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Manhattan Beach

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City
—°8
Manhattan Beach (United States)
ℹ️

Practical info — Manhattan Beach

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The Strand beachfront path is strictly divided for bicycles and pedestrians; make sure to stay in the correct lane to avoid fines and collisions.
  • Parking near the pier is notoriously difficult and expensive; consider using the public parking structures a few blocks uphill.
  • Beach volleyball courts are generally first-come, first-served, so claim your net early if you plan to play on a sunny weekend.
  • The South Bay Bicycle Trail connects all the way to Santa Monica, making for an excellent long-distance, traffic-free ride.

🍽 Food

🍽
Fresh Pacific Seafood

Enjoy upscale dining with ocean views at the elegant restaurants near the Manhattan Beach Pier.

🍽
Farm-to-Table Brunch

Look for chic cafes in the downtown area serving organic, locally sourced breakfast dishes.

🍽
Artisanal Ice Cream

Cool down with small-batch ice cream from the dedicated dessert shops along Manhattan Beach Boulevard.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Downtown Boutiques

Explore the streets radiating from the pier for high-end designer clothing, surf wear, and unique gifts.

🛍
Manhattan Village

Visit this open-air shopping center for a mix of premium brands and lifestyle retailers.

🧘
Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden

A small, peaceful oasis located in Polliwog Park, completely away from the beach crowds.

🧘
North Strand Walk

Take a quieter stroll along The Strand north of the pier towards El Porto for fewer crowds.

Manhattan Beach is the quintessential Southern California luxury beach town. The community is defined by its pristine sandy shores and the historic Manhattan Beach Pier, which features a welcoming roundhouse aquarium at its end. The actual Manhattan Beach strand is world-renowned as a hub for professional beach volleyball, hosting major tournaments annually. Running parallel to the ocean is 'The Strand,' a famous paved path where cyclists and joggers move past some of the most expensive real estate in the country. The downtown area is a sophisticated destination filled with high-end boutiques, acclaimed restaurants, and chic cafes. Despite its upscale reputation, the city maintains a quintessential surf-culture vibe. Families often frequent Polliwog Park for its large green spaces and pond. Its location just south of LAX makes it a convenient yet serene escape for international travelers. Whether catching waves in the Pacific, sunbathing on the expansive sand, or dining at a five-star eatery, Manhattan Beach delivers a premier coastal experience in a remarkable setting.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141315151719212222201713
Rain mm96865921101103193075

Geography

Population
35,818 (2017)
Coordinates
33.88728, -118.41043

Facts

  • Historic wooden pier
  • Volleyball capital
  • Luxury real estate
  • The Strand walkway
  • Manhattan Beach
  • Close to LAX airport
  • Founded in 1912
  • Polliwog Park

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Manhattan Beach (8)

Roundhouse Aquarium🎡 recreation

An aquarium located at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier showcasing local marine life.

Bo Bridges Gallery🏛 museum

A gallery in Manhattan Beach specializing in modern photography and art.

Marine Avenue Park🌳 park

A park in Manhattan Beach with sports facilities and a large grass area for recreational activities.

Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden🌳 park

A garden in Manhattan Beach showcasing California's native flora in a designed setting.

Sand Dune Park🌳 park

A park in Manhattan Beach known for its large sand dune and fitness opportunities.

Manhattan Beach🎡 recreation

A famous sandy beach in Manhattan Beach good for surfing, volleyball, and sunbathing.

Manhattan Beach Historical Society🏛 museum

A museum dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the local history of Manhattan Beach.

🕒 Sa-Su 12:00-15:00; Mo-Fr off

Gail's Frames & Gallery🏛 museum

An art gallery in Manhattan Beach offering framing services and local artworks.

Frequently asked questions

What is the iconic landmark of Manhattan Beach?
The Manhattan Beach Pier, featuring the roundhouse aquarium at the end.
Is there good shopping?
Downtown Manhattan Beach gives upscale boutiques and high-end retail stores.
How far is it from LAX airport?
It is very close, only about a 15-20 minute drive south of LAX airport.
Is the beach good for volleyball?
Yes, it is often called the 'Beach Volleyball Capital of the World'.
Where is the best place for a walk?
'The Strand' is a paved path along the ocean, first-rate for walking, running, or biking.
Manhattan Beach: where is it located?
Manhattan Beach is located in United States.
Manhattan Beach: what is there to see?
Highlights include Roundhouse Aquarium, Bo Bridges Gallery, Marine Avenue Park.
Manhattan Beach: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Manhattan Beach: why is it worth visiting?
Manhattan Beach is the quintessential Southern California luxury beach town.
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