Last Updated: January 08, 2026
Manhattan Beach is a charming seaside city with plenty of things to do for visitors looking for beach fun, dining, and outdoor activities. Walk along the Manhattan Beach Pier, relax at Manhattan Beach shoreline, or enjoy biking on the Strand Bike Path. Play volleyball at the Beach Volleyball Courts, explore shops and restaurants along Downtown Manhattan Beach, or grab a bite at Fishing with Dynamite and Manhattan Beach Post. Nature lovers can hike nearby Sand Dune Park or enjoy water sports at Dockweiler State Beach. With its beaches, shops, dining, and outdoor activities, Manhattan Beach is ideal for experiencing the top things to do in Los Angeles coastal areas.
Manhattan Beach is home to some of the best hotels in Los Angeles, offering luxury, comfort, and stunning ocean views. For an upscale experience, Shore Hotel offers modern amenities and a beautiful beachfront location. For a more boutique vibe, The Belamar Hotel combines chic accommodations with a relaxed atmosphere. For a truly luxurious stay, Manhattan Beach Marriott provides top-tier amenities and a prime location near the beach and local attractions.
The Strand House
Manhattan Beach boasts a variety of outstanding restaurants offering diverse cuisines. For a fine dining experience, head to Waterman’s, a seafood restaurant with beautiful ocean views and a wide selection of fresh, locally caught dishes. For a casual but delicious meal, Slay Coffee serves up tasty breakfast options and coffee in a laid-back atmosphere. For those craving Italian, Little Sister offers flavorful dishes with a modern twist, featuring both traditional and contemporary Asian fusion cuisine.
Manhattan Beach has several fantastic sports bars where you can catch your favorite game while enjoying good food and drinks. The Dudes' Brewing Co. offers craft beer, great pub food, and a lively atmosphere for sports fans. Another popular option is Redondo Beach Brewing Co., which serves up craft beers and bar bites in a friendly, casual setting. Shannon’s Sports Bar is a local favorite for watching live sports with a cold drink and hearty pub fare.
Manhattan Beach is renowned for its wide sandy shores, perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, or beach activities. Manhattan Beach itself is one of the best beaches in the area, offering ample space to spread out and enjoy the California sun. For a quieter, more secluded experience, head to El Porto Beach, known for its excellent surfing conditions and less crowded atmosphere. Both beaches are perfect for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying breathtaking coastal views.
Manhattan Beach is a haven for volleyball enthusiasts and beachgoers alike. With 50 volleyball courts spread out along its 2-mile-long beach, it's no wonder why the city is known for its love of the sport. The annual volleyball tournament hosted by the City of Manhattan Beach draws in both professional and amateur players from all over the world, making it one of the most anticipated events of the year. In addition to its reputation for volleyball, Manhattan Beach is also a popular destination for surfers, with two of the most popular spots being the Pier and El Porto. The well-maintained beach attracts nearly 4 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited beaches in Southern California. If you're interested in learning how to play beach volleyball, the local Parks & Rec department offers lessons, making it easy to get in on the fun. With its stunning scenery and its rich volleyball heritage, Manhattan Beach is the perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy the beach and the sport.
Manhattan Beach is a surfer's paradise, with some of the best surf spots in Los Angeles. El Porto Beach is one of the most popular surf locations, known for its consistent waves and ideal conditions for both beginners and advanced surfers. Manhattan Beach itself offers great surf breaks along its shoreline, attracting surfers from around the world. The area is also home to various surf schools, making it an excellent spot for newcomers to the sport.
Embark on a journey of outdoor exploration and recreation as you discover the diverse and captivating parks of Manhattan Beach, California. Manhattan Beach, California, is home to a collection of remarkable parks that offer a wide array of recreational opportunities and natural beauty. From the enchanting Polliwog Park with its picturesque pond and charming gazebos to the remarkable Sand Dune Park known for its unique sand dunes and breathtaking views, these parks captivate visitors with their diverse offerings. Live Oak Park stands as a beloved recreational haven with tennis courts, play areas, and community buildings, while Marine Ave Park boasts sports fields, picnic areas, and a thrilling skate spot. Additionally, the Marine Sport Complex provides premier facilities for baseball and softball enthusiasts. Manhattan Heights Park and its adjacent community center offer a range of amenities for gatherings and activities. With each park showcasing its unique features and attractions, Manhattan Beach offers an extraordinary outdoor experience for residents and visitors.
Manhattan Beach and the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier in Los Angeles County offer a thrilling surfing experience for wave enthusiasts. This exposed beach break boasts consistent surf, with summer being the favored season for catching waves. The east wind direction is ideal for optimal conditions. Groundswells are the main source of surf here, with the ideal swell direction coming from the southwest. Surfing at Manhattan Beach and Pier presents riders with both left and right waves, although it's important to note that the area can often be crowded. Surfers should exercise caution and be mindful of the presence of rips, as they can make the surfing conditions potentially hazardous.
Manhattan Beach Sand Dune ParkManhattan Beach boasts several beautiful parks that offer a variety of outdoor activities, making it a great destination for nature lovers and families. Polliwog Park is one of the most popular parks in the area, featuring expansive lawns, a peaceful pond, picnic tables, and a well-equipped playground, perfect for a family day out. For those who enjoy sports, Manhattan Beach Park is a fantastic spot with tennis courts, basketball courts, and a skate park. Another hidden gem is Live Oak Park, a quieter park with walking trails, a playground, and plenty of open space for picnics or relaxing under the trees. Whether you're looking to engage in sports, take a leisurely stroll, or just unwind in nature, Manhattan Beach Parks offer a great mix of recreational options.
The Concerts in the Park series at Polliwog Park Amphitheater, located at 1601 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, is a must-attend event in the South Bay, featuring performances from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This vibrant event offers a diverse mix of soul, funk, beach vibes, and more, providing an exciting musical experience for all ages. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the live music in a scenic outdoor setting. For more details, visit the Concerts in the Park webpage or contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448.
The Manhattan Beach Open Tennis Tournament is an exciting annual event held at the Live Oak Park and Mira Costa Tennis Courts. This tournament showcases the finest open and recreational tennis players from the South Bay, competing fiercely for bragging rights, cash prizes, and more. Pre-registration is required for participants, ensuring a well-organized and competitive environment. Tennis enthusiasts and players alike can look forward to four days of thrilling matches and spirited competition. For more information, visit the Manhattan Beach Open Tennis Tournament webpage or contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448.
Get ready for an exhilarating journey into the world of beach volleyball as we delve into the highly anticipated Manhattan Beach Volleyball Tournaments of 2023. From the iconic Charlie Saikley 6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament, paying tribute to the legendary "Godfather of Beach Volleyball," to the prestigious Manhattan Beach Open presented by the City of Manhattan Beach and the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP), these tournaments bring together world-class talent, unforgettable moments, and a vibrant beach lifestyle. Additionally, the Junior 6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament provides a platform for young enthusiasts to showcase their skills and enjoy the camaraderie of the sport. Join us as we explore the history, excitement, and unforgettable experiences awaiting both participants and spectators in these extraordinary beach volleyball events.
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape in the heart of Manhattan Beach, the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is a hidden gem. Located in Polliwog Park, this charming garden is home to native plants and beautiful landscapes, including drought-tolerant species and vibrant flowers. It’s the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll, relax, or enjoy a quiet afternoon surrounded by nature. The garden also offers educational programs and volunteer opportunities, making it a great spot for both locals and visitors to connect with the environment.
For those who love to shop, Manhattan Village Mall is the place to be. Located just a short distance from the beach, this upscale shopping center features a variety of shops, boutiques, and dining options. Whether you're looking for the latest fashion trends, unique gifts, or home goods, Manhattan Village has it all. The mall also offers a number of great eateries, so you can grab a bite after a day of shopping. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re browsing or treating yourself to something special.
Manhattan Beach, one of the three Beach Cities in the South Bay of Los Angeles County, offers a range of housing options that cater to different lifestyles. From multi-million dollar mansions along the famous "Strand" to charming cottages on tree-lined streets, the real estate in Manhattan Beach is highly coveted. With its clean and expansive sandy beaches, the city embodies a laid-back beach culture that attracts surfers and beach enthusiasts. The steep hills provide breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, and many homes have been designed or remodeled to take advantage of these superb locations. Residents and visitors can enjoy the outdoors in public parks, a pedestrian-friendly greenbelt, and the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden, all under the warm California sunshine. The city is also renowned for its nationally top-ranked schools and a thriving community that actively participates in various cultural, community, and sporting events. With its proximity to Los Angeles and the tech industry in Silicon Beach, Manhattan Beach offers an ideal coastal lifestyle for those who love surfing, beach volleyball, and living by the ocean, attracting tech moguls, professional athletes, and celebrities who contribute to the demand and real estate values in the area.