A laid-back coastal community south of Los Angeles, with a 2.1-mile sandy beach, beach volleyball courts, and a 928-foot pier known for prime fishing spots.
Manhattan Beach sits 19 miles southwest of Los Angeles, where professional volleyball players practice on 2.1 miles of powder-soft sand. Walk the 928-foot pier to see marine life at the Roundhouse Aquarium, browse through independent boutiques along Manhattan Beach Boulevard, or try the restaurants where Michelin-starred chefs create California coastal cuisine. At Sand Dune Park, you'll find a 100-foot sand dune with panoramic ocean views, while early mornings bring surfers catching waves near the pier.
Beach Life and Sports
The fine, smooth sand of Manhattan Beach creates perfect conditions for beach volleyball. Professional players train here daily, and you can watch them practice or join pickup games. The Manhattan Beach Open in August draws international athletes to compete on these courts. The water stays between 60°F and 70°F (15-21°C) throughout the year. Near the pier, consistent waves make this spot work well for both beginning surfers learning to stand up and intermediate surfers practicing their technique.
Manhattan Beach Pier
Walk 928 feet out on the concrete pier to reach the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you'll pass bronze plaques commemorating Manhattan Beach Open volleyball champions. Inside the octagonal Roundhouse Aquarium at the pier's end, children can touch starfish and sea anemones in the interactive tanks. Local residents and visitors gather here each evening to watch the sunset over the water.
Downtown Shopping and Dining
More than 150 independent stores line the streets around Manhattan Beach Boulevard, all within a 10-minute walk from the beach. The food scene includes casual beachside cafes and restaurants run by Michelin-recognized chefs preparing seasonal California ingredients. Every Tuesday from 11am to 3pm, local farmers sell fresh produce at the downtown market, accompanied by live music.
Local Parks
At Polliwog Park, you'll find a botanical garden with native California plants, a lake with ducks and turtles, and an amphitheater that hosts concerts during summer evenings. Children play on the modern playground equipment while dog owners use the enclosed off-leash area. At Sand Dune Park, climb the 100-foot natural sand slope for a challenging workout and see the Pacific Ocean from the top.
Getting Around
Beach Cities Transit buses connect Manhattan Beach to Los Angeles. You can walk or bike most places in town using The Strand - a paved oceanfront path connecting to neighboring beach communities. If you're using public transit from LA, take the Metro Green Line to Douglas Station, located 2 miles from downtown Manhattan Beach.
Climate and When to Visit
Manhattan Beach maintains mild temperatures year-round, with daytime highs reaching 69°F (20.6°C) and nighttime lows dropping to 56°F (13.6°C). Morning fog frequently appears in June (locals call it "June Gloom"). August and September bring the warmest, clearest weather for beach activities. Winter months have fewer clouds but cooler temperatures, making them better for walking and shopping.