California • Orange CountyBuoy: 46223

Salt Creek

Good

Wave Height

2-4

ft

Swell

~15s

SSW

Wind

7mph

Sideshore (SSE)

Water

77°

Boardshorts

Falling• Low in 6h 3m

Updated: 8/28/2026, 5:39:25 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

Today
L11:29am0.1ft
H5:43pm5.1ft
L11:31pm1.1ft
Tomorrow
H5:34am5.4ft
L11:52am0.4ft
H6:09pm5.3ft
Mon, Aug 31
L12:13am1.0ft
H6:14am4.9ft
L12:16pm0.9ft
H6:38pm5.4ft
Tue, Sep 1
L1:02am1.0ft

Recent History

No recent history available

About Salt Creek

Salt Creek in Dana Point is a powerful, consistent point break that produces some of Orange County's best surf. The main peak breaks off the rocky point, offering fast, hollow rights and shorter lefts. Inside, the wave mellows out over sand, making the inside section more forgiving. The Ritz-Carlton overlooks the break, giving it a somewhat upscale setting. The spot handles size well and can produce excellent surf in the 4-8 foot range on solid south or west swells.

FAQ

What is the water temperature at Salt Creek?

The current water temperature at Salt Creek is 77°F. Boardshorts or a rashguard should be comfortable.

What is the surf like at Salt Creek today?

Salt Creek currently has waves around 2-4ft. Conditions change throughout the day, so check back for updated forecasts.

What time is high tide at Salt Creek?

Today's high tide at Salt Creek is at 12:58 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What time is low tide at Salt Creek?

Today's low tide at Salt Creek is at 7:29 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What are the best conditions for surfing Salt Creek?

Salt Creek works best with swells from the S, SW, W, SSW and E, NE, N winds (offshore). The ideal tide is low to mid.

Is Salt Creek good for beginners?

Salt Creek is best suited for intermediate surfers who are comfortable paddling out and catching unbroken waves. Beginners may find it challenging on bigger days.

This Week's Outlook

Monday morning looks cleanest with 3-foot waves, 11-second periods, and light southwest wind that'll actually help shape things up. If that doesn't work, Tuesday AM is your backup with similar conditions but even lighter wind at just 1 knot.

Updated 8/28/2026, 6:22:12 PM

Spot Info

Break TypePoint Break
BottomRock and Sand
Skill LevelIntermediate to Advanced
CrowdHeavy
Best TideLow to Mid
Best SwellS, SW, W, SSW
Best WindE, NE, N
ParkingDay-use parking lot ($1/hour)

Local Tip

The main peak is localized—work the inside sections when it's crowded. Solid on south swells.