Staircase Beach

Staircase Beach breaks over a sandy bottom with both left and right peeling waves that favor southwest and west-southwest groundswells. The break works best when northeast wind keeps the faces clean, and mid tide produces the most workable shape. Conditions are relatively mellow, particularly during southwest summer swells, making it accessible to both beginners and intermediate surfers depending on swell size. Winter swells, especially in January, bring the most consistent rideable conditions. The primary hazard is the rocky terrain scattered across the beach, particularly near the water line, which can make entry and exit challenging especially at lower tides.

Staircase Beach sits at the northern edge of Leo Carrillo State Beach. Access requires parking at the manager's residence lot at 40000 Pacific Coast Highway and descending a zigzagging dirt trail down the bluff—despite the name, there is no actual staircase. The beach narrows significantly at this location compared to the main Leo Carrillo sections, and rocks dominate much of the shoreline. A small sandy patch exists about 200 yards south along the shore where you can rest without a packed sandy beach. No facilities exist at this spot, and the narrowness means high tide can restrict beach access.