El Porto (Manhattan)
4.3(6)beach
beginner-intermediate
**El Porto** (Manhattan Beach) functions as South Bay's northwest swell magnet rated 7/10 for consistency despite variable quality.
Dawn patrol surfing in Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach, California
Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.
First light in Manhattan Beach means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 2 spots are worth the 5am alarm.
Sunrise
6:45 AMFirst Light: 6:15 AM
Day length: 12h 1m
-2 min vs yesterday
Sunrise
6:45 AM
First light: 6:15 AM
Sunset
6:46 PM
Last light: 7:16 PM
Data from El Porto (Manhattan) · Updated daily
7-Day Sun Schedule
| Day | Sunrise | Sunset | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today(Today) | 6:45 AM | 6:46 PM | 12h 1m |
| Tomorrow | 6:46 AM | 6:45 PM | 11h 59m |
| Tue, Sep 29 | 6:47 AM | 6:43 PM | 11h 57m |
| Wed, Sep 30 | 6:47 AM | 6:42 PM | 11h 55m |
| Thu, Oct 1 | 6:48 AM | 6:41 PM | 11h 53m |
| Fri, Oct 2 | 6:49 AM | 6:39 PM | 11h 51m |
| Sat, Oct 3 | 6:50 AM | 6:38 PM | 11h 48m |
Today(Today)
Sunrise
6:45 AM
Sunset
6:46 PM
Day Length
12h 1m
Tomorrow
Sunrise
6:46 AM
Sunset
6:45 PM
Day Length
11h 59m
Tue, Sep 29
Sunrise
6:47 AM
Sunset
6:43 PM
Day Length
11h 57m
Wed, Sep 30
Sunrise
6:47 AM
Sunset
6:42 PM
Day Length
11h 55m
Thu, Oct 1
Sunrise
6:48 AM
Sunset
6:41 PM
Day Length
11h 53m
Fri, Oct 2
Sunrise
6:49 AM
Sunset
6:39 PM
Day Length
11h 51m
Sat, Oct 3
Sunrise
6:50 AM
Sunset
6:38 PM
Day Length
11h 48m
Best dawn patrol spots in Manhattan Beach
Featured Beaches
2 spots
El Porto (Manhattan)
Beginner friendlyEl Porto (Manhattan Beach) functions as South Bay's northwest swell magnet rated 7/10 for consistency despite variable quality.
Manhattan Beach Pier
IntermediateThe sandbars north and south of Manhattan Beach Pier provide consistent beach-break peaks with both lefts and rights. Summer southwest swells and offshore east winds create the best conditions. The waves can be fun for intermediates but rips are common and the lineup is often crowded.
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Featured Beaches(2)
Dawn patrol access guide for Manhattan Beach
Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.
Manhattan Beach Pier
beach
intermediate
The sandbars north and south of Manhattan Beach Pier provide consistent beach-break peaks with both lefts and rights. Summer southwest swells and offshore east winds create the best conditions. The waves can be fun for intermediates but rips are common and the lineup is often crowded.
Early access
Walk down the pier or beach paths to the sand; choose a sandbar north or south of the pier depending on the crowd.
Parking
Use the pier parking lots or street parking along Manhattan Beach Boulevard; pay attention to time limits.
Dawn patrol tips
- Glassy morning conditions before onshore winds
- Less crowded lineups at sunrise
- East-facing beaches for sunrise views
- Spots with easy parking for early arrivals
Surf Guides for Manhattan Beach
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
About surfing in Manhattan Beach
- Dawn patrol in Manhattan Beach typically starts at first light, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the glassiest conditions before onshore winds develop.
- Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.
Check it, surf it, log it
Check the forecast, surf the session, log what happened — and build the record you'll compare every next call against.
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