaking when someone else is catching a wave.

Go During the Week

The weekend sees a lot of surfers, which can lead to extra friction when it comes to reaching the lineup. Point Loma Nazarene College is home to many students who take courses and love to surf, and weekends are when most are able to hit the waves. If possible, visit New Break during the week for more privacy.

Be Chill & Have Fun

Don’t let the protective reputation of areas such as Nubes scare you off from going. As long as you’re respectful, laid-back and experienced at surfing, you can have a great time and maybe even make some friends for life. Many SoCal surfers are friendly and helpful, even offering recommendations for other great surf spots.

New Break (Nubes)
is Known For:
Surfing
Surfing
Know This:
Tide Pools
Tide Pools
This Month's Forecast
56°F / 73°F
Sunny in November
Dec
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January
Feb
53°F / 68°F
Sunny in February

Stay Nearby

The Inn at Sunset Cliffs
Beachfront
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
The Inn at Sunset Cliffs
from $175 / night
View Hotel
Show more San Diego Hotels >>