Linda Mar
West-facing beachbreak in Pacifica, California. Sand bottom, multiple peaks across the cove. The primary Bay Area surf-school venue.
When it’s on
Linda Mar works best on a W to NW swell. Light offshore from the east.
When beginners can paddle out
Knee-high to shoulder-high on any tide with light wind. First light runs glassy and uncrowded. Fog cutting visibility is the safety condition that matters more than wave size.
Spot intel
- Parking
- Paid lot directly behind the beach, $7. Free street parking on Crespi Drive. The Linda Mar Taco Bell parking lot fronts the south end.
- Crowd
- Thick on weekends and after work. Surf-school clusters sit in the middle of the beach; experienced surfers spread to the side peaks. Water runs mid-50s°F year-round. Hooded full suits are standard.
- Beginner-friendly?
Yes.
Sand-bottom beachbreak with multiple peaks, forgiving wave shape, and an established surf-school presence. The catches are water temperature, fog, and along-shore current, not the wave.
- Lineup etiquette
- Beachbreak priority is per-wave, not by lineup position. Standard rule: a wave already taken from the peak isn’t open to paddle into.
Where it breaks
- Coordinates
- 37.5940, -122.5060
- Shore faces
- W
- Region
- Pacifica, California
Common questions
- What swell direction is best for Linda Mar?
- Linda Mar works best on a W to NW swell.
- How big does Linda Mar need to be?
- Linda Mar is best in the 2-5ft range on a 11-16s period.
- What are the best conditions at Linda Mar?
- Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 2-4ft.
- Where is Linda Mar?
- Linda Mar is a forgiving beach break in Pacifica, California. The beach faces W.
- Does GhostFingers forecast Linda Mar?
- Yes. GhostFingers grades Linda Mar with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, winter 2026.
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