los angeles Surf Spots & Beaches

El Porto

El Porto in Manhattan Beach, California.

If you surf in the South Bay, you'll end up at El Porto eventually. El Porto is to Los Angeles like Linda Mar is to San Francisco - not the best waves, probably mostly heavy closeouts, but you're going to keep coming back anyway - maybe out of convenience or familiarity. But every once in a while, you're going to have a magic session or maybe even just a single magic wave that will reset your tolerance and keep you coming back.

Haggerty's

Haggerty's in Palos Verdes, California.

At the south end of the South Bay, below the picturesque bluffs sits a variety of breaks just south of RAT beach known as Haggerty's, which offer some of the best waves in the region.

Hermosa Beach Pier

Hermosa Beach Pier in Hermosa Beach, California.

While the California-classic wide sandy beaches of the South Bay don't always offer the most consistent surf, the structures like the piers and jetties can provide some aid to otherwise unremarkable waves. But even if you're not surfing, it's hard to beat a beach day in the South Bay.

Malibu

Malibu in Malibu, California.

First, Second, and Third Point of Malibu offer some of LA County's best waves. It's an iconic California spot known around the world from not only surfing, but music, movies and culture too, which is why it borrows colors from Bruce Brown's Endless Summer.

RAT Beach

RAT Beach in Torrance, California.

Right After Torrance, aka RAT is a great name for a beach and saying it make you think of something you'd find closer to Santa Monica or Venice than Palos Verdes.

Sapphire

Sapphire in Redondo Beach, California.

Sapphire St. is a classic South Bay spot. Like many others in the area, the jetty helps with the waves.

Topanga Beach