Marina State Beach
Steep, open sand beachbreak on the southern curve of Monterey Bay at Marina State Beach. A short, powerful wave that breaks close to the sand over a steep beach profile.
When it’s on
Marina State Beach works best on a W to NW swell. Light offshore wind from the east. Low to mid tide window.
Spot intel
- Parking
- State beach day-use lot at the end of Reservation Road, with a posted fee.
- Crowd
- Light. The wave is heavy and short, and it does not reward numbers.
- Beginner-friendly?
No.
A steep shorebreak that lands in shallow water, persistent rip currents, cold water, and a documented white-shark presence in southern Monterey Bay. Not a beginner wave.
- Famous for
- A steep-profile Monterey Bay beachbreak, better known for hang gliding off the dunes than for a forgiving wave.
- Lineup etiquette
- Beachbreak priority is per-wave from the peak. Give the shorebreak a wide margin on the paddle out.
Where it breaks
- Coordinates
- 36.6934, -121.8197
- Shore faces
- WNW
- Region
- Monterey Bay, California
Common questions
- What swell direction is best for Marina State Beach?
- Marina State Beach works best on a W to NW swell.
- How big does Marina State Beach need to be?
- Marina State Beach is best in the 3-8ft range on a 10-16s period.
- What are the best conditions at Marina State Beach?
- Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
- Where is Marina State Beach?
- Marina State Beach is a steep shore break in Monterey Bay, California. The beach faces WNW.
- Does GhostFingers forecast Marina State Beach?
- Yes. GhostFingers grades Marina State Beach with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, winter 2026.
Nearby spots
New to reading a forecast? Start here.
Get notified when GhostFingers ships.