Things To Do
in Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is a coastal city located in Los Angeles County, California. It is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, upscale residential neighborhoods, and vibrant atmosphere. The city offers a variety of outdoor activities such as surfing, beach volleyball, and biking along The Strand.
Manhattan Beach is also home to a charming downtown area with trendy shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $150 - $350
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $80 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by enjoying the sun and sand at Manhattan Beach. Take a refreshing swim in the ocean or relax with a good book.
Grab lunch at one of the beachside cafes, savoring fresh seafood or a delicious sandwich. Spend the afternoon playing beach volleyball or strolling along the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier.
As the sun sets, find a spot on the beach to watch the vibrant colors of the sunset. Wrap up the day with a nice dinner at a local restaurant with ocean views.
Rent a bike and start your morning with a ride along the scenic Strand, the beachfront bike path. Enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze as you pedal along the coast.
Stop for lunch at one of the many eateries along the Strand. Afterward, continue your ride or take a break at one of the beach parks.
End your day with a leisurely ride back and enjoy a picnic dinner on the beach. Listen to the waves and enjoy the sunset together with friends or family.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful sandy beaches and ocean views
- Vibrant community with a good mix of residents and visitors
- Outdoor recreational activities such as surfing, volleyball, and beach walks
- Excellent dining and shopping options, including local boutiques and restaurants
- Strong sense of community with various events and festivals throughout the year
- High cost of living and housing prices
- Traffic congestion, especially during peak tourist seasons
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities nearby
- Beach can become crowded during summer months
- Potential for high winds and changing weather conditions
Best Activities in Manhattan Beach
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Take a leisurely walk or enjoy fishing at the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier.
Explore the scenic Manhattan Beach Bike Path, perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling with beautiful ocean views.
Join a game of beach volleyball at one of the designated courts along the sandy shores of Manhattan Beach.
Experience the thrill of surfing or try stand-up paddleboarding in the waves of Manhattan Beach.
Tours
Uncover the best of Manhattan Beach with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Manhattan Beach
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic pier with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline, perfect for sunset photos
Provides panoramic views of Manhattan Beach and the surrounding area, great for landscape and cityscape photography
Historic beach park with beautiful ocean views and opportunities for capturing beach scenes
Food in Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try dish in Manhattan Beach, fish tacos are typically made with fresh local fish, served with cabbage slaw, and topped with flavorful sauces. Try the famous fish tacos at FishBar or The Strand House.
Must-Try!
Poke bowls featuring fresh, marinated seafood, rice, and a variety of toppings are popular in Manhattan Beach. Visit The Source Café or Paradise Bowls for delicious poke bowl options.
Originating from the West Coast, the California roll – a sushi roll featuring crab, avocado, and cucumber – is a local favorite. Enjoy California rolls at Sushi Akatora or Rice.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Manhattan Beach better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Head to the Manhattan Beach Farmers Market to discover an array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and ready-to-eat snacks from local vendors. Open on Tuesdays, this market is a great place to sample local street food and find fresh ingredients for cooking.
For a taste of classic bar food and the quintessential beachside experience, visit Shellback Tavern. Located near the ocean, this spot offers a relaxed atmosphere and serves up favorites like burgers, nachos, and fish and chips.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Manhattan Beach, it's important to respect people's personal space and maintain a comfortable distance when interacting with others.
Manhattan Beach is diverse, so it's important to embrace and respect people from different cultural backgrounds and lifestyles.
The community in Manhattan Beach places emphasis on environmental sustainability, so it's respectful to be mindful of reducing waste and conserving resources.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Manhattan Beach with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Manhattan Beach
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Manhattan Beach, with the standard being 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants, bars, and other service establishments. It is also customary to tip hotel staff, taxi drivers, and other service providers.
Payment in Manhattan Beach is predominantly made using credit or debit cards, although cash is also widely accepted. Contactless payment methods and mobile payment apps are increasingly popular, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and sunny days make spring a great time to visit Manhattan Beach.
Warm temperatures, crowded beaches, and plenty of outdoor activities like surfing and beach volleyball.
Mild temperatures, less crowded beaches, and beautiful autumn scenery make fall a wonderful time to visit Manhattan Beach.
Cool temperatures, fewer tourists, and the possibility of catching the annual Manhattan Beach holiday fireworks display.
Manhattan Beach at Night
Hiking in Manhattan Beach
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic spot with a paved path ideal for walking and jogging, along with beautiful ocean views.
Features a trail that winds through grassy areas and up sand dunes, offering a unique hiking experience with ocean vistas.
A community park with trails, ponds, and vast green spaces, perfect for leisurely hikes and nature walks.
A beachside area with walking paths along the coastline, great for beach hikes and enjoying the ocean air.
A paved path that runs along Hermosa Beach with scenic views of the ocean, ideal for walking, running, or biking.
Aiports
How to reach Manhattan Beach by plane.
The primary airport serving the Los Angeles area, located approximately 5 miles northeast of Manhattan Beach.
Also known as Hollywood Burbank Airport, located about 25 miles north of Manhattan Beach.
Located approximately 10 miles to the southeast of Manhattan Beach, serving the Long Beach area.
Located about 35 miles southeast of Manhattan Beach, serving Orange County and the surrounding areas.
Located approximately 40 miles east of Manhattan Beach, serving the Inland Empire region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly, residents identify as White, with a significant portion of the population being Caucasian.
A notable percentage of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, contributing to the cultural diversity in the area.
There is a significant Asian community, including individuals of Chinese, Korean, and Indian descent.
The percentage of African American residents in Manhattan Beach is relatively lower compared to other demographic groups.
Includes multiracial individuals and those who identify with various other racial backgrounds.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Manhattan Beach is renowned for its surf culture and offers great waves for both amateur and professional surfers.
The beaches of Manhattan Beach are famous for sand volleyball, with numerous courts available to play on and tournaments held throughout the year.
The Strand is a popular path for runners, stretching along the beach, providing scenic views and a healthy way to exercise.
With its beautiful beaches and warm waters, swimming is a favorite activity for locals and visitors alike.
Cycling along the beachfront paths is popular, offering a family-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors and the coastal scenery.
Youth soccer leagues thrive in Manhattan Beach, providing opportunities for kids to engage in organized sports.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Manhattan Beach.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Manhattan Beach caters well to vegetarians and vegans. Many restaurants offer plant-based menu items, and specific eateries like Kreation Organic and The Grain Cafe specialize in vegetarian and vegan fare.
Individuals with gluten intolerances can find numerous dining choices in Manhattan Beach. Restaurants such as Zinc at Shade and The Ripe Choice Catering provide gluten-free options, ensuring everyone can enjoy the local culinary scene.