Best Surf Beaches in LA

Southern California has always been the epicenter of surfing in the continental United States, both in terms of waves and culture. While Orange County and San Diego boast a better shoreline, due to LA’s prominence as a global city and its fair share of great spots, LA has become (for better or worse) surf central. Surfing in LA comes with its own set of challenges, but every now and then, if you put in the effort, you will be rewarded with absolutely epic days. So here’s a round-up of LA’s key surf spots and some tips before you paddle out.

Surf Tips for All Los Angeles Beaches: 

Before we get into our list, there are a few things to know about surfing in the Los Angeles area. The first big one is to avoid going in the water within 72 hours after heavy rainfall. Due to LA’s brilliant urban planning, there is nowhere for the water to safely go when it rains, so the sewage flows into the ocean. Most people I know who have tested the rule, have very much regretted it. You can typically check the bacteria levels at each spot online, but it only gets published once a week, and as we know, water tends to move.

Also note that most of LA’s breaks below Malibu are sandbars, which means every season can have radically different surf conditions depending on each break. For example, Venice and Will Rogers may be super clean with rippable faces for a few months but completely shift after a heavy storm, leaving you with the all too common LA walled closeouts with basically no entry. Check the cams and the swell direction, because due to this shifting bottom, the buoys and their ratings can be flat-out wack.

Malibu First Point

Malibu First Point is the quintessential longboarding spot (it’s considered by many to be the birthplace of modern longboarding) and is on the WSL Longboard Tour. It’s a perfect right-hand point break that breaks forever and is a literal wave machine. It’s technically separated into three sections (first, second, and third point), but first point is where the longboarders hang out - third point is mostly for shortboarders. With the right conditions and a whole lot of skill, some surfers can link all three sections together for the wave of a lifetime.

Try to go during mid or high tide. Low tide can get a bit sketch since the area is rocky, with sea urchins everywhere. It’s one of the most consistent spots in LA, making it a great summer spot when the rest of LA is flat. Parking can be difficult, but if you get here early in the day, you should be able to find street parking. Even though the waves are perfect, the people are….less than ideal. This beach is notorious for ridiculous crowds and very aggressive surfers. It’s not uncommon to see full-blown fistfights break out from people dropping in on someone. So if you’re gonna surf here, use proper etiquette.

Shrtlst Pairing:

Topanga Point

Topanga is one of the most consistent spots north of Manhattan Beach, but it’s still less consistent and more sloppy than its Malibu neighbor. The surfers here are a mix of longboarders, mid-length cruisers, and shortboarders, and they can be either mean or kind depending on the day. If the waves are worse, there tends to be a friendlier crowd. Topanga Point is a right-hand point break, and you’ll want to be careful during low tide. Park alongside the PCH and walk down to the water from there. The beach here has a few sandy spots, but a chunk of it is just rocks, so it’s not ideal for catching some rays after your time in the water.

Sunset Point

This soft right-hand point just South of Topanga is a phenomenal longboard spot when it works, but the waves here can be fickle and only really work at low tide. It’s a friendlier atmosphere than the other beaches mentioned, and it’s a good place for beginners. Just be aware that entering the water can be a challenge (it’s a staircase that leads to big slippery boulders that result in many dinged boards a day). While it doesn’t always work, whenever it does, it’s an overall great vibe.

Manhattan Beach

Just a bit north of El Porto, we have Manhattan Beach, which is also a swell magnet better than Northern LA County. You’ll typically have better luck near the pier because it can create a fake point that offers a better shape than further north or south. Both sides of the pier can be super fun, and once you’re done or need a break, the rest of Manhattan Beach is a terrific place to spend the day. There are many bars, coffee shops, and laid-back dining spots along the boardwalk area. For a sweet treat post surf, you can’t beat the Manhattan Beach Creamery’s ice cream sandwiches, or for a super hearty sit-down spot that’s been around since 1973, The Kettle offers giant portions, and they’re open all night if you decide to turn your surf day into a pub crawl.

Venice Breakwater

The Venice Breakwater is right in front of the Venice Beach Skate Park, making it an interesting crowd, to say the least. Of course, this prime location means it can get super crowded, and you’ll find a pretty even mix of kooks and shredders in the water. It really only works in the early morning since most days it gets blown out the later it gets, but that’s a benefit to you because early morning is also when street parking is the easiest to find. There can be very steep takeoffs, and on rare days, it’ll barrel, but most of the time, you’re not coming out of it. Venice, like most SoCal spots, is a wave where surfers should check the cams every time they go to make sure it’s not complete slop. 

Shrtlst Pairing:

El Porto

This is the surf beach to go to when every other beach in LA is flat. El Porto is a swell magnet and will pick up most swell directions, resulting in a lot of different peaks to choose from. It’s usually a heavy beach break that closes out more often than not, but the consistency is what makes it so popular. Expect heavy crowds and try to find fun little sections and ‘holes’ in the lineup that aren’t closing out. Because the beach is so big, there is usually a small ramp that isn’t crazy crowded. El Porto can be absolutely incredible, but mostly, it’s just better than the rest of LA.