The Lineup
Just a few sandy steps from the hustle of Los Angeles, there's a little slice of beach that's been holding it down for the city's surf culture since way back. We're talking about Toes Beach, baby – the kind of spot that'll have you dusting off that vintage log and channeling your inner Gidget in no time.
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The Legendary Spot
Now, let's take a step back in time. In the 1950s and '60s, Playa Del Rey was the place to be for any self-respecting wave rider in LA. The surf was straight-up gnarly, drawing in the best of the best to test their mettle against these powerful peaks. It was during those glory days that a tight-knit crew of locals started calling this northernmost stretch of sand "Toes Beach" – a nod to the "toes over the nose" maneuver that defined the era's surfing style.
The Vibe
Okay, so maybe the waves around here aren't quite as epic as they used to be (thanks a lot, rock jetties). But that doesn't mean the spirit of surf culture has faded away. In fact, Toes Beach has become a kind of sacred ground for the Playa Del Rey community – a place where the ocean-loving locals can gather to celebrate their deep-rooted ties to the sport. Whether it's a beach cleanup, an impromptu yoga sesh, or just a good old-fashioned drum circle, you'll find all sorts of groovy vibes going down at Toes. And let's not forget about those die-hard surfers who still paddle out, chasing whatever waves they can find in a nod to the spot's legendary past.
The Scene
Sure, Toes Beach might not have the same epic barrels that once drew surfers from far and wide. But what it lacks in wave quality, it more than makes up for in laid-back charm. This is the kind of place where you can kick back, soak up some rays, and just enjoy the simple pleasures of beach life without having to battle the crowds. And if you're really lucky, you might even catch a few of the old-school locals spinning tales of Toes Beach's glory days. These salty dogs have been around since the beginning, and they're always down to share a few stories (and maybe a cold one) with anyone who's willing to lend an ear. The Verdict
Whether you're a surf history buff, a beach bum in need of some serious chill time, or just a curious soul looking to experience a slice of LA's coastal culture, Toes Beach is the spot. With its rich heritage, tight-knit community, and laid-back vibes, this unassuming little stretch of sand is a true gem – a reminder that the spirit of surf culture is alive and well, even if the waves themselves have changed.
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More here: Playa del Rey in the 1950s and early 1960s was known as a great Los Angeles area "surfing spot", but due to the many rock jetties that were built to prevent beach erosion, the good surf is mostly gone. The beach at the northernmost end of Playa del Rey is still known as "Toes Over Beach", "Toes Beach" or just "Toes" by the local surfing community, a name derived from the toes over or Hang Ten surfing maneuver. Most surfers now flock south of Dockweiler Beach, to "El Porto", the northernmost part of beach in the city of Manhattan Beach. The lifeguard and park services are uniform across the entire twenty-mile stretch of beach.[7]
