Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach Municipal Pier anchors a classic California beachbreak, with consistent peaks peeling over a shifting sand bottom both north and south of the iconic structure. Rips and sandbars create a dynamic mix of lefts and rights that can handle a variety of swell angles and tides. Beyond the waves, this spot is etched into surf lore as the hallowed ground where Dale Velzy first hung ten toes over the nose in 1951, cementing its status as a true birthplace of modern longboarding. Suitable for intermediate and above surfers, Manhattan Beach delivers punchy, often hollow waves when conditions align.

Best Surf Season (November - February)

The North Pacific storm track is at full throttle from November through February, driving consistent long-period W and WSW swell straight into this west-southwest-facing beach. Average periods sit in the 12-second range and ideal offshore wind frequency jumps to 47-52 percent, making this the cleanest and most reliable window of the year. The waves are not huge on average, but the combination of long-period power and daily offshore NNE-to-E flow keeps the lineup well-shaped and rippable.