Haggerty’s and Malaga Cove (Palos Verdes)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Haggerty’s and Malaga Cove form a low-profile, rocky left-hand surf zone on the Palos Verdes coast, best when west (to west-northwest) swell is running. The wave breaks over a reef/point setup and is typically small-to-moderate, but can hold more size when the swell is strong. Wind from the East to East-Northeast tends to be offshore here, helping groom the wave face, while the cliffs/bluffs provide substantial protection from typical northwest winds.
- Left-hand reef/point break on west swell
- Offshore grooming from east/east-northeast winds
- Long, peeling rides on a solid swell
- Reliable left-hand reef/point break on west to west-northwest swell
- Offshore East to East-Northeast winds help groom the wave face
- Semi-sheltered by bluffs, helping protect conditions from typical coastal wind
- Very heavy localism—outsiders must be especially respectful
- Rocks, sea urchins, kelp, and submerged hazards make wipeouts unforgiving
- Water quality can degrade after heavy rainfall due to urban runoff
- Often crowded when a good swell arrives
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, NE
- Offshore directions
- E, NE
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — East to east-northeast winds; spot is often groomed when winds come from the east (cliffs/bluffs block typical northwest winds).
- Reliability
- low
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February
- Shadow Zones
- High bluffs provide significant protection from typical northwest winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Pebble — Reported as pebble/stone entry; also described as concrete in some guides.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Spot is typically small-to-moderate, working best on incoming swell.
- Chop Level
- Wind can be glassy/offshore from the east, but conditions depend on swell and wind angle.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky shoreline and narrow cobblestone beach; rocky entry and narrow access.
Through the year
Consistently crowded when a good swell is running, especially on weekends.
December–March
By sport
What to expect for each.
A classic left-hand point/reef break in Palos Verdes, breaking over a rocky reef/cobble entry. Best when west (to west-northwest) swell is running; east winds help keep the wave face cleaner.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is noted as optimal.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Towering bluffs provide significant protection from typical coastal winds, keeping conditions more consistent than nearby open exposures.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the East/Northeast groom the wave face; cliffs block most Northwest wind.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds significant size but can become difficult to paddle out through kelp.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality is generally good when wind is offshore and the right swell arrives.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Typically small-to-moderate, with longer sets when swell builds.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Long, peeling lefts over a rocky reef.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling walls with medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Long — Long rides are possible on a solid swell; can exceed 200 meters on a good day.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer rides over 200 meters on a solid swell; typical ride lengths reported around 150 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Haggerty’s and Malaga Cove (Palos Verdes) in the full forecast view.
Haggerty’s and Malaga Cove (Palos Verdes) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–8 ktsGusts 16 kts
- Direction
- SW215°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 268 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.0 m10s period
- Temperature
- 14–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Haggerty’s and Malaga Cove (Palos Verdes) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.6–1.0 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Sea urchins
- Pollution after heavy rainfall
- Submerged rocks
- Dense kelp beds
- Aggressive localism
- Submerged reef
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards present at the spot (regional professional lifeguard services operate across the South Bay).
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated local rescue base was confirmed for this specific spot.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest facilities are in Torrance or Redondo Beach.
- Localism / Vibe
- Heavy — Localism is very heavy; outsiders should be very respectful.
Rules of the spot
Traditional surfing etiquette is strictly enforced by local regulars.
- No motorized watercraft.
- Restricted access through private property above the bluffs.
- Check water quality after rain as urban runoff is common.
- Wear booties to protect against rocky entry and sea urchins.
- Be very respectful of the long-standing local community.
- The trail down to the cove is steep; use parking at the top near Malaga Cove Plaza.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Los Angeles
- Nearest Town
- Palos Verdes Estates
- Nearest Airport
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Parking
- Limited street parking at Malaga Cove Plaza or near the top of the access trail.
- Public Transport
- Served by Beach Cities Transit and LA Metro bus lines; a car is recommended for transporting equipment between cliffs and beaches.
- Access
- Public access is via a steep paved trail descending from the bluff top near the gazebo.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Luxury resorts and boutique hotels in Palos Verdes and Redondo Beach.
- Food & Drink
- Malaga Cove Plaza offers cafes and restaurants a short walk from the trailhead.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available at the beach; nearest shops are in Redondo Beach.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A historic landmark featuring dining, shopping, and scenic ocean views.
Museum focused on the history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and whale watching.
Extensive hiking and biking trails offering panoramic views of the Pacific.
A pedestrian-only zone lined with numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants.
A large saltwater lagoon in Redondo Beach with sand beaches and play areas.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Haggerty’s and Malaga Cove (Palos Verdes)?
The best overall months at Haggerty’s and Malaga Cove (Palos Verdes) are January, February. The best wind months are November, December, January, February.
Which wind directions work at Haggerty’s and Malaga Cove (Palos Verdes)?
Haggerty’s and Malaga Cove (Palos Verdes) works with E, NE winds. Offshore directions are E, NE.
What skill level is Haggerty’s and Malaga Cove (Palos Verdes) suitable for?
Haggerty’s and Malaga Cove (Palos Verdes) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.