Linda Mar, located in Pacifica, is a mile-long stretch of beach sitting between the north point and Pedro Point. This spot is somewhat sheltered from heavy swell and wind, making it a go-to for beginner and intermediate surfers. The surf isn’t always great, ranging from poor to so-so on most days. Even though it can be gray and gloomy, especially in the summer fog season, there’s often a surprising patch of sunshine breaking through. Winter can bring some solid waves, especially when other spots are blown out. It's often described as “the poor person's Cowell's.”

The waves at Linda Mar can be best around head high at mid to high tide, especially with south or southeast winds. It handles swell sizes from about 1 meter (3 ft) to 3 meters (10 ft). The optimal swell direction is Northwest, but it can also work with Southwest and North swells. The break features a mix of sand and some boulders, with lefts and rights available for different riding styles. This place is mellow enough for beginners but can still provide some fun for those riding fish, funboards, longboards, or even SUPs.

Access is pretty straightforward with a large parking lot located right by the break. The crowd factor can be high, but it’s mostly made up of day trippers rather than hardcore locals. There’s a small creek at the south end, which can make that section a bit dirty, but the rest of the beach tends to be cleaner. Keep in mind that on bigger days, conditions can get a little challenging.