The main beach runs north from the pier for about two miles to the Hermosa border — broad, sandy, and noticeably less crowded than Hermosa or Manhattan to the north. Surf is moderate, lifeguards are on duty in season, and several pockets of beach are accessible only by stairways down the cliffs of the Esplanade. The sheltered swimming options are at Seaside Lagoon (heated saltwater) or the small protected coves inside King Harbor.