Iconic Crystal Pier is a wooden public pier and hotel at the west end of Garnet Avenue in the heart of Pacific Beach. The pier can be a great surf spot on swells from the northwest, west, or southwest. Surfing is limited to the north side, though the south side can get good for the adventuresome types who are willing to do dawn patrol sessions before the lifeguards arrive to ruin the fun.

The best conditions occur at mid tides, though any tide can work when the conditions are right. The paddle out next to the pier can be easy on smaller days, otherwise just wait for a break between sets and go for it. A good left that starts right under the pier can take you two blocks away to the foot of Emerald Street, and there are often rights that break toward the pier from several hundred yards further north - just be careful if you're logging without a leash; the pier's pilings have consumed many a board that was lost in the soup.

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