Coordinates 35.923667 -121.472833

Sand Dollar Beach is a surf spot located in Central Coast, California. The spot provides both left and right waves. It’s situated within the Los Padres National Forest and is one of the longest publicly accessible beaches on the Big Sur coast, stretching about 0.5 miles. The beach features a sandy bottom and works best during medium and high tides. It’s known for its very consistent waves, making it a popular spot for intermediate surfers. The waves at Sand Dollar Beach are typically less than 50 meters in length. Despite its popularity, the spot is often uncrowded, providing ample space for surfers. However, it’s important to be aware of potential hazards such as rips and undertow. There’s also a possibility of shark presence in the area. Surfers should be prepared for a steep climb up and down a 50-foot dune to access the beach. When surfing here, always check the surf forecast and report to ensure conditions match your skill level. If the spot gets crowded, remember to respect the locals and follow proper surf etiquette. Sand Dollar Beach is accessible via a trail and stairway from a parking lot that includes restrooms. A parking fee is required as the area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The beach is known for its jade and serpentine mineral deposits in the nearby cliffs. While its name might suggest otherwise, sand dollars are not commonly found here. The south end of the beach typically offers the best-shaped waves, especially during mid-tide conditions. Nearby surf spots include Fullers, San Simeon Point, Boners, Ponytails, and Moonstone. Sand Dollar Beach is located about 38.5 miles north of Cambria and 25 miles south of Big Sur Village on Highway 1. Always check a surf map and, if available, a webcam before your visit to get the most up-to-date information on conditions at this Central Coast surf spot. Check out the good surf at Sand Dollar Beach in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.

Best tide at Sand Dollar Beach

Medium, High (best tide movement: Rising tide)

Check the full tide table

Tides have a significant impact on wave quality at certain surf spots like Sand Dollar Beach, causing conditions to vary throughout the tidal cycle. As the tide moves between high and low, the water depth over the seabed changes, affecting how the waves break. At these spots, high tide usually produce softer, slower waves, while low tide can generate faster, steeper waves. Some spots have specific tide stages when they work best, offering optimal conditions only at certain times of the day.

Near spots

There are 23 surf spots within a range of 100 km from Sand Dollar Beach. Use this section to find alternative spots that may be less crowded, better suited for your surfing skills, or offer a better forecast report for the next 7 days. Each spot includes detailed surf reports, forecast updates, and webcam views to help you plan. Whether you're seeking less crowded alternatives or simply exploring a region, the list of nearby surf spots is an essential tool.

See all 23 surf spots