Manhattan Beach Municipal Pier is a well-known surf spot located in Southern California. This area has been a part of surf culture for a long time and continues to attract surfers looking for fun waves. You can easily access the beach at the foot of Manhattan Beach Boulevard, where there is metered parking available nearby. Just be prepared for a bit of a crowd, as this spot is popular among both surfers and beachgoers.
The surf here features some solid beachbreak peaks on either side of the pier. It handles swell sizes starting from 1 ft (0.3 m) and works best with south and northwest swell directions. The waves can break both left and right over sandy bottoms, providing options depending on your preference. For the best results, it's recommended to catch waves during low to mid tide, but you can also get decent rides on high tide. The spot handles various tide conditions except for extreme high tides. Remember, peakier swells are ideal, especially from the southwest, as larger, lined-up swells tend to close out the breaks.
Notably, the best wind conditions come from the east, making those days even more enjoyable for surfing. Despite the crowds, the consistent surf here has kept it a favorite for many surfers looking to ride some waves at a classic spot.