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 are watching the budget and you only have one day.
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.
Our read - 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.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
You are watching the budget
On a budget, Manhattan Beach still earns its price.
You only have one day
Even on a tight schedule, Manhattan Beach earns the hours.
You are traveling with kids
With kids, Manhattan Beach works.
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, Manhattan Beach works.
Think twice if
You are planning for two
For romance, Manhattan Beach is hit or miss.
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
Worth-it spots in the area
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.