Will Rogers
South-facing beachbreak in Pacific Palisades, along PCH between Santa Monica and Sunset Boulevard. Sand bottom, multiple peaks across a long stretch of beach.
When it’s on
Will Rogers 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 wind. First light runs glassiest before the sea breeze comes up.
Spot intel
- Parking
- Paid lot at Will Rogers State Beach off PCH, about $12 day-use. Free PCH shoulder parking north of the lot fills early on a swell. Car break-ins are regular.
- Crowd
- Moderate. Surf-school clusters set up at the south end; experienced surfers spread to the working peaks.
- Beginner-friendly?
Yes.
Sand-bottom beachbreak with multiple peaks, forgiving wave shape on small to mid days, and lifeguarded year-round. The catches are summer crowds and along-shore current, not the wave.
- Lineup etiquette
- Beachbreak priority is per-wave. A wave already taken from the peak isn’t open to paddle into.
Where it breaks
- Coordinates
- 34.0348, -118.5372
- Shore faces
- SSW
- Region
- Santa Monica Bay, California
Common questions
- What swell direction is best for Will Rogers?
- Will Rogers works best on a SSW to W swell.
- How big does Will Rogers need to be?
- Will Rogers is best in the 1.5-6ft range on a 10-16s period.
- What are the best conditions at Will Rogers?
- Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
- Where is Will Rogers?
- Will Rogers is a gentle beach break in Santa Monica Bay, California. The beach faces SSW.
- Does GhostFingers forecast Will Rogers?
- Yes. GhostFingers grades Will Rogers with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, winter 2026.
Nearby spots
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