Key Takeaways
- Manhattan Beach delivers classic Southern California coastal living with a walkable mix of beaches, dining, culture, and outdoor activities.
- The surrounding Westside neighborhoods add variety through art districts, waterfront harbors, scenic parks, and iconic beach towns.
- Outdoor experiences like pier walks, biking The Strand, and blufftop paths make it easy to enjoy the coastline at your own pace.
- From creative streets to natural preserves, the area balances lively destinations with quieter places to slow down and explore.
In Los Angeles’ coastal corridor, Manhattan Beach stands out for its blend of oceanfront living, creative culture, and laid-back sophistication that defines Southern California at its best. Long associated with classic beach-town charm and a strong local identity, the city has evolved into a dynamic destination shaped by food, art, outdoor recreation, and walkable neighborhoods.
From iconic shorelines and the lively pier area to boutique shopping and cultural landmarks, Manhattan Beach offers a lifestyle that feels both relaxed and energized, appealing to visitors and long-term residents alike. Here are the top things to do in Manhattan Beach, California.
1. Walk the Manhattan Beach Pier
The Manhattan Beach Pier is one of the most recognizable coastal landmarks in Los Angeles. Extending into the Pacific, it offers panoramic ocean views, surfers riding steady breaks, and a laid-back pace that defines the South Bay. Visitors often pair a pier walk with coffee or brunch nearby, while sunset turns the area into a favorite spot for evening strolls and photography.
2. Explore Santa Monica Beach and the Pier
Santa Monica blends classic beach culture with urban energy. The wide shoreline invites biking, jogging, and casual beach days, while the pier adds an element of nostalgia with its Ferris wheel and oceanfront attractions. Nearby streets offer shopping, dining, and people-watching that make Santa Monica a full-day destination rather than just a beach stop.
3. Discover Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice
Abbot Kinney Boulevard is the creative heartbeat of Venice, known for its mix of independent boutiques, galleries, cafés, and restaurants. The street reflects the area’s artistic roots and modern design sensibility. Its walkable layout makes it easy to explore without a set agenda.
Visitors enjoy browsing local shops, sampling innovative cuisine, and soaking up an atmosphere that feels distinctly Westside and constantly evolving.
4. Spend Time at Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach is smaller in scale but rich in character. The beachfront path draws walkers, runners, and cyclists, while The Strand connects the community to neighboring coastal cities. The compact layout gives the area an intimate, neighborhood feel.
At night, the pier area comes alive with live music venues, casual bars, and dining spots that emphasize a social, community-driven vibe.
5. Visit the Getty Center
Perched above the Westside, the Getty Center combines world-class art with striking architecture and sweeping views of Los Angeles. The museum’s collections range from European paintings to contemporary photography. The tram ride up the hill adds to the sense of arrival and anticipation.
Equally impressive are the gardens and outdoor spaces, which invite visitors to linger and enjoy the setting as much as the exhibitions.
6. Relax at Palisades Park
Overlooking the Pacific, Palisades Park runs along the Santa Monica bluffs and offers one of the best vantage points on the Westside. Palm-lined paths and benches provide a calm escape above the beach. The elevated setting creates uninterrupted views of the coastline below.
It’s a popular place for morning walks, sunset viewing, and quiet breaks between exploring nearby neighborhoods.
7. Explore Redondo Beach Harbor
Redondo Beach Harbor offers a mix of waterfront dining, walking paths, and recreational activities. Visitors can watch boats drift through the marina or enjoy seafood with views of the water. The relaxed harbor pace contrasts nicely with busier beachfront areas.
The harbor area also hosts seasonal events and markets that highlight the South Bay’s coastal lifestyle.
8. Bike The Strand
The Strand is a scenic bike and pedestrian path stretching through the South Bay’s beach cities. It connects Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach with uninterrupted ocean views. The flat, well-marked route makes it accessible for riders of all levels.
Renting a bike and cruising this route is one of the best ways to experience the coastline at a relaxed pace.
9. Visit Dockweiler State Beach
Dockweiler State Beach offers wide open sand and unobstructed ocean views, making it popular for picnics, bonfires, and group gatherings. Its proximity to LAX also provides a unique vantage point for watching planes take off over the water. Despite its size, the beach rarely feels crowded. The beach’s size and accessibility make it a go-to spot for locals looking for space to unwind.
10. Explore the Culver City Arts District
Culver City blends historic film roots with a modern creative scene. The Arts District features galleries, design studios, and restaurants set within repurposed industrial buildings. Public art and murals add visual interest throughout the neighborhood. The neighborhood’s walkability and mix of culture and dining make it a favorite stop on the Westside.
11. Visit the Ballona Wetlands
The Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve offers a quieter, nature-focused experience within the urban landscape. Walking trails wind through native habitats where visitors can spot birds and learn about coastal ecosystems. Interpretive signs provide context about conservation and local wildlife. It’s a reminder that the Westside still preserves pockets of natural history amid development.
Final Takeaway
Manhattan Beach captures the essence of coastal Southern California with its iconic shoreline, walkable neighborhoods, outdoor activities, and easy access to the culture and energy. Whether you’re exploring the pier, biking The Strand, or discovering nearby beaches and creative districts, the area offers a lifestyle that continues to draw both visitors and long-term residents.
For property owners looking to be part of this sought-after coastal market, Jambi Property Management provides experienced local support to help protect and manage rental investments with confidence. Reach out to Jambi Property Management to learn how our hands-on approach can support your property goals in Manhattan Beach and beyond.
