’28 Summer Olympics with San Diego Flair

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: April 20, 2025

Courtesy, Scholastic Surf Series

2028 SUMMER OLYMPICS

East County Sports.com

CAMP PENDLETON – During the 1984 Summer Olympics, officials spread many events throughout Southern California, with most equestrian events held in San Diego’s North County region.

The Summer Games will return to Los Angles for a third time, slated to open July 14, 2028, with San Diego to again add a local flavor by playing host to several events, featuring one located at an illustrious, popular beach.

LA28, the committee operating the Games, announced the Olympic surfing competition will be held at Trestles Beach, located between San Clemente and the former San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant, along side of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

A press release from LA28 officials stated, “Trestles, part of San Onofre State Beach, has long been revered for its consistent, high-quality waves that attract beginners and pro surfers alike.”

“Now this beloved set of beaches in San Diego County that attracts 2.5 million visitors a year will bring together the planet’s best surfers to compete on the world’s biggest stage for Olympic gold. This recognition is due in part to the beach’s elite status among professional surfers and for its reputation as a momentous location in sparking the West Coast surfing movement.”

Other media outlets also quoted Gov. Gavin Newsom added about the decision.

“California’s natural beauty is world-renowned, and with LA28 it will take center stage for the sport the Golden State is best known for – surfing. We’re looking forward to welcoming the world to explore and bask in all that makes our state a global leader.”

Choices for 2024 equestrian events are still underway.

In 1984, equestrian events — such as dressage, show jumping and eventing — were held at Fairnaks Ranch Country Club, plus in L.A. COunty at Santa Anita Race Course.

Chevrolet-Del Mar Arena, located on the San Diego County Fairgrounds,and, was an over-flow site for horses.

Over the past two Games, surfing was an introductory (i.e., discretionary) sport, but will be an official sport for the first tine at LA28.

The sport in governed by the International Surfing Association (ISA). the discipline of shortboard surfing, which is the sole event in the sport at the Olympics

According to Wikipedia, the United States have won the most gold medals (2), while Brazil have won the most medals overall (3).

The first two events were held in: 2020: Tsurigasaki beach, Chiba, Japan; and 2024: Teahupo’o reef pass, Tahiti (for Paris, France).