Marina State Beach is a solid surf spot located along the central coast of California. It’s known for its beachbreak setup, providing surfers with a decent wave experience. The area typically doesn't get too crowded, making it a chill place to hang out and surf without too many people around. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to pay for parking in the lot above the break.
The surf here works best with a west swell, but can handle southern and northern swells too. You can expect the waves to be around 3 feet (about 1 meter) or more. The beach offers both lefts and rights, breaking over sand, which is pretty common in beach setups. For the best conditions, the tide should be low, mid, or high, and the wind from the east tends to keep things clean and peaky.
This spot is a great option if you're looking for something different. With the right swell and tide, you might find some fun barrels rolling through, similar to what you might experience at Salinas. So, check it out if you're around, just keep an eye on the conditions for the best surf experience.