El Porto - Manhattan Beach - Surfing

Review

Intro

El Porto is well known for being a great beginner to intermediate surf spot. The fast and powerful break, 3-10 ft swells, and sandy bottom make it a fun and safe place to shred! The weekends at El Porto can be ultra crowded, as can the weekdays during peak season. During the winter there are some bigger swells where more advanced surfers can come ply their trade. Also, the El Porto Surf School and Camp Surf are two of the top nearby surf schools and rental shops. Enjoy surfing at the classic El Porto!

What Makes It Great

The waves are reliable at El Porto and while they aren't the biggest show in town, they are consistent and fun to ride. The beach can get crowded but the surf culture vibe tends to be more laid back then the hustle and bustle in the sand. A lot of newer surfers learn how to catch a wave at El Porto, so you won't be alone if you are just starting the sport. 

Who is Going to Love It

Beginners, intermediates and experts who prefer a mellow day catching waves will dig El Porto. When the surf fizzles out at other beaches, Manhattan Beach tends to stay awash in rideable waves. 

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

From Southerncaliforniabeaches.org:

The entire beach in the City of Manhattan Beach is actually referred to as 2 beaches. Manhattan Beach is the Southern beach front from 38th Street to 1st Street. El Porto Beach is the Northern beach front from 38th Street (location of El Porto Surf School aka Campsurf) in the South up to 45th Street - where the El Porto parking lot entrance is off of Vista Del Mar.