Best Surf Beaches Near Cerritos – A Local's Guide to Baja's Pacific Coast
Cerritos Beach has earned its reputation as one of Baja California Sur's most accessible and consistent surf spots. But if you're spending time in the Pescadero-Todos Santos area, you'll quickly discover that Cerritos is just the beginning. This stretch of Pacific coastline hides a handful of world-class breaks, from mellow beginner waves to expert-only point breaks that fire on the right swell.
Whether you're a first-timer looking for gentle rollers or a seasoned surfer chasing barrels, here's your guide to the best surf beaches near Cerritos.
Cerritos Beach – The Main Event
Best For: Beginners, intermediates, families
Wave Type: Beach break, sand bottom
Vibe: Social, welcoming, surf school central
Cerritos is the star for good reason. The beach offers consistent, forgiving waves that break over a sandy bottom—ideal for learning or progressing your skills. The lineup is rarely aggressive, surf schools operate daily, and the beach has a genuinely friendly atmosphere. You'll find gear rentals, lessons from experienced instructors, and beachfront restaurants where you can refuel post-session.
The waves typically range from knee-high to overhead depending on swell direction. South swells in summer bring bigger, more powerful waves, while winter offers smaller, more consistent conditions. Even on flat days, Cerritos remains swimmable—a rarity on Baja's Pacific side.
Insider Tip: Early morning sessions are less crowded and glassier. By midday, the wind picks up and the beach fills with surfers and families.
Playa San Pedrito – The Step Up
Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers
Wave Type: Beach and reef break
Vibe: Quieter, more serious lineup
Just 10 minutes north of Cerritos, San Pedrito offers a more challenging surf experience. The beach has multiple peaks, rocky points, and reef sections that produce faster, hollower waves. When conditions align, this spot can deliver some of the best barrels in the area.
San Pedrito requires more skill and ocean awareness. The paddle-out is longer, the waves have more punch, and the rocky bottom demands respect. But for intermediate and advanced surfers, it's a worthy upgrade from Cerritos' mellower vibes. You'll also find fewer crowds—this is where locals go when they want space.
Insider Tip: Check the tide. Low tide exposes rocks and makes entry/exit tricky. Mid to high tide is ideal.
La Pastora – The Hidden Gem
Best For: Experienced surfers only
Wave Type: Reef break, left and right
Vibe: Remote, raw, occasionally epic
La Pastora is not for everyone. Located south of Cerritos near the small village of La Pastora, this reef break requires solid surf skills, local knowledge, and a willingness to navigate rocky entry points. When it's on, though, it delivers powerful, fast waves that can rival anything on the coast.
Access can be tricky, and there are no facilities—bring water, wax, and respect for the local crew who surf here regularly. This is a wave you work up to, not a beginner-friendly detour.
Insider Tip: Ask locals before paddling out. La Pastora has a tight-knit crew, and showing respect goes a long way.
Los Cerritos (South Beach) – The Longboard Paradise
Best For: Longboarders, cruisers
Wave Type: Mellow beach break
Vibe: Relaxed, old-school soul surfer energy
Just south of the main Cerritos Beach break, you'll find a mellower section known as South Beach or Los Cerritos. This area offers softer, slower waves perfect for longboarding, logging, and those seeking a more meditative surf session. The vibe here is distinctly old-school—less hustle, more flow.
It's also a great option if the main Cerritos peak is crowded. South Beach rarely sees the same traffic, and you can often find uncrowded peaks all to yourself.
Insider Tip: Bring a longboard. This wave rewards smooth, stylish surfing over aggressive maneuvers.
Playa Migriño – The Desert Secret
Best For: Advanced surfers, adventurers
Wave Type: Beach and reef break
Vibe: Remote, windswept, dramatic
Migriño sits further south, closer to Cabo, and feels worlds away from Cerritos. This beach offers powerful waves, dramatic desert scenery, and a sense of wild isolation. The surf here is more inconsistent but can produce incredible sessions when conditions align.
It's a longer drive (about 30 minutes from Cerritos), and the beach has minimal infrastructure. Think of Migriño as a day-trip destination when you're craving adventure and willing to trade convenience for solitude.
Insider Tip: Check swell forecasts before making the drive. Migriño needs a solid swell to light up.
Surf Tips for the Cerritos Area
Rent Locally: Cerritos Surf Shop and Costa Azul have quality boards and knowledgeable staff.
Respect Locals: Pescadero and Todos Santos have tight-knit surf communities. Be friendly, don't drop in, and wait your turn.
Check Conditions: Use Surfline or Magicseaweed to monitor swell direction and size.
Bring Reef Booties: Some breaks have rocky entries or reef sections.
Stay Hydrated: Baja sun is intense. Bring water and sunscreen.
Know Your Limits: Start at Cerritos. Work up to San Pedrito and Punta Lobos. Leave La Pastora for when you're confident.
Find Your Wave
The beauty of the Cerritos area is variety. You can surf gentle beach breaks at dawn, challenge yourself at reef breaks by midday, and still have time for fish tacos and sunset by evening. Whether you're here for a week or a season, this coastline rewards curiosity, respect, and a willingness to explore beyond the obvious.
Staying near Cerritos? Casa Soluna in Pescadero is just [ADD: minutes] from the beach—your perfect surf-centric home base. Check availability and start planning your Baja surf trip.
