Manhattan Beach Pier
West-facing beachbreak around the Manhattan Beach Pier in the South Bay. Sand bottom with peaks that shift either side of the pilings. A small-swell spot that closes out as the swell builds.
When it’s on
Manhattan Beach Pier works best on a SSW to WNW swell. Light morning wind. Falls apart once the swell jumps overhead.
When beginners can paddle out
Knee-high to waist-high on a light-wind morning, well away from the pier. First light is glassiest and least crowded.
Spot intel
- Parking
- Metered street parking on the numbered streets and a paid lot near the pier. Both fill early on any swell or sunny weekend.
- Crowd
- Thick, especially on weekends. Peaks spread along the beach either side of the pier, so density depends on which sandbar is working.
- Beginner-friendly?
Depends.
A forgiving sand-bottom beachbreak on small days. It closes out and gets crowded as the swell fills in, and the pier pilings are a hazard to stay clear of.
- Famous for
- Manhattan Beach Pier. The center of the South Bay competitive scene, host of the Manhattan Beach Open volleyball and surf events and the home pier of the Hermosa-Manhattan local surf community.
- Lineup etiquette
- Standard beachbreak priority: the surfer closest to the peak has the wave. Give the pier pilings a wide berth.
Where it breaks
- Coordinates
- 33.8847, -118.4109
- Shore faces
- W
- Region
- South Bay LA, California
Common questions
- What swell direction is best for Manhattan Beach Pier?
- Manhattan Beach Pier works best on a SSW to WNW swell.
- How big does Manhattan Beach Pier need to be?
- Manhattan Beach Pier is best in the 2-5ft range on a 11-16s period.
- What are the best conditions at Manhattan Beach Pier?
- Light or offshore wind under about 6 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
- Where is Manhattan Beach Pier?
- Manhattan Beach Pier is a south bay pier in South Bay LA, California. The beach faces W.
- Does GhostFingers forecast Manhattan Beach Pier?
- Yes. GhostFingers grades Manhattan Beach Pier with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, winter 2026.
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