Manhattan Beach
An affluent, laid-back South Bay beach town with a classic pier, wide sands, and a walkable downtown.
The call
Worth it if you're watching the budget and you only have one day.
Short answer
Is Manhattan Beach worth it?
Manhattan Beach deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
The South Bay's polished beach town and LA's most low-stress straightforward beach day — wide clean sand, the Strand bike-and-skate path running the length of the coast, and a tidy walkable downtown of cafes and shops above a classic small pier.
- 02
The distinguishing local texture is the Strand culture: beach-volleyball nets (this is the sport's spiritual home), cruiser bikes, and multimillion-dollar beach houses you can ogle.
Is it a fit?
Go if
Think twice if
You're planning for two
Manhattan Beach offers some romance, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
The same streets, hour by hour
Joggers and cyclists on the Strand, fresh and quiet
Beachgoers and downtown browsing, sunny
Mellow, restaurants and bars in the village
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free beach; town varies
- Timing
- Daytime; mornings are calmest for the Strand and beach.
- Allow
- Half day
- Accessibility
- The Strand path is paved and accessible; beach access is over sand.
- Getting there
- Drive and use metered street parking or a lot near the pier.