Upper Trestles, or Uppers, is a legendary right-hand point break nestled in the northern end of the Trestles zone. Known for its long, rippable walls and lower crowd pressure than its neighbor Lowers, Uppers is a go-to for surfers looking for performance waves without the full circus. With its scenic setting and world-class potential on the right swell, Uppers is a Southern California staple.
🏄 The Break
Uppers is a cobblestone reef break that favors long, fast rights with room for turns and flow. It can also produce fun lefts when combo swells are in play. While not quite as mechanical as Lowers, it’s more than capable of delivering high-performance waves.
- Wave Type: Point-style cobblestone reef
- Bottom: Cobblestone and sand
- Wave Shape: Long, speedy rights with occasional workable lefts
- Best for: Shortboards, mid-lengths, experienced longboarders
- Notes: Multiple takeoff zones—waves can reform or connect across sections
📅 Season and Conditions
- Season: Best in late spring through fall, with south and southwest swells delivering the most consistent surf. Winter NW swells can still produce good sessions, especially when mixed with combo energy.
- Tide: Medium tide rising is ideal—too low gets shallow, too high can soften it
- Wind: Offshore mornings are best; wind typically switches onshore by midday
- Swell Direction: Best on SW and combo swells; NW energy can help fill in the lefts and add size
🤙 Crowd Dynamics
Uppers is generally less crowded than Lowers, but still attracts a regular crew of skilled surfers. The wave offers multiple takeoff points, which helps spread the pack a bit.
- Local-heavy but not overly aggressive
- Intermediate to advanced surfers dominate the lineup
- Less grom-heavy than Lowers
- Can get busy on weekends or good swell windows, but plenty of room on most days
🥾 Access Notes
- Access via the Trestles Trail—park off Cristianitos Road and walk or bike in
- Uppers is the first break you’ll hit on the trail—just north of the Lowers zone
- No parking right at the beach—expect a 10–15 minute walk
📍 Summary
Uppers is a clean, dependable right-hand point break with long, carveable walls and a little more breathing room than Lowers. It’s a favorite among locals and traveling surfers who want quality without the pressure-cooker lineup. With the right swell, it can offer some of the longest and most rewarding rides in all of Southern California.