Manresa is a beachbreak located in the Monterey Bay area, known for its ability to catch a lot of swell. This spot sits in a great position, facing west which allows it to pick up waves even when other spots nearby, like Santa Cruz, are flat. It can be a reliable choice throughout the year, especially in the winter months when swells can become quite large, reaching up to triple overhead. However, conditions can get tricky, and it can become almost impossible to surf during significant swells. After enjoying the waves at Manresa Beach, you’ll find yourself entering the Fertile Crescent of Monterey Bay, surrounded by miles of untouched beachbreaks.

The surf at Manresa works best with a swell coming from the west, northwest, or southwest, and handles sizes from a manageable 2ft (0.6m) all the way to challenging 10ft (3m) waves. When it’s on, you can find fun lefts and rights breaking over a sandy bottom. This beach isn’t too picky about tides and does decently with any tide, but it tends to prefer mid to high tides. Winter is the prime season to catch waves here, particularly when there are offshore winds blowing. These conditions can create a fantastic surf experience. Remember, the paddle out can be strong, especially when the surf is big, so be prepared.

Access to Manresa is easy with parking available at Manresa State Park. Even with the wider beach, there’s usually plenty of room, so crowding is not much of an issue here. The local vibe is generally cool, making it a great spot for surfers of all skill levels, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or expert. You can ride a variety of boards here, including shortboards, funboards, and fish shapes, so bring what works best for you. Just keep an eye out for occasional shark sightings and remember to conserve your energy on those bigger days!