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GhostFingers · Los Angeles County · Santa Monica Bay

Bay Street

South-facing beachbreak in Santa Monica, at the foot of Bay Street between the Pier and Venice. Sand bottom, multiple peaks. The longstanding South Bay surf-school venue south of Malibu.

Santa Monica Bay Beginner-friendly

Spot intel

Parking

Metered street parking on Barnard Way and the side streets. Paid lots at Santa Monica State Beach, about $12-15 day-use. Lots fill on summer weekends.

Crowd

Thick on weekends and after work. Surf-school clusters dominate the middle of the beach; experienced surfers spread to the side peaks.

Beginner-friendly?

Yes.

Sand bottom, forgiving wave shape, established surf-school presence, and lifeguards year-round. The catches are summer crowd density and along-shore current.

Lineup etiquette

Beachbreak priority is per-wave. A wave already taken from the peak isn't open to paddle into.

When it's on

South through southwest groundswell as the primary season, with west wrap into Santa Monica Bay as the secondary. Light offshore from the north through northeast.

When beginners can paddle out

Knee-high to shoulder-high on any tide with light morning wind. First light runs cleanest before the South Bay sea breeze comes up.

Where it breaks

Coordinates
34.0085, -118.4965
Shore faces
SW
Region
Santa Monica Bay, California

Common questions

What swell direction is best for Bay Street?
Bay Street works best on a SSW to W swell.
How big does Bay Street need to be?
Bay Street is best in the 1.5-6ft range on a 10-16s period.
What are the best conditions at Bay Street?
Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
Where is Bay Street?
Bay Street is a beachfront break in Santa Monica Bay, California. The beach faces SW.
Does GhostFingers forecast Bay Street?
Yes. GhostFingers grades Bay Street with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, summer 2026.

New to reading a forecast? Start here.

Launching summer 2026.

Six-tier verdicts for every California break, calibrated to swell, period, direction, tide, and wind.

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