About Manhattan Beach

The best bets for good surf are mixed, combo swells and hope for defined sandbars. All spots south of Manhattan are increasingly shadowed from south/summer swell and rely primarily on southwest, west, and northwest swells. Marine Street is usually the best south swell spot in Manhattan. The beachbreaks are usually walled with some better-shaped waves near the Manhattan Pier.

Source: Manhattan Beach Surf Guide

Ability Level

All Abilities

Beg Int Adv

Beginner to intermediate

Local Vibe

Welcoming

Welcoming Intimidating

Minor.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

Mellow Heavy

Usually pretty spread out.

Spot Rating

Poor

Poor Perfect

Typically a hopeless closeout but can be really good when the rest of SoCal struggles.

Shoulder Burn

Light

Light Exhausting

Not bad when it is small, plenty of work to be had when it is pumping.

Water Quality

Fair

Clean Dirty

It's the middle of LA.

Additional Information

Hazards

Negotiating closeouts.

Access

Easy, various local streets and lots.

Bring Your

Shortboard, fish, funboard, longboard, bodyboard, skimming, bodysurfing

Seabed

Sand

Best Season

October-April

Swell Consistency and Wind Overview

Photos & Videos