Parking Manhattan Beach Guide

As a popular beach destination near Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach can get quite crowded, especially in the summertime. With hordes of beachgoers, surfers, shoppers and diners flocking to the area, parking is often a top concern for visitors and residents alike. This parking guide covers everything you need to know for stress-free parking in Manhattan Beach.

Where to Find Parking in Manhattan Beach

Street Parking
Manhattan Beach has meters for street parking along the main thoroughfares like Manhattan Beach Blvd and Highland Ave, as well as most north-south streets west of Valley Drive. The rate is $1-2 per hour with a 2-4 hour limit. You can pay at the meter with coins or via ParkMobile app. Street parking east of Valley Dr is free with no limits. Popular streets like Manhattan Ave and Morningside Dr fill up early.

Beachfront Parking Lots
For beach parking, there are two main lots. South of the pier is the 1700+ space Los Angeles County public parking lot stretching from 25th St to Rosecrans Ave. Rates are $7 on weekdays, $12 on weekends (free after 5PM). Further south near 40th St is the smaller El Porto Beach lot. Parking here is $7 everyday. Both beach lots fill by 10am on weekends.

Downtown Parking Structures
If you’re dining or shopping in downtown Manhattan Beach, the best parking options are the public structures on Highland Ave or Metlox Plaza. Highland Ave structure is $1.50 first hour, $2 per addnl hour with a $14 max. Metlox Plaza charges $3 first hour then $2 more per half hour with a $21 max. Park in Highland for shorter stays or Metlox for longer.

Residential Neighborhood Parking Permits
Some residential blocks west of Valley Dr require permits. Look for posted signs before parking. 4-hour visitor permits are available residents can provide. Violators risk citations or towing. East neighborhood streets have unlimited free parking.

When Parking is Busiest in Manhattan Beach

Peak beach parking demand runs from late morning through mid afternoon on summer weekends. Both beach lots tend to fill by 10am and stay full until 4pm or 5pm. Beach traffic is also highest from 11am – 3pm. For downtown, evenings and weekends are busiest times for parking and traffic. Weekday mornings have lighter demand.

Tips for Finding Parking Faster in Manhattan Beach

– Arrive early before 10am if going to the beach

– Use apps like ParkMobile to pay meters without coins

– Be flexible on location and walk 3-4 blocks if needed

– Valet park at downtown restaurants during busy times

– Consider pedicabs, bikes or scooters to avoid parking altogether

– On residential streets, check all permit signs carefully before leaving your car

Alternatives to Driving for Easier Access

Pedicabs/Rickshaws
Multi-passenger pedicabs cruise around downtown offering rides for tips. Great for short hotel or dinner trips. No parking needed.

Bike/Scooter Share Services
Bike share and e-scooters like Lime and Bird are popular in Manhattan Beach. Rentals start at $1 plus per mile charges. Easy way to skip parking!

Uber/Lyft/Rideshare
With LA traffic, rideshares can be affordable options to reach Manhattan beach without parking headaches, especially split among 4 riders. Compare costs vs driving yourself.

Public Transit
While limited, Metro bus line 439 (Beach Cities Transit) connects Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan Beach. Use apps like Transit to route and plan trips.

In this bustling beach community, parking is always a challenge. Avoid headaches at popular times by having backup locations in mind, budgeting extra time to find an open spot, and considering alternative transport. Follow this guide to insider tips on unlocking stress-free parking success in Manhattan Beach!