Linda Mar (San Mateo County)

Linda Mar is a highly popular, sandy beach-break surfing spot in Pacifica designed for easy access and beginner learning. Conditions are typically shaped by a cold, marine-influenced environment and onshore sea-breeze/gradient winds, which can groom or add chop depending on direction and timing. The surf is generally described as moderate in power, with a mushy wave character that makes it approachable for novice surfers. It can produce long left-hand rides when sandbars align with west to northwest swell. Riders typically look for a mid tide window for the best overall feel, and wave quality is commonly rated as good to consistent. Safety is a major consideration. Reported hazards include rip currents, sharks, submerged rocks/boulders near the ends of the beach, and exposure to pollution after heavy rain. Crowding is also significant, so standard surf etiquette and patience in the lineup are important. A specific warning is to avoid entering if recent rain has occurred and to watch for the well-known “Pacifica smell” from creek runoff that can correspond to high bacteria counts. Seasonally, it is active most of the year—especially from September through May—when swell tends to be more consistently productive. Water temperatures stay cold (roughly low-to-mid teens °C across months), so planning for full wetsuit use (and winter layering such as hood/boots) is part of the standard expectation.