Linda Mar

Linda Mar (Pacifica, San Francisco Bay Area, California) is a popular, beginner-friendly beach break on the outer coast just south of San Francisco, in Pacifica near the San Mateo/SF border. It’s one of the most accessible surf spots in the region and often the go-to place when the rest of the coast is too heavy or crowded.

What it’s like

• Wave type: Soft, sandy beach break
• Skill level: Best for beginners to intermediates, though good surfers can still find fun peaks on the right swell
• Consistency: One of the more reliable spots in the Bay Area thanks to its exposure to North Pacific swell
• Crowd: Can get busy, especially on weekends and on smaller, cleaner swells

Conditions

• Best swell: Works well with northwest to west swell
• Best wind: Usually light offshore or calm conditions are ideal; strong onshore winds can make it choppy fast
• Tides: Can be surfed at many tides, but conditions often vary by sandbars and season

Local character

• The waves are generally forgiving and mellow, making it a common place for surf lessons, longboarding, and first timers.
• On bigger swells, it can become more powerful and hollow, with shifting peaks and occasional shorebreak punch.
• The setting is scenic, with a wide beach and easy access from the parking areas along CA-1.

Tips

• Watch for strong currents, especially when the swell picks up.
• Because the sandbars move, the best takeoff zone can change frequently.
• If you’re learning, stay aware of other surfers, schools, and swimmers near the main peak.