Bay St. surf guide

Bay St. is a surf spot located in Santa Monica that’s pretty accessible and offers a decent chance for some waves. The best feature here is the big parking lot at the end of Bay Street, which makes it easy to cruise in and out. While the overall surf conditions in the area tend to be below average most of the time, Bay St. stands out a bit, especially when the sand is shaped just right and there’s a mix of swells to work with.

This spot mainly handles swells from the South to West directions, with a size range of about 3 to 8 feet (0.9 to 2.4 meters). You'll find beach breaks here that can produce both lefts and rights, though the action can be fairly closed-out unless you catch it on a good day. The wind is usually best coming from the North through East, and it works across various tide heights from low to high. You’ll want to come during spring, summer, or autumn for the best conditions, but you can find something decent to ride year-round. It’s suitable for beginner to intermediate surfers, especially if you’re riding a shortboard, fish, or funboard.

The crowd factor is generally pretty low at Bay St., so you’re often able to find some space to enjoy yourself. Just keep in mind that during the midsummer months, it can turn into a bit of a zoo. The local vibe here is pretty chill, and it’s a good spot to hang out with some fellow surfers. Just be aware that conditions can get worse after rainfall, so checking the surf report and tides is always a good idea before heading out.