Manhattan Beach Pier is a popular surf spot located in Los Angeles. It offers easy access from various local streets and parking lots. As part of the bustling LA coastline, it features a sandy beach that attracts both locals and visitors looking to enjoy some waves. The vibe here is generally laid-back, with crowds usually spaced out, so you can find your own space on the water.

The surf at Manhattan Beach Pier works best with southwest to west swells, handling sizes that range from about 0.6 meters to 3 meters (2 feet to 10 feet). When the waves are mellow, it’s suitable for beginners, but it can get wild, offering more challenging conditions for intermediate and expert surfers. The beachbreak produces both rights and lefts, with better-shaped waves often appearing near the pier. However, be ready for some closeouts, as a lot of the time the waves can just shut down. Low to medium tides are ideal for catching some decent surf.

Seasonally, fall, winter, and spring are the best times to hit up the pier, especially from October to April. The preferred wind directions are from the north and northeast, which helps shape the waves better. While paddling is not too bad when it’s smaller, you’ll find yourself working harder when the swell picks up. If you’re into different board types, you can ride anything from a shortboard to a longboard or even take a bodyboard out there.