31 Incredible Things to Do in Manhattan Beach, CA

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Manhattan Beach is a vibrant and eclectic coastal town in Southern California that offers locals and visitors plenty of things to do. From spending time on the beach to exploring the shops and restaurants in the downtown area, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of my favorite activities and the best things to do in Manhattan Beach (from a South Bay local)!

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Best Place to Stay – Shade Hotel 🏆 8.8/10
Most UNIQUE Activity – Helicopter Flight Over the South Bay

What Is Manhattan Beach, CA Known For?

Manhattan Beach is a popular beach town just south of Los Angeles in a community known as the South Bay LA and is a lovely destination for travelers from all over the world. The city is known for its great surfing at El Porto Beach, a robust high-class dining scene, and its iconic pier.

Visitors can enjoy all of these attractions and more while soaking up the Southern California sun. Whether you’re looking to catch some waves or simply enjoy a relaxing day by the water, Manhattan Beach is the perfect place to be.

How Long Is the Manhattan Beach Boardwalk?

The iconic pier in Manhattan Beach is 928 feet long and located at the end of Manhattan Beach Blvd. The pier is characterized by an orange-topped building (the Roundhouse Aquarium) sitting at the very end.

How Do I Spend a Day at Manhattan Beach?

Manhattan Beach is one of the most popular destinations for travelers to Los Angeles. Located just south of LAX airport, it has beautiful sandy beaches and stunning ocean views. So if you’re planning a day in Manhattan Beach, what should you do?

One option is to simply relax on the beach and soak up the California sun. You can also go swimming, boogie boarding, or surfing in the waves. If you’re feeling more active, there are plenty of beach volleyball courts available, or you can take a walk or run along the scenic coastline.

When you get hungry, there are plenty of great places to eat in Manhattan Beach. You will find several restaurants serving everything from seafood to Mexican cuisine. No matter what you’re craving, you’re sure to find it here.

If you’re looking for more specific activities to keep yourself entertained in Manhattan Beach, read on for some of the best things to do!

Best Things to Do in Manhattan Beach

#1 – Play a Round of Golf at the Westdrift

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just getting started, the gorgeous Westdrift hotel’s Executive par 3 course is the perfect place to enjoy a round of golf. The 9-hole course is 1,209 yards long and includes lakes and sand traps across a stunning landscape littered with palm trees. Travelers will love the challenge of the course, and the beautiful setting is sure to please everyone.

#2 – Take a Once-in-a-Lifetime Helicopter Flight Over the South Bay LA

One of the most incredible experiences is to take a chopper flight over southern California to view the South Bay from above. You will be treated with 360-degree views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, beach city piers, and all the way out to downtown LA and even Catalina Island on a clear day!

The tour starts at the adorable Torrance Airport, full of old and unique small planes to admire. Each ride is private, so it’s a perfect romantic activity or surprise for the family.

Whether you’re a local looking for a new way to see the city or a visitor looking for unique things to do, a helicopter tour is a perfect way to see the South Bay.

This tour comes highly rated on Yelp over the past few years, and people rave about the wonderful experience at an affordable price.

 ❗CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE + BOOK❗

#3 – Shop at the Newly Upgraded Manhattan Village Mall

The Manhattan Village Mall is a great place to do some shopping while you’re in town. The newly renovated mall has a great mix of retail, entertainment, and dining options, so you can find everything you’re looking for in one place.

The outdoor plaza (where you might even find a special event going on) is a great place to enjoy the sunshine in between shopping. And if you’re looking for a particular store, chances are you’ll find it here – the mall has everything from clothing and accessories to home decor.

Fun Things to Do in Downtown Manhattan Beach

#4 – Treat Yourself to Dinner With an Ocean View at The Strand House

If you’re looking for a truly unique dining experience, look no further than The Strand House. This one-of-a-kind restaurant offers breathtaking 180° views of the Pacific Ocean, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset dinner or a romantic date night.

Located directly in front of the Manhattan Beach Pier, it’s an easy stop while out enjoying the downtown (though making a reservation ahead of time is usually a must). The menu features seasonal highlights from Southern California’s bounty of fresh produce, and the thoughtful cocktail and wine programs complement the food perfectly.

If you’re a local looking for an upscale night out or a traveler in search of a five-star experience, The Strand House is sure to exceed your expectations. And with the warmth and hospitality you would expect from a beach town, you’ll feel right at home.

#5 – Go Shopping in the Boutiques

When travelers come to Los Angeles, one of the first things they usually want to do is go shopping. And there’s no better place to shop than in the boutiques in downtown Manhattan Beach.

Home to nearly 100 locally owned boutiques and specialty retailers, the boutiques have everything you could possibly want, from fitness apparel and swimwear to clothing and children’s sections. In addition, there are several home and art galleries to find unique souvenirs to take home with you.

#6 – Visit the Manhattan Beach Farmers Market

Head to the downtown Manhattan Beach Farmers Market to find locally grown produce, products from specialty ranchers, and sustainably sourced local fresh seafood. Over 40 local food businesses are represented, and there are kids’ activities and live music as well.

The market is open every Tuesday from 11 AM to 3 PM in the Metlox Plaza behind the Shade Hotel.

Thinking About Renting a Car?

Unfortunately, you basically have to drive in California to get around. The public transportation system isn’t very reliable, everything is spread out, and Ubers add up.

My go-to car rental service in California is Discover Cars. They compare prices across the leading car rental services to find you the LOWEST prices and BEST deals.

🚗 CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR YOUR RENTAL CAR

#7 – Have Brunch at the Kettle

The Kettle is one of the most popular locals’ favorite brunch spots and is worth the wait for one of their delicious meals and fresh muffins! One of the only places in the South Bay open 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays, you can stop in for a late-night bite on your way home from the bars as well. With comfy, hometown vibes and friendly staff, the Kettle is a can’t-miss stop while out exploring downtown Manhattan Beach.

#8 – Try Out a Yoga Class

Southern California is known for its healthy and active lifestyle and you will find an abundance of fitness classes across the city from yoga and pilates to cycling and dance.

For a truly local experience, take a yoga class in the morning before grabbing your daily coffee and going for a walk along the beach! Check out the Yoga Loft downtown, or any one of the many yoga studios around town.

Best Things to Do in Manhattan Beach For Couples

#9 – Grab a Cocktail Downtown

It’s always nice to get dressed up for a night on the town and start with a cocktail in one of the best restaurants in downtown Manhattan. Check out Esperanza Cocina de la Playa for high-class Mexican-inspired cuisine and cocktails or The Strand House for fine dining and oceanfront views.

#10 – Spend a Night at the Shade Hotel

Shade Hotel is the perfect place to spend a romantic night in downtown Manhattan Beach. The upscale, contemporary hotel offers a rooftop pool, plus a bright lounge and free use of bicycles to cruise down the beach.

The excellent location means you’re just a short walk from all the best attractions in the city. And for a true splurge, book one of the luxury penthouse suits.

The Zinc restaurant at Shade Hotel serves Fusion cuisine, so you can enjoy a delicious meal together before heading up to your room for a night of romance. The Shade Hotel is sure to make your stay unforgettable.

#11 – Watch the Sunset at the Beach

There’s nothing quite like a romantic sunset picnic at the beach. Just grab a blanket, some snacks and drinks, and cuddle up on the beach to watch the beautiful sunset. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day and enjoy some quality time with your loved one.

You can take a stroll along the beach or a quick sunset swim in the ocean to cool off. Just make sure to pack everything up before the sun goes down so you can enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars.

Fun Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Manhattan Beach

#12 – Have a Picnic and Play at Polliwog Park

Polliwog Park is one of the biggest parks in the South Bay and it’s definitely worth a visit! The park has a large pond that’s perfect for spotting interesting birds, an amphitheater for events, and a 9-hole disc golf course.

Plus, there are plenty of play areas for kids of all ages. The large lighthouse-inspired play apparatus is great for older kids, with several slides, misters, and a small sand area. There are also three separate areas for younger children, filled with newly upgraded, colorful, and imaginative climbing and exploration structures.

#13 – Visit the Adventureplex

Voted the best kids’ indoor play facility, Adventureplex is a great way to get the whole family moving and having fun! Kids can explore the mazes and tunnels, test their skills on the rope courses and rock climbing walls, get some exercise in the indoor gymnasium, and little ones can enjoy the new toddlers-only play zone.

Open play happens every weekday from 9 AM to 2 PM and select Sundays.

#14 – Play a Game of Tennis at Live Oak Park

Live Oak Park is a fun place to bring the whole family, including your furry friends! There is a playground, picnic spots with grills, tennis courts, and a dog run. Reservations are required to play tennis.

#15 – Stop for Ice Cream at the Manhattan Beach Creamery

Located downtown right up from the pier, stop for a sweet treat while out exploring. They use fresh ingredients and consistently create new, exciting flavors in addition to all the classics. Try out one of their delicious ice cream sandwiches!

Outdoorsy Things to Do in Manhattan Beach

#16 – Surf (or Watch the Surfers) at El Porto

One of the most popular surf spots in the South Bay due to the consistent swell and larger wave size, El Porto draws some of the most experienced surfers in the area. If you have experience surfing, this is where you’ll want to get in the water! If you’re a beginner, just make sure the waves are on the smaller size.

There are usually stands right on the beach renting out boards. Or, you can just hang out on the beach and watch the surfers shred.

Either way, once you enter the parking lot to El Porto Beach at Highland Ave. and 45th St. – you’re in for a very southern California experience! At all times of the day, the parking lot is full of surfers of all ages getting ready to head out into the water.

For beginner surfers, I VERY strongly recommend taking a surf lesson. It can be difficult to learn surfing, especially on your own, and you will greatly speed up your learning curve and have A LOT more fun if you take a lesson (or a couple) right off the bat.

Even as an intermediate surfer, I take a lesson every time I go to a new spot because it’s best to hear from a local expert surfer who can cover basic surf etiquette, tide, and wave dynamics of the area, plus safety and surf technique for new surfers. Additionally, surf lessons include the rental of your equipment for convenience.

2-hour surf lessons are offered at the Manhattan Beach Pier and include a wetsuit and surfboard.

 ❗CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE + BOOK❗

#17 – Play Beach Volleyball

Looking for a fun way to enjoy the outdoors? Why not try beach volleyball? This popular sport originated in Los Angeles and is a great way to get some exercise while spending time in the sun. And you don’t even need to bring any equipment – the beach is lined with nets, so all you need is a volleyball and some good energy!

#18 – Explore the Manhattan Beach Botanic Gardens

The Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is located in Polliwog Park and is open daily with free admission. It features habitats native to California and a demonstration garden intended to inspire guests to create their own earth-friendly native gardens, wildlife habitats, and bird/butterfly sanctuaries. Take some time to wander around and enjoy the gardens and fresh air.

#19 – Workout at Bruce’s Beach

Bruce’s Beach is a stretch of land that was once owned by minority families before being turned into city parkland. Recently, it has been renamed to reflect its history. Take some time to read the signs and learn more about the historic significance of the park while enjoying the beautiful landscape.

At the bottom of the park hill, there is a small outdoor workout set up along the Strand beach path. Between the equipment, hill, and stairs leading down to the sand, you can get a great outdoor workout!

#20 – Or, Exercise at Sand Dune Park

Located a few blocks inland from the beach, Sand Dune Park is a great area for visitors and residents alike to get a good workout in on the giant 100-foot-high sand hill. The views are great from the top of the dune and there is a small children’s park at the bottom for kids to enjoy.

Reservations are now required to use the Sand Dune.

Free Things to Do in Manhattan Beach

#21 – Check Out the Roundhouse Aquarium

Located in the building at the very end of the Manhattan Beach Pier, the Roundhouse Aquarium is a small, educational aquarium. As you walk in there are two large tanks on either side with fascinating fish that you could find in southern California waters. There is a touch tank for kids to explore some ocean critters and an upstairs area featuring a few extra specialty tanks as well.

#22 – Stop by the Manhattan Beach Art Center

The Manhattan Beach Art Center is a great place to experience the visual arts. The center features exhibitions by local, national, and even internationally acclaimed artists, as well as by emerging artists. The exhibitions seek to strengthen exposure and understanding of the visual arts in the community.

In addition, the art center serves as a space for art education and production through visual and performing arts classes, camps, and programs. The friendly staff is always happy to answer any questions you may have about the exhibits or the center itself. So whether you’re a longtime fan of the arts or just getting started, be sure to stop by the MB Art Center.

The Art Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free and there is free parking in the back or on the street.

#23 – Stroll Along the Veterans Parkway (Valley Drive)

The greenbelt on Valley Drive is a lovely walking path full of shrubbery and plants that runs for 3.5 miles from Manhattan Beach, through Hermosa Beach, and down to Redondo Beach. Also known as the Veteran’s Parkway, it’s a great place for a walk when the sun is beating down too hot on the beach.

The stretch that runs through Pier Ave in Hermosa has some outdoor workout equipment in it if you want to take your exercise up a notch before turning around.

#24 – Walk, Bike, or Skate Along the Strand

The Strand is a 22-mile bike path that runs along the ocean, starting at Torrance Beach (at the base of the Palos Verdes Peninsula) and stretching north all the way up to Santa Monica. It hits all of LA’s most popular beaches along the way, including all of the South Bay beaches.

There are plenty of places to rent bikes and skates along the Strand. Most of them are concentrated either in downtown or El Porto Beach, so plan to start in one of those locations.

#25 – Learn Local History at the Manhattan Beach Historical Society

The Manhattan Beach Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the city. Located in Polliwog Park in a unique old building, the collections include artifacts, photos, books, videos, films, old newspaper articles, and recordings of historical events. There is also a bookstore and gift shop onsite.

The Historical Society is open to the public for free and offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year. The Society’s collections are a valuable resource for research and education and it’s a fascinating way to learn more about the local culture.

The MB Historical Society is open on Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM to 3 PM.

Fun Things to Do in Manhattan Beach at Night

#26 – Play Billiards at Ercoles 1101

Ercoles has much more of an old-school dive bar feeling to it with quirky decorations complete with neon lights and a pool table in the back. They have a huge selection of beers on tap and great pub food.

#27 – Grab a Margarita and Watch a Game at Sharkeez

Sports bar meets Mexican fiesta at this local southern California chain. Sharkeez in Manhattan Beach has a nice indoor setup with multiple screens to watch whatever sports games are going on, and a DJ stand for weekend evenings. There are always great drink deals and happy hour specials going on at Sharkeez, so head over to grab a bite to eat or some drinks any night of the week!

#28 – Head Over to Hermosa Beach Pier for a True Night Out

Manhattan Beach has a pretty casual nightlife, you won’t really find anything too crazy beyond grabbing a drink at a cocktail lounge or bar. If you want to go dance and let off a little more steam, head to the next town over and check out the bars that line the Hermosa Beach Pier.

Best Restaurants in Manhattan Beach

#29 – Best Seafood: Fishing With Dynamite

This adorable restaurant in downtown MB is great for those looking for some fresh seafood. They have been celebrated for serving the most pristine seafood and have earned awards that include “Best Oyster Bar.” 

#30 – Best Cafes & Coffee: Anything Along Highland Ave.

For a casual bite to eat or a coffee break, take a walk along Highland Ave. near El Porto. Not only are the beach town vibes great here, but the food is excellent as well. Some of the best cafes include Sloopy’s Beach Cafe and Cafe Wild or stop into Two Guns Espresso for a great cup of coffee.

#31 – Best All-Around: Simmzy’s

One of the best restaurants that serves up a little bit of everything from burgers and salads to tacos and sandwiches. Fresh and delicious, this is a great option to satisfy groups with a range of tastes. Plus, they have a full bar and some fantastic local beers on the menu.

Need some more ideas for what to do in the area? Click below! 👇

Manhattan Beach FAQs

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Where to Stay in Manhattan Beach

There are many excellent hotels in Manhattan Beach, however, here is a quick snippet of the top options to check for availability.

💎 Best Luxury Option: Shade Hotel

The Shade hotel is modern, luxurious, and located in downtown Manhattan Beach within walking distance of the beach and all of the best nearby attractions. It has an excellent onsite restaurant as well as a rooftop lounge and pool.

 ❗CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY❗

⭐ Best All Around: Ayres Hotel

For an all-around great stay at an average price, the Ayres Hotel is an excellent choice. It is elegantly decorated with an almost European-style, full of gorgeous artwork and unique furniture. Located closer to the freeway than the beach, this is a better option for those who have a car or plan to explore more of Los Angeles and southern California.

 ❗CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY❗

💸 Best Budget Option: The Belamar

This is an adorable, beachy boutique hotel located about 1.5 miles from the beach. It tends to be cheaper than other hotels in the area but still has quality service and comfort.

 ❗CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY❗

For more options,👇🏽 You can use the map below to compare locations and pricing. This interactive map is AMAZING, it pulls the best deals from across many different booking platforms. Use the filters to adjust for your budget and preference! 

How to Get Around

The easiest ways to get around Manhattan Beach are to drive, walk or bike, and Uber. If you are staying by the beach or downtown you can probably pretty easily walk or bike to explore most of the area.

However, if you want to explore other parts of the South Bay, everything is spread out just enough that driving (or taking an Uber) is more convenient. Plus, if you want to leave the South Bay to explore the rest of the LA and OC areas, it will be best to have a car.

👉 If you want to rent a car, I recommend and use DiscoverCars while traveling. They compare prices across rental companies to provide you with the BEST deals and LOWEST prices.

❗Make sure to book your car ASAP so there’s availability!

Weather + Best Time of Year to Visit

The temperature rear round typically varies from 55°F to 75°F and is rarely below 45°F or above 83°F. This makes Manhattan Beach an ideal destination for those who enjoy mild weather year-round and want a beach town with many great things to do.

The best time of year to visit is from August to October when kids are returning to school and the crowds start to thin a bit. This is also when you will get some of the best (warmest and sunniest) weather.

Is Manhattan Beach Better Than Hermosa Beach?

They are very different towns, so it depends on what you are looking for. Both Hermosa and Manhattan Beach have that great, laid-back beach SoCal vibe. However, Manhattan Beach is a bit more upscale, and the restaurant options and shopping certainly reflect that. Head to Manhattan Beach if you want finer dining and smaller, casual but very nice bars.

Hermosa Beach tends to host more and bigger events because of the large pier that is pedestrian-only. Hermosa Beach is also better for nightlife and if you want more of a dive bar and party scene. It’s also a bit more touristy at times because of the draw of events and nightlife, whereas Manhattan Beach has a very strong local feeling to it.

>>> RELATED POST: Top 30 Fun Things to Do in Hermosa Beach

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If you’re looking for a fun day out, be sure to check out some of the best things to do in Manhattan Beach. From swimming and sunbathing at the beach to shopping and dining on the Strand, there’s something for everyone in this charming SoCal town.

Related Posts on Things to Do in the South Bay:
👉 Redondo Beach
👉 Hermosa Beach
👉 Torrance
👉 Palos Verdes Peninsula
👉 Hawthorne