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GhostFingers · Los Angeles County · Santa Monica Bay

Will Rogers

South-facing beachbreak in Pacific Palisades, along PCH between Santa Monica and Sunset Boulevard. Sand bottom, multiple peaks across a long stretch of beach.

Santa Monica Bay Beginner-friendly

Spot intel

Parking

Paid lot at Will Rogers State Beach off PCH, about $12 day-use. Free PCH shoulder parking north of the lot fills early on a swell. Car break-ins are regular.

Crowd

Moderate. Surf-school clusters set up at the south end; experienced surfers spread to the working peaks.

Beginner-friendly?

Yes.

Sand-bottom beachbreak with multiple peaks, forgiving wave shape on small to mid days, and lifeguarded year-round. The catches are summer crowds and along-shore current, not the wave.

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 wind. First light runs glassiest before the sea breeze comes up.

Where it breaks

Coordinates
34.0348, -118.5372
Shore faces
SSW
Region
Santa Monica Bay, California

Common questions

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