Manhattan Beach gives guests the South Bay at its best: a landmark pier, a wide beach built for volleyball, and a downtown that rewards staying a few extra days. This guide is written to be shared with arriving guests.
The Pier and the Roundhouse
Manhattan Beach's pier is one of the most photographed on the California coast, with a small marine-studies aquarium at its end. The walk out and back pairs naturally with a sunset.
- Walk to the end of the pier at sunset
- Visit the small aquarium at the pier's base
- Morning photos before the crowds arrive
The Strand and Beach Volleyball
The Strand is the oceanfront walkway that runs through town, and the sand beside it fills with volleyball games most days. Guests can play, watch, or simply walk the stretch between the pier and the neighborhoods.
- Walk or jog the Strand at any hour
- Join or watch beach volleyball on the courts
- Bike the path south toward Hermosa and Redondo
Downtown Manhattan Beach
Downtown is a compact grid of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques steps from the sand. Dinner reservations are recommended on weekends, and most of it is walkable from nearby rentals.
- Dinner downtown within walking distance of the beach
- Coffee and breakfast before a beach morning
- Browse local boutiques along the main streets
Exploring the South Bay
Manhattan Beach is the northern gateway to the South Bay: Hermosa and Redondo Beach are a short ride or bike path away, and the coastal path makes the whole stretch rideable in an afternoon.
- Bike south along the coast through Hermosa
- Day trip to Redondo Beach's waterfront
- Keep the day simple: pier, Strand, dinner, sunset
Manhattan Beach guests get a whole coastal town in walking distance — a short guide helps them start right.
