Palos Verdes Surf Spots

The Palos Verdes Peninsula isn’t known for it’s surfing outside of local circles and there is a reason for that. It’s called “localism” and this area has a severe case of this disease. With a location between Los Angeles and Long Beach, and possessing some excellent breaks, you’d think this place would be better known. The locals know these surf spots as Palos Verdes Cove, Lunada Bay, Haggertys at Malaga Cove among other names.

Localism is when locals intimidate and threaten non-locals to keep them from visiting places. There are many documented cases of threats, property crimes, and physical abuse of people who have come from outside of Palos Verdes to enjoy these surf spots. The most notorious case involves the “Lunada Bay Boys” that began in the 1960’s as a friendly group and evolved into a thuggish bunch that didn’t want to share their sacred surf spot. Allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and violence has even gotten them their own wikipedia page.

Until the local authorities get this under control, we can’t recommend that you head out to PV to surf, but we wanted to show you where they are and what they look like.

Sunset over Lunada Bay

Below are the surf spots which are located north to south in Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, and San Pedro. Just click on the beaches and go to the map tab to see the satellite images of these coves. Under the right conditions these places can have great breaks. If you happen to know someone who already surfs there, then you might get a chance to paddle out at one of these spots.