Manhattan Beach
South Los Angeles Surf Spots
Surf Guide
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.
Ability Level
All Abilities
BegIntAdv
beginner to intermediate
Local Vibe
Welcoming
WelcomingIntimidating
"...How do you get up on this thing?"
Crowd Factor
Moderate
MellowHeavy
usually pretty spread out
Spot Rating
Poor
PoorPerfect
3
Shoulder Burn
Light
LightExhausting
2 to 6 depending on size
Water Quality
Fair
CleanDirty
6
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
anything peaky (crossed up combo swells)
Wind
E, SE
Surf Height
2 to 10 feet
Tide
low to medium