Best Things to Do in Manhattan Beach, California

There are a number of fascinating beach communities in the Greater Los Angeles Area, but Manhattan Beach, California, stands out. There are surfers on the waves, an entertaining pier, and plenty of beach volleyball nets in town. Visitors and residents alike may enjoy the ocean, people-watch, and cool off in the water with the help of the paved paths that go directly to the beach. This is an excellent guide to the best things to do in Manhattan Beach, CA.

Relax in the Sun at the Beach

You must visit the beach because you are in California. Soak up some rays on the beach and experience the California lifestyle. For comprehensive information on sun safety and skin protection, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and wearing protective clothing to prevent sunburns.

Enjoy the beach by swimming or playing in the sand with the kids. The perfect vacation activity is spending a day at the beach.

Pack a stylish hat and reef-safe sunscreen. The sun in California may be rather intense. Consider carrying an umbrella to the beach if you burn easily in the sun.

Take Stunning Pictures at the Manhattan Beach Pier

Manhattan Beach Pier is a beautiful 928-foot pier that can be seen at the end of Manhattan Beach Boulevard. One of the oldest concrete piers on the West Coast, it was built in the 1920s.

This red-roofed, hexagonal pier is one of the best in Santa Monica Bay for taking photos of the breathtaking ocean panorama.

Numerous Hollywood films, such as Point Break, Falling Down, and Starsky & Hutch, have used the pier as a location.

Get To Know California Cuisine

The variety of tasty and healthy food options in Manhattan Beach is second to none. Trying them is one of the best things to do in Manhattan Beach.

For farm-fresh produce and other goods, head to the Farmers Market every Tuesday between 11 am and 3 pm.

It’s also home to some of the country’s best food trucks, serving everything from Venezuelan arepa and crepes to Mexican empanadas and American barbecue.

A progressive dinner with a local is a wonderful way to sample the cuisine of California.

Manhattan Beach is home to a wide variety of excellent eateries serving everything from seafood and Mexican to Mediterranean and the latest in trendy healthy fare from California.

Don’t Miss the Remodeled Manhattan Village Mall

During your stay in Manhattan, be sure to check out the Manhattan Village Mall. You may find anything you need at the freshly remodeled mall, which features an excellent selection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

In the case that there is no event going on in the plaza, the sunshine and fresh air can be enjoyed in the outdoor seating area.

Even if you’re seeking something specific, you should be able to find it here, as the mall caters to a wide variety of retail sectors, from apparel to housewares.

The Beach Volleyball Scene at Manhattan Beach is Legendary

A court is usually nearby if you want to go out and play. Watching elite athletes compete in beach volleyball at an AVP or CBVA Tournament is rare but one of the best things to do in Manhattan Beach.

Being so close to the action makes for a thrilling sporting event.

It’s one of the best free things to do in Manhattan Beach and a classic Southern California activity. Don’t risk getting struck by a ball you don’t see if you’re sitting close to the field; instead, keep an eye on the action.

Relaxing Picnic at Live Oak Park

Access to the sea is convenient from Live Oak Park, a beautiful park in Manhattan Beach. It covers around 9 acres and boasts the distinction of being the city’s oldest park.

This park has a dog park, baseball fields, batting cages, a basketball court, and more that are perfect for the whole family.

Several regional tennis competitions are held at the courts throughout the year. There is also a picnic area with tables and grills in this park.

This is the ideal spot for a picnic by the water in the wonderful California weather.

Taking a Walk Along The Strand

To find the finest free activities in Manhattan Beach, visit The Strand. This popular boardwalk is a great spot to people-watch, ride your bike, or take a stroll while taking in the sights and sounds of the ocean.

And it’s conveniently close to one of the nicest beaches in Southern California, where you can relax in the sand and surf.

To get your day going, head to The Strand, among the best things to do in Manhattan Beach. There are a number of people out on brisk morning strolls. It’s perfectly sociable in the middle of the afternoon.

Along the journey, you will most likely meet some interesting people. By the time the sun goes down, you may be really considering making an appointment with a real estate agent so that this can be your permanent residence.

If you’re at Manhattan Beach, don’t miss out on the best spot to exercise, check out some spectacular beachfront mansions, or just bask in the sun.

Go to the Farmers’ Market and Stock Up on Good Food

This city is likely one of your best bets if you’re looking for a good market. In the downtown area on Tuesdays, between 11 am and 4 pm, you can find 45-50 vendors.

Cheese, vegan cheese (made from cashews), dates, honey, fruits, olive oil, ice cream, hummus, seafood, and ready-made cuisine are all available. There are also kid-friendly events available (mini-train, face painting). It really is a fantastic vacation spot.

Put Your Paddle Out and Surf

Surfers, boogie boarders, and paddle boarders populate the waters close to the Manhattan Beach Pier. Due to aggressive locals competing for water space, this may not be the best spot for novices.

This city and its adjacent communities host the annual International Surf Festival in the summer.

The Nikau Kai Waterman Shop on Manhattan Avenue is the place to go if you want to rent surfboards, take surfing lessons, and buy an adorable T-shirt as a memento of your surfing adventures.

Challenge Your Fitness Level in Sand Dune Park

Sand Dune Park is not far from the shore, and its namesake dune is 100 feet (30 meters) high. There are a number of routes to the top of the dune, making it a great spot to challenge yourself physically while also taking in breathtaking vistas.

Those with younger children in their company will appreciate the presence of a playground halfway up the mountain.

Get an Energy Boost from Coffee

Two top coffee shops in Manhattan Beach are Two Guns Espresso and Goodboybob Coffee Roasters. But there is no shortage of excellent coffee houses.

If you’re looking for some New Zealand-style coffee, look no further than Two Guns. The flat white will make your mouth water. Check out the avocado toast if you can’t decide between the morning and lunch options!

Goodboybob is another top pick for great coffee shops because of its extensive menu of freshly roasted beans.

Grab a table in the outdoor area and have a morning burrito. The pastries are also highly recommended if you’re craving something sweet, including gluten-free options.

Visit Manhattan Beach Creamery for Some Ice Cream

You can’t find better ice cream in the city than at Manhattan Beach Creamery. All the ice creams here are made by hand with fresh, local ingredients.

All sorts of sweets, cakes, ice bananas, macarons, smoothies, and more can be found at this creamery, in addition to their excellent homemade ice cream.

You must get a Cream’wich, their famous ice cream sandwich, one of the best things to do in Manhattan Beach.

Visit an Independent Bookstore

Bookstores are becoming increasingly rare as people shift toward reading on their smartphones and tablets.

Pages, just a short distance from the shore, have been successful for many years. Books, gifts, and greeting cards are for sale here. They have book signings and storytime for kids.

This is the perfect place for bookworms to wander around and look through different titles.

Go to a Yoga Class

You can find numerous yoga, Pilates, cycling, and dancing studios across the city, catering to the healthy and active lifestyle that is so characteristic of Southern California.

Take a morning yoga session before getting your coffee and heading out for a stroll on the beach to feel like a local! Visit the Yoga Loft in the city’s heart or one of the many other yoga centers in the area.

Experience a Stunning Beach Sunset

As the sun sets, there’s nothing more romantic than a picnic on the beach. Get a blanket, some food and drinks, and a cozy spot on the beach. And you’ll be all set to take in the breathtaking sunset in no time.

A great way to relax and spend time with the one you love at the end of a long day. You can cool yourself with a stroll along the beach or a dip in the ocean just before dusk.

Remember to put away your gear before nightfall so you can relax under the stars in relative silence.

Visit El Porto and Ride the Waves

Those who live in or visit Southern California often visit El Porto since it is a popular destination for surfers.

There’s a ton of space for cars, and the waves are some of the greatest and biggest in the South Bay. Even under the Manhattan Beach Pier, surfers may be found all around the coast.

In California, the waves are normally smaller in the summer and larger in the winter, although the conditions are generally good year-round.

To see the current surf forecast, head on over to Surfline. One of the best things about surfing is watching the sun go down over the horizon.

Check Out the Roundhouse Aquarium

A marine studies aquarium can be found in the Roundhouse on the pier. The event is free to attend, but donations are accepted and appreciated.

The attraction’s main goal is to inform guests about oceans, marine life, and conservation.

They have a number of tanks stocked with native fish and shellfish, as well as interpretive signs and knowledgeable staff members who may shed light on the exhibits. Some of the animals in the open tank can be petted.

Enjoy a Round of Wine Tasting

Bacchus is a tasting room in the heart of Manhattan Beach’s tourist district.

Five wines per flight, and the menu rotates every three days. Additionally, everyone is quite laid-back. The people serving you wine are great people to start a conversation with.

Barsha is another choice; they provide wine and beer flights in addition to cheese, charcuterie, and small meals. The locals highly recommend it.

To get here, you’ll need to use your car (it is a bit away from Downtown). This is a fun area to hang out with friends after a day at the beach. So it’s well worth the trouble.

Exercise at Bruce’s Beach

The area now known as Bruce’s Beach was formerly owned by minority families but was donated to the city to be used as parkland. Its name was recently changed to represent its origins better.

While taking in the stunning scenery, don’t forget to stop and read up on the park’s rich history.

A short outdoor workout circuit has been set up on the Strand beach route at the base of the park’s hill. You can get in a fantastic outdoor exercise using various equipment, the hill, and the stairs down to the beach.

The Manhattan Beach Art Center is Well Worth a Visit

To enjoy the visual arts, one of the best things to do in Manhattan Beach is to visit the Manhattan Beach Art Center. Many established and up-and-coming artists, as well as those who have achieved national or even international fame, have displayed their work at the center.

In addition to housing visual and performing arts classes, camps, and activities, the center also functions as a location for art education and production.

If you have any questions regarding the center or the exhibits, the helpful staff will do their best to answer them. Visit the MB Art Center whether you’re already an art enthusiast or just starting.

The Art Center is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Parking at the rear or on the street is also free, as is entry.

Take the Kids to Polliwog Park and Feed the Ducks

Polliwog Park is a great place to take young children. You can find trees, picnic tables, and even a couple of playgrounds in this lovely park. The opportunity to feed the ducks and turtles is the main attraction for the little ones.

One of the original beach cottages was relocated to the park. And now it serves as the Manhattan Beach Historical Society Museum.

Photos and artifacts from Manhattan Beach’s past are on show at the museum.

Indulge in a Summer Outdoor Concert at the Polliwog Amphitheater

In the summer, Manhattan Beach becomes a haven for those seeking a peaceful escape. What better way to relax than to take in one of the free concerts the park often hosts?

Those in the area and those passing through can bring their picnic baskets, blankets, and folding beach chairs to Polliwog Park for an evening of music beneath the stars.

The variety of styles ensures that everyone will find something they like. And if you arrive early enough, you might even be able to secure a front-row seat! This is a pet-free event, so please don’t bring your cats or dogs.

Have Fun in the Botanical Garden

The city’s Botanical Garden is a great place to go if you’re looking for some quiet time amongst native trees, sages, succulents, wildflowers, grasses, a butterfly habitat, a children’s garden of exploration, a meditation garden, and interpretive signage.

The garden is open to the public without charge, and guided tours are available (Friday mornings). About two and a half minutes drive from Manhattan Beach’s bustling Downtown is where you’ll find the Botanical Garden.

Head Out for a Walk Along Veterans Parkway

The picturesque Veterans Parkway lies between North Ardmore Avenue and Valley Drive in Manhattan Beach’s northwest quadrant.

You can take a peaceful stroll through a landscape with trees, benches, picnic tables, exercise equipment, and public art displays.

Veterans Parkway welcomes leashed dogs so you can stroll with your furry buddy.

Eat at The Strand House for a Spectacular View of the Ocean

The Strand House, one of Manhattan Beach’s finest dining establishments, is a must-try.

This is one of the trendiest and most frequented restaurants in the area. It serves contemporary American fare made with locally sourced ingredients.

In a prime location at the intersection of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Ocean Drive, just steps from the base of the Manhattan Beach Pier, sit back and enjoy a meal while gazing out the restaurant’s wall-to-wall windows onto the sparkling Pacific.

Visit The Downstairs Bar for a Refreshing Beverage

When it comes to bars in Manhattan Beach, The Downstairs Bar is a top contender.

The bar has a warm ambiance, fashionable decor, and a wide selection of drinks and cocktails. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the tropical ambiance of the surrounding area.

They offer an unmatched menu in the area, and their celebrations of holidays like Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day are second to none.

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