Manhattan 26th street

Manhattan 26th Street is a well-known surf break in Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles County, California. It sits along the broad South Bay shoreline and is part of a long stretch of beachbreak that changes with sandbars, tides, and swell direction.

What it’s like

• Type of break: Mostly a beachbreak
• Wave quality: Can be fun and fairly consistent when sandbars line up, but it’s often variable and can shift after storms or seasonal sand movement
• Crowd: Typically busy, especially on good summer swells and weekends
• Best for: Intermediate surfers and above, though conditions can sometimes be suitable for beginners when the waves are smaller and softer

Conditions

• Works best with south and southwest swells, depending on sandbar setup
• Low to mid tide often offers better shape, but it depends on the day
• Winds are usually best when they are light offshore or calm; onshore winds can make it choppy quickly

Local feel

• Manhattan Beach has a strong surf culture and a polished beach-town atmosphere
• The area around 26th Street is near residential neighborhoods and the Manhattan Beach Pier area, with easy beach access
• Expect a competitive lineup at times, as this is a popular South Bay spot

Notes

• Because it’s a beachbreak, conditions can change a lot from day to day
• Be aware of currents, shorebreak, and crowded lineups
• The beach is generally more about fun and consistency than heavy power