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Manhattan Beach, California, is a vibrant coastal city located in Los Angeles County. It is an ideal destination for a beachside getaway that combines an upscale atmosphere with a relaxed vibe. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in California’s surf culture, consider taking a day trip to Manhattan Beach. This area is renowned for its big waves, beautiful white sandy beaches, and a lively community of surfers and volleyball enthusiasts. Here’s a guide to visiting Manhattan Beach, perfect for a day trip or short stay, covering things to do, places to see, dining options, and nearby attractions.
Things to Do and See in Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach Pier: A historic 928-foot pier built in 1920, ideal for a scenic walk with panoramic ocean views. At the end, visit the Roundhouse Aquarium (free, donations appreciated) to see local marine life like octopuses and jellyfish. Great for sunset strolls or fishing.
The Strand: A paved beachfront path perfect for biking, walking, or rollerblading alongside multimillion-dollar homes and the sandy shoreline. Rent bikes or skates at local shops like Fun Bunns (near the pier).
Manhattan Beach: The main Beach is a hotspot for surfing, volleyball, and sunbathing. The wide, sandy shore is clean and family-friendly, with lifeguards on duty. Surf lessons are available through schools like Surf Academy.
Manhattan Beach Bike Trail: The Strand–a 20-mile paved path along the Beach–connects them all. Along with this concrete boardwalk, you’ll find a parade of people pedaling, sprinting, strolling, and rolling past a star-studded lineup of beachfront dream homes.
Downtown Manhattan Beach: A walkable area along Manhattan Beach Boulevard with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Check out local stores like Tabula Rasa for unique gifts or The Cake Bake Shop for desserts.
Bruce’s Beach Park: A small hilltop park with historical significance, offering views of the coastline.
Sand Dune Park: A challenging 100-foot dune for fitness enthusiasts to climb or run, plus a playground for kids. Reservations are required for dune workouts to manage crowds.
Dining Options
The Strand House: Upscale dining with ocean views, serving modern American dishes like seafood towers and grilled octopus. Perfect for a special meal (entrées $20–$50).
Fishing with Dynamite: A cozy spot for fresh seafood, known for oysters, lobster rolls, and ceviche. Expect a wait; reservations recommended (entrées $15–$40).
Nick’s Manhattan Beach: Casual yet refined, offering coastal-inspired dishes like butter-poached lobster and filet mignon. Great for brunch or dinner (entrées $18–$45).
Love & Salt: Italian-American cuisine with a lively vibe, featuring wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas. Try the ricotta agnolotti (entrées $15–$35).
Manhattan Beach Creamery: For dessert, grab a scoop of local ice cream or a famous “cream’wich” ice cream sandwich.
International Surf Festival
During the summer, from the end of July, the International Surf Festival rolls into Manhattan Beach, complete with volleyball tournaments, lifeguard games, soccer, beach runs, and of course, a surfing contest.
If you find that one day is not enough time to enjoy this urban paradise, there are a pair of hotels just a few minutes from the Strand that will let you get a taste of what it’s like to live just steps from the Beach.
A Brief History of Manhattan Beach, CA
Manhattan Beach was incorporated in 1912 and named after the hometown of developer George Peck, Manhattan, New York. Originally part of Rancho Sausal Redondo, the area developed into a beach resort destination following the construction of the pier in 1920. Bruce’s Beach, which was a thriving Black-owned resort in the 1910s, was wrongfully taken from its owners in the 1920s due to racial discrimination. In 2022, the land was returned to the descendants of the original owners.
Getting There
Manhattan Beach is 20 miles from downtown LA, about a 30-minute drive via I-405 or Sepulveda Boulevard. Parking near the pier and downtown is limited; use metered lots or street parking.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with mild weather (60–75°F). Summer (June–August) is busiest; spring or fall offers fewer crowds. Check tide schedules for surfing or beach walks.
Safety: The area is generally safe, with a low crime rate, but stay aware of your belongings on the Beach. Lifeguards monitor swimming areas.
Accessibility: The pier and The Strand are wheelchair-accessible, and the Beach has mobility mats for easier access.
Manhattan Beach Nearby Points of Interest
Hermosa Beach (2 miles south): A lively beach town with a pier, nightlife, and restaurants like The Bottle Inn for Italian. Great for extending your beach day.
Redondo Beach Pier (4 miles south): A bustling pier with arcades, seafood spots like Tony’s, and harbor cruises. Ideal for families or a casual outing.
Venice Beach (8 miles north): Visit the iconic Venice Boardwalk, Canals, or Abbot Kinney Boulevard for eclectic shops and street art, as you’ve explored before.