Need a laid-back yet upscale beach getaway in SoCal? Head to Manhattan Beach! Just minutes from LAX, this coastal gem offers stunning ocean views, boutique shopping, and golden sand beaches. Whether you’re surfing, biking the Strand, or dining with a sunset view, Manhattan Beach blends beachy vibes with urban elegance.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Manhattan Beach is during the spring through fall (March–October). Warm, sunny weather and cool ocean breezes make it perfect for beach days, outdoor dining, and waterfront strolls.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Manhattan Beach is located off CA-1 (Pacific Coast Highway), just 10–15 minutes from LAX and 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles.
- By Air: Fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), then take a short drive or rideshare to Manhattan Beach.
- By Public Transit: Metro buses and Beach Cities Transit offer service from LAX and nearby areas. Ride the Metro C Line to connect from other parts of L.A.
Where to Stay
- Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach – Modern boutique hotel with rooftop pool, craft cocktails, and walkable access to the pier and restaurants.
- The Sea View Inn at the Beach – Relaxed and cozy option with ocean views just steps from the sand.
- Westdrift Manhattan Beach, Autograph Collection – Upscale resort-style hotel with golf, pool, and stylish rooms a short drive from the beach.
Top Attractions
⮕ Swim, Surf, and Soak Up the Sun at Manhattan Beach
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Manhattan Beach, the actual beach, is the city’s main beach. The two-mile stretch of sandy, wide, flat beach begins in the south at 1st Street and stretches to Rosecrans Avenue, where the beach becomes instead El Porto Beach. The popular beach becomes quite busy during the weekends in the summer months, as well as during any beach events and near the Manhattan Pier. Manhattan Beach has nearly one hundred volleyball courts that can be netted up. The vastness of the beach also makes it an ideal place for sunbathing. There are also lifeguard station spaced out throughout the strand of beach.
Manhattan Beach Blvd and The Strand, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
⮕ Stroll and Snap Photos from the Scenic Manhattan Beach Pier
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Manhattan Beach Pier is an iconic place to photography with its photogenic roundhouse with a red roof near the end of the pier and the steel turquoise-colored railing that run the length of Manhattan Beach Pier.
The parking lot is lined with many palm trees that help complete the picturesque scene.
The pier has a length of 928 feet, which isn’t that long by the standards of California, however, it has been standing for a long time, dating back to the 1920’s.
This makes the Manhattan Beach Pier the west coast’s oldest concrete pier. It was renovated and restored during the 1990’s.
Manhattan Beach Blvd and Ocean Dr, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
⮕ Shop, Dine, and Explore in Downtown Manhattan Beach
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Downtown Manhattan Beach, about 50 minutes from Los Angeles, is sometimes to referred to as the “Pearl of the South Bay.” Founded back in the year 1912, the downtown area of the city features chic shopping opportunities, award-winning chefs and restaurants serving delicious, mouth-watering food, and stunning sunsets just steps away from a beach. There are more than 150, retailers in Downtown Manhattan Beach, including art galleries, home furnishing stores, womens’ clothing, mens’ clothing, childrens’ clothing and items, and much more. More than fifty restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, and delis can also be found in the downtown district, offering dining options for everyone.
Downtown Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, Phone: 310-379-9901
⮕ Discover Ocean Life at the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium
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The Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium at the Manhattan Beach Pier acts as the educational facility for the Oceanographic Teaching Stations. Inside of the facility are both touch tanks and viewing tanks that all display a wide array of marine invertebrates and fish. There is a children’s area as well.
Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, Phone: 310-379-8117, FB
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
⮕ Climb and Play on the Massive Hills of Sand Dune Park
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Sand Dune Park in Manhattan Beach, California gets its name from the sand dune that stands at one hundred feet high located in the park. This sand dune makes the park a popular place with children of all ages. Switchbacks and steps lead to a nature area, serving as a path providing several ways to reach the summit. The trail meanders through plants offers an educational and interesting nature walk. From the sand dune’s peak, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city. The park also contains a small playground for kids with climbing equipment, a merry-go-round, and swings.
3299 Bell Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, 424-634-2842
⮕ Enjoy Sports and Picnics at Lively Live Oak Park
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Live Oak Park is one of the city of Manhattan Beach’s oldest parks. Spread out across nearly nine acres, the park, among other events, is the host of the city’s Old Hometown Fair that takes places in October every year. One of the most cherished play areas for toddlers in the city is also found in the Live Oak Park, along with a play area for older kids. The park also consists of six tennis courts with lights, a lighted basketball court, two lighted large multi-purpose fields, many picnic areas able to accommodate anywhere from twelve to fifty people, and two barbeques.
1901 N Valley Dr, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, Phone: 310-802-5474
⮕ Let Kids Run Wild at AdventurePlex Indoor Activity Center
© AdventurePlex
The mission of AdventurePlex
is to make healthier habits more fun with the idea that starting healthy habits at an early age will make those habits last for a lifetime. The AdventurePlex complex was designed for the whole family to learn, grow, and play, created to provide families with a dynamic space to get silly, get physical, and to get healthy. The play facility measures sixteen thousand square feet in size and offers one of the best indoor playgrounds in the area, as well as a place for camps and parties.AdventurePlex offers learning and play opportunities, classes, free wireless internet, and healthy food.
1701 Marine Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, Phone: 310-546-7708
⮕ Browse Local Art and Coastal Inspiration at Riley Arts Gallery
© Riley Arts Gallery
Riley Arts Gallery has been providing both locals and visitors a chance to view a variety of works of art in its beachside location since 1999. The gallery features a mix of art and photo framing, photography, prints, fine art, and gifts, offering a ever changing assortment to meet the requests of customers for quality pieces to match their personal style of decor. The staff knowledgeable about the work of the artists carried at the Riley Arts Gallery. Guests can find beautiful watercolors and oils featuring a coastal living theme, as well as limited edition posters and prints, small gifts, and cards.
1007 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, Phone: 310-372-3681
⮕ Reflect at Bruce's Beach, a Site of Rich Cultural History
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Bruce's Beach can be found along the coast just southwest of the city of Los Angeles in Manhattan Beach. The beach boasts typically clear skies and sunny weather year-round. The beach area is a popular spot for picnics with its well-maintained lawns overlooking the shore and picturesque setting. Locals also use Bruce’s Beach for other recreational activities, yoga classes, dog walks, and playdates for children. The lawns are just a couple of minutes walk away from the shore. A half-court for basketballs, benches, and several shade trees can also be found on the beach’s three acres of green lawn.
2600 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, Phone: 310-802-5410
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- The Strand – Scenic beachfront path for walking, biking, or skating along the coast.
- Polliwog Park – Family-friendly park with a duck pond, playgrounds, and summer concerts.
- Roundhouse Aquarium – Small but fun marine life center with hands-on exhibits for kids and ocean lovers.
Where to Eat
- The Strand House – Upscale American dining with ocean views and craft cocktails—perfect for sunset dinners.
- Fishing With Dynamite – Beloved seafood spot offering fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and playful décor.
- Uncle Bill’s Pancake House – Popular breakfast joint known for big stacks, beach views, and casual charm.
If you are interested in local events:
- International Surf Festival (August) – Celebrate SoCal surf culture with beach competitions, volleyball, and fun in the sun.
- Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks (December) – Kick off the season with fireworks, music, and a festive beach party atmosphere.
- Summer Concerts in the Park (July–August) – Bring a blanket and enjoy free live music at Polliwog Park on Sunday evenings.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Manhattan Beach, California:
- Hermosa Beach (5–10 min) – Chill beach town with a bustling pier, live music venues, and laid-back bars.
- Redondo Beach (10–15 min) – Explore the marina, whale watching tours, or shop along the pier boardwalk.
- Venice Beach (25–30 min) – People-watch on the boardwalk, browse quirky shops, or skate through Venice's famous scene.
- Santa Monica (30 min) – Ride the Ferris wheel at the pier, visit Third Street Promenade, or dine in upscale beachside cafés.
- Abbot Kinney Boulevard (25–30 min) – Trendy street in Venice filled with designer boutiques, coffee shops, and street art.
FAQ:
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Q: What makes Manhattan Beach unique?
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A: Manhattan Beach is one of the most interesting beach towns in the Los Angeles area, known for surfers riding the waves, a fun pier, and plenty of beach volleyball nets.
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Q: What can visitors do in Manhattan Beach?
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A: Visitors can enjoy paved walkways that provide easy access to the ocean for people watching, soaking up the sun, or taking a dip in the water.
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Q: Is Manhattan Beach a good place for shopping and dining?
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A: Yes, Manhattan Beach is also a popular destination for shopping and dining.
Map:
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