People that live in LA. notoriously stick to their immediate neighborhood (thank you traffic!) but this is such a diverse city with tons of fun things to do. Some friends and I ventured down to the South Bay with one question in mind: What are some fun things to do in Manhattan Beach beyond the things we usually do? Hope it gives you some ideas for an entertaining day of your own.
If you’re visiting Southern California from elsewhere, you’re probably spending time at all the typical Los Angeles tourist spots like Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. While it’s fun to see those areas, seeing a place where Angelenos live and play is what will make you love L.A. Manhattan Beach is just one of the 13 Prettiest Beaches in Southern California.
Spending the Day in Manhattan Beach: 7 Fun Things to Do
1. Coffee & Classic Cars in Redondo Beach is a Great Place to Start the Day
We planned to spend our day in Manhattan Beach, but had to make a quick and necessary pitstop in Redondo Beach to grab some delicious coffee at The Boy and the Bear. I saw the coffee shop on a volleyball weekend and wanted to check it out. Across the street we fortuitously discovered a classic car club called Garage 77 where you’re able to rent exotic cars for the day. What sounds better than driving around in a classic convertible car on a summer day by the beach?
Related post: 13 Prettiest Beaches in Southern California
2. Shopping in Cute Manhattan Beach Boutiques is one of the Best Things to Do
Next, we made our way up to Manhattan Beach Blvd. to shop at some beachy boutiques. Hot summer days call for lots of dresses, hats, sunglasses, and light colors. Gum Tree has great home decor items. This is the perfect place to get gifts too. Find super cute dresses, jewelry and more at Katwalk. Trina Turk cater to those summer shopping needs for fashion and home decor. Always a Trina Turk fan, I figured I would like this store but it’s just an absolute treat to shop here.
3. Manhattan Beach is Filled to the Brim With Great Restaurants
Soon enough we found ourselves hungry for lunch. There are so many good options for different types of meals in Manhattan Beach. Up the street from the pier is a cute little, bustling seafood restaurant we kept hearing about called Fishing with Dynamite. The plate of Fish & Chips came first, and as you can see they were so delicious that they were gone by the time the rest of our food had arrived. We also ordered Grilled Shrimp Tacos and Nicoise toast. Everything was so delicious, we will definitely come back another time.
4. Strolling the Strand is my #1 Manhattan Beach Favorite Thing to Do
Hands down, my favorite thing to do in Manhattan Beach is walk the strand, which is perfect to walk off a yummy meal. The strand stretches all the way from Redondo Beach to Pacific Palisades, and you can find several people bike riding, rollerblading, and walking their dogs–yet more fun things to do in Manhattan Beach! It’s such a treat to walk by all the amazing beach houses here and interact with the neighbors.
It’s an excellent way to start the day and you’ll find lots of people taking a power walk. Mid-afternoon it’s completely social. You’ll probably make friends along the way. At sunset, you may start thinking about booking an appointment with a realtor so you can just have this as your life!
Related post: Walking for Fitness
5. Bumming on the Beach
You’re in California – you have to go to the beach! It will beckon you to come sit down and soak in some rays. Don’t forget a cute hat and some trusty sunscreen. California sun is strong. Don’t forget to use sunscreen even on a cloudy day. You can still get a sunburn. If you are sun sensitive, you might consider bringing a beach umbrella with you.
6. Manhattan Beach is Known for World Class Beach Volleyball
If you want to go out and play, you can typically find a court and join in the fun. Sometimes you can catch an AVP or CBVA Tournament and watch incredible athletes compete in beach competitions. It’s such a fun sport to watch and you’ll be right next to the action. This Southern California pastime is one of the best free things you can do in L.A. If you’re sitting anywhere close, make sure you’re watching the game so you don’t get hit by a ball you had no idea was coming for you.
7. My Hubby Would Have Put Surfing at His #1 Thing to do in Manhattan Beach
We have quite a few friends that will wake up at the crack of dawn to get out and surf El Porto. It’s a favorite spot with Southern California surfers. You can also spot surfers by the Manhattan Beach Pier. If you’re a newbie and want to try some So Cal surfing, sign up for surf lessons or put your kids up for surf camp. It’s such a fun California thing to do on your vacation.
Manhattan Beach Hotels
Now that you know how much fun it is in Manhattan Beach, you may be thinking you want to stay in the South Bay for your trip. It would be a great choice. Here are some great places to stay:
- Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach – Is walking distance from the beach and downtown Manhattan Beach. It has a really fun vibe. They have a great rooftop deck with a pool.
- Westdrift Manhattan Beach, Autograph Collection by Marriott – A little further from the beach but a convenient place to stay. They have spacious, stylish rooms. It’s only 3 miles to LAX so you can get from your airplane seat to the pool lounge chair in under 30 minutes.
- The Sea View Inn At The Beach – Perfect for surfers and families, this little Inn is walking distance from the waves and Sand Dune Park where the kids can have a blast. They have free bikes you can borrow to ride on the bike path.
The South Bay is so close to Santa Monica, has so many fun activities, great food and and terrific sightseeing. Make sure you get some time in one of the best cities in Southern California. Whether you’re an Angeleno or visiting Los Angeles, take advantage of the fun things to do in Manhattan Beach and the other Prettiest Beaches in Southern California.
32 Comments
Jennifer
February 4, 2020 at 1:21 pmI wish I was there right now. I’m sick of the cold.
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Jenifer
February 4, 2020 at 7:41 pmI don’t know how everyone does winters! Hope it warms up soon.
Lydia
August 4, 2018 at 9:25 amI had no idea that Manhattan Beach is so stunning and exceptional place, Jenifer. Your pictures blew my mind and whetted my appetite. How many days would you recommend staying there?
admin
August 21, 2018 at 7:03 pmI’m so glad you liked it! It’s a great place to spend the afternoon or spend a relaxing week going to the beach every day. I personally like seeing as much as possible on a vacation so Manhattan Beach is a great day trip for me.
heather noire
July 22, 2018 at 12:57 amI loved this so much! Great style and this looks like an amazing place to visit π
http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2018/07/how-to-score-vintage-chanel-like-expert.html
admin
July 25, 2018 at 7:21 pmSo glad you liked it Heather. It’s a great place to spend the day. Thanks for reading!!
Jessica
July 21, 2018 at 12:43 pmThere’s definitely lots of fun things to do in Manhattan beach. Thanks for sharing these tips dear. Really cute pictures you have here!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
admin
July 25, 2018 at 7:20 pmThank you so much for reading Jessica! I love your blog, amazing style, gorgeous photography and incredible tips! Definitely a huge fan!!
Yvonne
July 19, 2018 at 1:42 pmI need to add Manhattan Beach to my list of places to visit! Love all the photos and the hat is so cute!
xo Yvonne
https://www.aproposh.com
admin
July 19, 2018 at 3:04 pmThanks for reading Yvonne! The hat sums up my goals this summer π
Anika May
July 19, 2018 at 10:26 amThe boutiques look so cool! Awesome travel post π
Anika | anikamay.co.uk
admin
July 19, 2018 at 3:03 pmThank you! There are so many great places to wander into that there could be a post of just great shops. Thanks for reading!!
Lise Paul
July 19, 2018 at 5:56 amGreat issue Jen! I love Manhattan Beach – lots to do and I have bunch of friends there youβre reminding me to see π
admin
July 19, 2018 at 3:02 pmYay!! It’s so great to make a day of it and see our friends that are outside of our immediate area. Thanks for reading!!
Simone
July 19, 2018 at 1:59 amThanks for suggestions. I might just go for the shrimp tacos!!!!! Ummm looks good!
admin
July 19, 2018 at 2:59 pmYou won’t be disappointed. The food was amazing. Apparently the chef has a Michelin star. Thanks for reading!
Faby
July 19, 2018 at 1:25 amSuch a great read. I wish I could do more traveling. I’ll definitely keep Manhattan Beach on my wishlist of places to visit. Thank you for sharing and I love all the beautiful pictures.
admin
July 19, 2018 at 2:59 pmThanks for reading and the kind words. I definitely feel like you in that I always wish I could do more traveling!!
MP Allegaert
July 18, 2018 at 8:20 pmI loved this post! Have 2 sons and many friends in LA and know just what you mean about staying with your go-tos. Next trip, I’m making Manhattan Beach (where I’ve never been) a must see. And must eat — those tacos! Thanks so much for sharing.
admin
July 18, 2018 at 8:42 pmI’ve been challenging myself to see my city with a new perspective to broaden my horizons. I know you’ll love Manhattan Beach! Thank so much for reading.
Vanessa
July 18, 2018 at 6:08 pmYou are such a cutie! I LOVE LOVE Manhattan Beach! Hoping to come back and visit sometime next year and I’ll be sure to bookmark this post!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
admin
July 18, 2018 at 8:43 pmSo glad you like it Vanessa! Such a fun town to spend the day! Thanks for reading!!
Paul
July 18, 2018 at 12:37 pmLooks like a beautiful day for the beach, good picks
admin
July 18, 2018 at 4:03 pmThank you and thanks for reading!
Carina Herren
July 17, 2018 at 6:39 amI haven’t been to Manhattan beach! I definitely should go! I guess hubby and I frequent Venice beach and Santa Monica more when we’re in LA. It’s looks so beautiful there and the food looks soo good! π Love this post!
Carina
https://theagelessmillennial.com/
admin
July 17, 2018 at 3:46 pmIt’s definitely worth the trip and fun to see a different area! Thanks for reading π
mahryska
July 17, 2018 at 2:57 amaww looks like you had an amazing time!!
kisses from the sandpits of dubai π€
http://www.mahryska.com
admin
July 17, 2018 at 4:01 amThank you for reading all the way from Dubai!!
Amanda Vaughn
July 16, 2018 at 8:09 pmThis looks like such a fun day! I will have to add Manhattan Beach to my list!
admin
July 16, 2018 at 8:50 pmIt’s definitely a great part of LA that is worth a visit. When you see it, you’ll want to live there! π
Jennifer
July 16, 2018 at 5:37 pmGreat post! I love Manhattan Beach and hope to get over there before school starts up again for the boys. Now Iβm going to try this restaurant you mentioned!! Thx! Xoxo, Jennifer
admin
July 16, 2018 at 7:40 pmThanks so much Jennifer! The restaurant is so delicious. Apparently the chef has a Michelin star π That Nicoise toast is not something I would ever order and it was amazing!