best of the Venice/Santa Monica spots

[jonv14]

I know there are better spots around LA, but I'm going to be moving to the Venice/Santa Monica area and would really like to be walking distance to a halfway decent spot so I could quickly go in the mornings before work, etc.

I've been having trouble getting a feel for the spots in that area. Most maps have Bay Street (Santa Monica) and Venice. But I have also read things about Venice Breakwater, Santa Monica Pier, and also references to the lifeguard stand numbers (e.g. Santa Monica lifeguard stand #26, #24, etc.), but most more "official" sites (like this one, for example) don't have anything about them.

Would anyone be willing to give a quick overview of the spots in this area? In particular, can you just surf anywhere are are there specific spots? How do those "lifeguard chair" spots compare to Bay Street, Venice, etc. (From the apartments we're looking at, it seems more likely that we'll be about halfway between the Santa Monica Pier and Muscle Beach, which from what I can tell is right by the lifeguard stands).

And if you had to pick one spot there to life closest to, what would it be? I know they are relatively close together but I'll be walking with a board, and will be pressed for time in the mornings, so even a 5-10 minute difference in the walk time is significant.

Thank you!

[oldmansurfer]

I am not familiar with that area but there is a surf map here that describes a lot of spots in that area. Not sure if it helps but here it is https://surfing-waves.com/atlas/north_america/usa/west_coast/california/southern_california/los_angeles_county.html

[DrDave]

I don't surf that area a lot, but in my experience the only notable structure along that stretch is the Venice breakwater. The rest is pretty much standard beach break, better or worse depending on how the sandbars get shaped by winter storms.

[OlegLupusov]

What's your level of surfing?
Breakwater and Venice pier are the only nice spots. All the rest are for white water and going straight

[waikikikichan]

but I'll be walking with a board, and will be pressed for time in the mornings, so even a 5-10 minute difference in the walk time is significant.

Then why don't you get a bike with a surfboard rack ? Quicker to get down to and return from the beach.

[jonv14]

What's your level of surfing?
Breakwater and Venice pier are the only nice spots. All the rest are for white water and going straight

Ok, good to know. I'm maybe an advanced beginner. I've only (successfully) used longboards (7-8 feet) and can stand up pretty regularly if the waves are easy (say 2-3 feet). But I go rarely now, and the idea would be to go very often once I move here. So it sounds like the rest of the spots could be ok at first but as I improve I'd get bored quickly. Does that sound right?

[OlegLupusov]

A sort of.
Furthermore, if you are not safe to other surfers they may kick you from breakwater and the pier if you are not big enough and/or skill ful enough:) both spit are quite crowded

Rose avenue is a decent beginner's spot.

[OlegLupusov]

During summer they also some spot for surfers after 12 pm