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GhostFingers · NorCal Bay Area · Pacifica

Linda Mar

South-facing beachbreak in Pacifica, California. Sand bottom, multiple peaks across the cove. The primary Bay Area surf-school venue.

Pacifica Beginner-friendly

Spot intel

Parking

Paid lot directly behind the beach, $7. Free street parking on Crespi Drive. The Linda Mar Taco Bell parking lot fronts the south end.

Crowd

Thick on weekends and after work. Surf-school clusters sit in the middle of the beach; experienced surfers spread to the side peaks. Water runs mid-50s°F year-round. Hooded full suits are standard.

Beginner-friendly?

Yes.

Sand-bottom beachbreak with multiple peaks, forgiving wave shape, and an established surf-school presence. The catches are water temperature, fog, and along-shore current, not the wave.

Lineup etiquette

Beachbreak priority is per-wave, not by lineup position. Standard rule: a wave already taken from the peak isn't open to paddle into.

When it's on

Northwest or west groundswell with light offshore from the east.

When beginners can paddle out

Knee-high to shoulder-high on any tide with light wind. First light runs glassy and uncrowded. Fog cutting visibility is the safety condition that matters more than wave size.

Where it breaks

Coordinates
37.5940, -122.5060
Shore faces
W
Region
Pacifica, California

Common questions

What swell direction is best for Linda Mar?
Linda Mar works best on a W to NW swell.
How big does Linda Mar need to be?
Linda Mar is best in the 2-5ft range on a 11-16s period.
What are the best conditions at Linda Mar?
Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 2-4ft.
Where is Linda Mar?
Linda Mar is a forgiving beach break in Pacifica, California. The beach faces W.
Does GhostFingers forecast Linda Mar?
Yes. GhostFingers grades Linda Mar 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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