Bay Street
Southwest-facing beachbreak in Santa Monica, at the foot of Bay Street between the Pier and Venice. Sand bottom, multiple peaks. The Westside’s longstanding surf-school venue.
When it’s on
Bay Street works best on a SSW to W swell. Light offshore from the north through northeast.
When beginners can paddle out
Knee-high to shoulder-high on any tide with light morning wind. First light runs cleanest before the South Bay sea breeze comes up.
Spot intel
- Parking
- Metered street parking on Barnard Way and the side streets. Paid lots at Santa Monica State Beach, about $12-15 day-use. Lots fill on summer weekends.
- Crowd
- Thick on weekends and after work. Surf-school clusters dominate the middle of the beach; experienced surfers spread to the side peaks.
- Beginner-friendly?
Yes.
Sand bottom, forgiving wave shape, established surf-school presence, and lifeguards year-round. The catches are summer crowd density and along-shore current.
- Lineup etiquette
- Beachbreak priority is per-wave. A wave already taken from the peak isn’t open to paddle into.
Where it breaks
- Coordinates
- 34.0050, -118.4932
- Shore faces
- SW
- Region
- Santa Monica Bay, California
Common questions
- What swell direction is best for Bay Street?
- Bay Street works best on a SSW to W swell.
- How big does Bay Street need to be?
- Bay Street is best in the 1.5-6ft range on a 10-16s period.
- What are the best conditions at Bay Street?
- Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
- Where is Bay Street?
- Bay Street is a beachfront break in Santa Monica Bay, California. The beach faces SW.
- Does GhostFingers forecast Bay Street?
- Yes. GhostFingers grades Bay Street with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, winter 2026.
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