Beacons

Beacons breaks over a flat rock reef interspersed with sand and sea grass, producing both a right-hand reef break and a beach break with lefts and rights. The spot works best when west or southwest swells combine with east or northeast offshore winds, typically at mid-tide though it remains surfable across the tidal range. Small swells yield soft, forgiving conditions for beginners, while larger swells push the action further offshore and shape the wave into something more solid for intermediate and advanced surfers. Winter months, particularly January, deliver the most consistent groundswell and favorable wind patterns throughout the season.

The main hazards are rocks scattered throughout the reef and a sharp shore break on the northern end. Access down to the beach is via a steep, narrow switchback trail through three switchbacks that limits crowd buildup. Parking is free but limited to roughly twenty spaces in a small lot on Neptune Avenue between Jasper Street and Leucadia Boulevard, several blocks inland from Highway 101.