El Porto Beach, aka North Manhattan Beach

Named Best Surf Spot in Los Angles in 2011 by LA Weekly, North Manhattan Beach (historically known as El Porto) provides the vistas typically associated with sunny southern California complete with white sand, iconic lifeguard stands, volleyball courts, a snack shack, outdoor showers and a bike path. An underwater canyon creates some of the best surfing opportunities in the South Bay.

The name change came from the Manhattan Beach City Council circa 2007 which cleaned up the image of the area previously known for hard partying ways of the 70's and 80's. While the quality of the area improved the name change was mostly ignored by South Bay locals who still largely refer to the beach as El Porto.


Only a short jaunt from LAX, visitors should take Lincoln Boulevard south to Imperial west to Vista Del Mar south. There a huge metered lot adjacent to the beach and patience will typically score you a spot.


El Porto Beach / North Manhattan Beach
Intersection of Vista Del Mar and 45th St.
(310) 372-2166