Crowd & Localism
Weekdays are manageable. Weekends, especially in summer, draw heavy crowds across a wide skill range. Localism is minor and the vibe leans welcoming, but the real friction here is parking, not other surfers. Arrive early, period.
South Los Angeles, California, United States
Manhattan Beach Pier
33.880, -118.411
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Multi-checkedCross-checked against Surfline and WannaSurf
At a glance
- Manhattan Beach Pier is a a-frame over beach, sand-bottom beach peaks, walled with occasional punchy sections near pier.
- Beginner to intermediate ability, working 2-8 ft.
- Peak October to April, water 13-20°C.
A-frame · BeachBeginner → Intermediate2–8 ftJan – Dec
Sand-dependent beach break in LA's South Bay, Manhattan Beach Pier works best on combo swells when shifting bars align with offshore east winds. SW, WSW, W, and WNW swells are the primary drivers here, spots south of the pier are increasingly shadowed from straight-south swell, so look to Marine Street for south swell days. Low-to-mid tide generally produces the cleanest shape, with chest-high to double-overhead being the practical working range. Beginners and intermediates dominate the lineup, and the local vibe is genuinely welcoming, though weekends bring crowds that can make finding a peak frustrating. Bottom: sand. Season: October through April. Consistency: moderate, highly dependent on sandbar formation. Water quality is fair at best, standard for mid-LA, and genuinely poor in the 72 hours following rain, so check Heal the Bay reports before paddling out after storms.
Wave fit
Skill suited
Beginner → Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
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Character
Sand-bottom beach peaks, walled with occasional punchy sections near pier.
Conditions
When it worksOptimum tide
All tides
Hazards
Negotiating closeouts.
Trip planning
Quick facts
Water temp
13° to 20°C
Wetsuit
3/2 winter, 2mm or boardies summer
What to bring
- Fish or funboard for small, soft days
- Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in when it's chest-high or above
- Longboard for small-wave cruising on mellow mornings
Lineup
Easy-going
Where it sits
Location
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About this break
What it's actually like
Access & Facilities
The pier lot is the easiest access point in winter. Summer parking is a metered-street scramble, quarters required and meters are not cheap. Restrooms, rinse stations, and a full commercial strip are within walking distance. The area has surf shops and rental options nearby.
Nearby Alternatives
If the bars at Manhattan are walled out, El Porto to the north catches more swell and can offer better shape on the same conditions. Marine Street is the go-to for south swell days when spots near the pier are shadowed.
10-day swell, wind and tide
Manhattan Beach Pier surf forecast
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Forecast by Windy.app
Stay nearby
Camps within boat range
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No vetted camps within boat range of Manhattan Beach Pier yet.
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Plan a trip
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Frequently asked
What you need to know before paddling out at Manhattan Beach Pier
What skill level is Manhattan Beach Pier suited for?
Manhattan Beach Pier is a beach bottom, sand-bottom beach peaks, walled with occasional punchy sections near pier, break suited for beginner through intermediate surfers. Beginners can give it a go on the smaller end of the size range.
What size does Manhattan Beach Pier work best at?
Working size is 2 to 8 ft. Below 2 ft the swell goes flat. Above 8 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf Manhattan Beach Pier?
Manhattan Beach Pier fires from October through April. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Manhattan Beach Pier need?
Manhattan Beach Pier switches on with swells out of the SW to NW (225 to 315 degrees).
What are the main hazards at Manhattan Beach Pier?
Main hazards at Manhattan Beach Pier: Negotiating closeouts..
What type of wave is Manhattan Beach Pier?
Manhattan Beach Pier is a a-frame-breaking wave over beach. Sand-bottom beach peaks, walled with occasional punchy sections near pier.
Sources
- Surfline
- WannaSurf
Manhattan Beach Pier
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