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.

Feel free to adjust any specific elements to better fit your site’s style or formatting needs

Sophia

With a degree in Environmental Science and over 5+ years of experience in beach travel and exploration, Sophia is the dedicated curator behind fancybeaches.com. Driven by a passion for discovering the world’s most breathtaking beach destinations, Admin combines academic knowledge with firsthand experiences to deliver reliable, authoritative travel advice. Fancybeaches.com is a trusted resource for beach enthusiasts, offering detailed travel guides, safety tips, and sustainable travel practices.  Connect me here-n sophiawanders_

Stay connected on Pinterest for expert insights and the latest beach discoveries.

Fancybeaches.com

The post Best Things to Do in Manhattan Beach, California appeared first on Fancy Beaches.

Take a Stroll Down The Strand

One of the top things to do in Hermosa Beach is take a leisurely stroll down The Strand. This paved pedestrian walkway runs parallel to the sand from Manhattan Beach Pier down to 45th Street. As you meander along the path, you’ll pass swaying palm trees, bicycle riders, joggers, and locals soaking up the sunshine. Make sure to stop at the various lookout points for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Bay. Bring your camera to capture stunning Instagram-worthy shots of surfers hanging ten on the waves.

The Strand walk offers the perfect opportunity to scope out the popular beach hangouts and local businesses lining Pacific Coast Highway. Pop into boutiques and cafes, watch beach volleyball games in progress, check the surf report at surf shops, or fuel up with an acai bowl or fresh seafood along the way. Don’t be surprised if you spot a celebrity or pro volleyball player passing by!

Check the Surf at the Hermosa Beach Pier

At the end of Pier Avenue stands the iconic Hermosa Beach Pier. Extending 350 feet over the ocean, this nostalgic pier has been a popular local hangout spot since 1904. Stroll out to the end to glimpse panoramic vistas up and down the coastline and keep an eye out for schools of dolphins or migrating whales in the winter months.

Just below, surfers rip up waves like the world-renowned Hermosa Beach Pier Bowl. It’s mesmerizing to watch experienced surfers carve it up in the waves with such grace. If you’re eager to learn how to surf yourself, you can rent a board and wetsuit from one of the nearby surf shops and receive a lesson too. Before leaving, don’t forget to satisfy your hunger pangs at the Pier Burger restaurant situated at the midway point of the pier.

Spend a Day Beach Bumming

One of the quintessential things to do in Hermosa Beach is plop your beach towel down on the golden soft sand and soak up the glorious SoCal sunshine. Revel in the sweeping views down the coast towards Palos Verdes Peninsula across the sparkling Pacific Ocean waters. Gaze dreamily at the surfers shredding waves and hardcore beach volleyball players diving athletically to bump the ball back into play.

Be sure to slather on plenty of sunscreen, bring an umbrella for shade, and stay hydrated while basking for hours. If you forgot any beach gear, not to worry! You can conveniently rent umbrellas, chairs, volleyballs, stand up paddleboards, and other essentials from shops just steps from the beach.

When you need a break from the sun, pop over to Pier Plaza to grab a bite or cold drink at one of the casual restaurants like Good Stuff on the Strand or Ercoles. Or check out the lively Happy Hour scene that gets going late afternoon. Then head back to your beach blanket for more relaxation before the radiant orange sunset over the water.

Get Your Volleyball Fix

As one of the birthplaces of beach volleyball, Hermosa Beach is often referred to as the “Epicenter of Beach Volleyball.” In fact, the renowned Association of Volleyball Professionals hosts tournaments here each summer, attracting hordes of fans. Even if there’s no pro tournament occurring during your visit, you’ll still discover courts bustling with activity all along the shoreline.

From novice players to Olympic gold medalists, the courts fill up fast on weekends and late afternoons (especially during Summer). If you’re itching to join a pickup game, you’ll easily find players happy to let you sub in for a few rallies. Not a volleyball pro? No worries, just having fun is what it’s all about at “Hermo.”

If you prefer to watch from the sidelines with a local craft brew in hand, pull up some sand at one of the beach bars like Tower 12, Patrick Molloys or Underground Pub. You’ll quickly find yourself cheering along with other spectators under the glow of the lights long after the sun dips into the sea.

Explore the Coast on a Beach Cruiser

Since Hermosa Beach stretches less than one mile square, exploring its charming neighborhoods and attractions by bicycle makes for a fun-filled day. Start off by renting bright-colored beach cruisers with wide tires and baskets from one of the rental outfits near the Strand, like Hermosa Cyclery Shop or Fun Factory Bikes.

Then begin pedaling your way along The Strand, making sure to check out the one-of-a-kind driftwood statue sculptures adorning the sand. As you ride past beach cottages draped in vibrant bougainvillea blossoms, make your way uphill into downtown to see street art splashed across buildings and shop the trendy boutiques.

Don’t miss photo op stops at the iconic Surfers Walk of Fame and lifeguard towers with bold murals emblazoned across each side. You can also weave down to the south end of town to the Hermosa Beach Pier and deserted beaches like Herondo Street for quieter sandy vistas.

Wherever your bike adventure takes you, there will be plenty of eateries and snack shops conveniently located to refuel with tacos, acai bowls or sweet waffles along the way.

Shop and Dine on Pier Avenue

The social hub of Hermosa Beach centers around Pier Avenue, an inviting pedestrian-only strip packed with boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants. No chains or big box stores here…just endless options for boutique shopping, people watching and alfresco dining with a heavy dash of that chill SoCal vibe.

Stroll past palm trees strung with twinkling lights to browse through clothing, swimwear, surf gear and home décor shops showcasing wares from local artists and brands. Stop at one of the mini farmer’s markets held several days a week to sample fresh produce as you go.

The numerous eateries running the gamut from poke bowls to wood-fired pizza offer the perfect pitstop during your retail therapy sessions. Sip passionfruit margaritas on the open-air patio of Fiesta Hermosa, graze on short rib sliders and waffle fries at Abigaile, or slurp oysters and rosé at The Vineyard by the beach.

With so many culinary and shopping options packed into just a few walkable blocks, you’re sure to find plenty to enjoy on Pier Avenue during your Hermosa Beach getaway!

Sophia

With a degree in Environmental Science and over 5+ years of experience in beach travel and exploration, Sophia is the dedicated curator behind fancybeaches.com. Driven by a passion for discovering the world’s most breathtaking beach destinations, Admin combines academic knowledge with firsthand experiences to deliver reliable, authoritative travel advice. Fancybeaches.com is a trusted resource for beach enthusiasts, offering detailed travel guides, safety tips, and sustainable travel practices.  Connect me here-n sophiawanders_

Stay connected on Pinterest for expert insights and the latest beach discoveries.

Fancybeaches.com

The post Best Things To Do In Hermosa Beach In 2024 appeared first on Fancy Beaches.

Take a Stroll on the Redondo Beach Pier
Horseshoe-shaped and dotted with attractions, Redondo Beach Pier stretches well over the ocean, serving up spectacular views. Take a leisurely stroll to the very end of the 1,400-foot-long pier to watch surfers bobbing in the waves, see fishermen reeling up their catches, and spot dolphins playing in their natural habitat. Enjoy authentic churros, tacos or some saltwater taffy as you take in the sights. Don’t forget your camera!

Hang Ten at a Local Surf Spot
With its prime beach location, Redondo Beach offers awesome surf breaks for catching waves. Head over to Topaz Jetty to ride right point breaks or stop by Avenue I for some nice lefts. King Harbor Jetty and The Hole are other popular surf spots frequented by locals and visitors. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro surfer, the consistent swells will keep you hanging ten all day long.

Go Whale Watching
Between December to April, majestic gray whales make their annual migration south toward Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Hop aboard a whale watching cruise that departs from King Harbor to spot these breathtaking leviathans as they voyage along the coastline. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of whales breaching, tail slapping and blowing water from their blowholes. Don’t forget your binoculars and zoom lens!

Shop ’Til You Drop Along the Pier and Harbor
Boasting a quirky array of indie boutiques, surf shops, beachwear stores and seafood markets, Redondo Beach Pier and King Harbor make for a fabulous shopping destination. Pier Avenue offers the widest selection of stores, like surf-inspired Sun & Sea Beachwear and M Boutique with its laidback SoCal styles. Meanwhile, King Harbor hosts colorful open-air shops peddling everything from homemade fudge to novelty gifts.

Sample Regional Cuisine with an Ocean View
From the pier to the harbor, Redondo Beach is packed with restaurants serving up impressive oceanfront settings and menus focused on fresh regional cuisine. Splurge on steak and seafood at Bluewater Grill overlooking King Harbor Marina. For killer views of the Pacific and superb California fare, check out The Bull Pen, Te’kila orisance Restaurant. Seafood lovers adore the lobster, crab and oysters at The Lost Knight.

Visit Morrell House and Gardens
History buffs will love this Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion situated cliffside above the Pacific Ocean. Built in 1896 as the vacation home of Minnesota lumber tycoon George Morrell, this perfectly preserved house gives you a glimpse into old Redondo Beach. Wander through the lovely English gardens in full bloom before venturing inside to admire the antique interior furnishings. Don’t miss the unprecedented ocean views!

Play Seaside Mini-Golf at Gondola Getaway
Located at King Harbor along the waterfront, Gondola Getaway isn’t your average mini-golf course. Designed to emulate the streets of Venice with gondolas, bridges over canals and Italian architecture, this fun attraction will instantly transport you across the globe. Play a round as the sun sets over the Pacific for a magical evening under the stars. It’s mini golf with a unique twist!

Catch a Show at Riviera Village Jazz Club
Boasting top-notch entertainment seven nights a week, Riviera Village Jazz Club adds sizzle to Redondo Beach’s nightlife offerings. From smooth jazz ensembles and funk bands to blues vocalists and pop acts, you’re sure to be impressed by the diverse roster of talent. Enjoy a martini or glass of wine alongside gourmet flatbreads and small plates as vibrant music fills the chic and cozy venue. It’s the hottest ticket in town!

Picnic at Vista Del Mar Park
If you’re seeking sweeping coastal views, head to Vista Del Mar Park atop the towering cliffs of South Redondo Beach. The four-acre green space features lush grassy areas ideal for picnics, barbecues, sunbathing and flying kites. Let the kids roam free at two playgrounds or bring your pup to the designated off-leash dog zone. The park also connects to picturesque coastal trails with epic scenery.

Pedal Along The Strand to Hermosa Beach
Redondo Beach’s beachfront bicycle path stretches over 20 miles from Torrance to Pacific Palisades, granting access to neighboring beach towns. Rent a beach cruiser and pedal south along The Strand to quirky Hermosa Beach Pier to check out the surfers, boutiques and bars that give this hip neighborhood its liveliness. Stop for some cold brews and Mexican fare at Abigaile Restaurant right on the sand.

Catch a Concert at Saint Rocke
Hosting live bands every night of the week, intimate music venue Saint Rocke brings some of the best emerging and established artists to Redondo Beach. Grab a craft beer and secure a cozy table near the stage to watch talented musicians rock the night away with everything from indie and blues to rockabilly and punk beats. With top-notch acoustics and talent, Saint Rocke consistently thrills its audiences.

Watch the Sunset at Redondo Beach Pier
As the golden sun begins its descent over the Pacific’s sparkling waters, head to Redondo Beach Pier for an unforgettable sunset spectacle. Find a bench along the pier or a patch of sand below and watch in awe as vibrant hues of orange, pink and purple boldly streak across the early evening sky. For spectacular reflective views of the sunset, sit facing inland toward the gleaming waves and let the dazzling colors dance on the ocean’s surface.

With its laidback seaside vibe, stunning shoreline setting and fabulous attractions, Redondo Beach delivers big on fun and scenery. Surf the waves, shop the boutiques, dine by the harbor and soak up those legendary sunsets during your California coastal getaway. Use our handy guide to experience the very best of this sensational beach town!

Sophia

With a degree in Environmental Science and over 5+ years of experience in beach travel and exploration, Sophia is the dedicated curator behind fancybeaches.com. Driven by a passion for discovering the world’s most breathtaking beach destinations, Admin combines academic knowledge with firsthand experiences to deliver reliable, authoritative travel advice. Fancybeaches.com is a trusted resource for beach enthusiasts, offering detailed travel guides, safety tips, and sustainable travel practices.  Connect me here-n sophiawanders_

Stay connected on Pinterest for expert insights and the latest beach discoveries.

Fancybeaches.com

The post Best Things To Do In Redondo Beach appeared first on Fancy Beaches.