Manhattan Beach is located in Los Angeles
County, south of the Los Angeles International Airport and north of
Redondo Beach. Like many California beaches, the Manhattan Beach pier
is the main attraction here. The pier is located at the end of Manhattan
Beach Boulevard and is a hot spot with the locals as well as the tourists.
There is a free aquarium at the base of the pier and several benches
along the sides to kick back and enjoy the view.
The sport of volleyball dominates this
beach. Both east and west of the pier, there are lines of courts on
flat, white sand. There is enough space to stretch out a beach towel
and lay out just past the volleyball arena. There is also a bike path
which connects Manhattan Beach to its northern and southern beach neighbors.
This is a fantastic coastal ride which offers flat, paved trail with
no traffic or stoplight interruptions. Fishing off the pier is also
another popular pastime. There are fishing gear rental shops located
near by.
Surfing in Manhattan Beach is consistent.
The summer time is the best time to visit this beach for surfing. The
beach offers both great lefts and rights and can get somewhat crowded
around the pier during the summer months.
The summer months are the most active and
therefore the most fun. Summer concerts are held occasionally on Sundays
near the beach, at Polliwog Park. There is also an International Surf
Festival, a Fourth of July fireworks display and several different types
of running and cycling races located at this beach.
Manhattan Boulevard is lined with cool
shops and fun beach hangouts with decent food. There is metered parking
at the base of the pier and along Manhattan Boulevard. You can park
on distant side streets, but overall parking can be a difficult task
anytime of the year.
NO alcohol/glass containers
NO camping
NO dogs
NO vehicles on the beach
NO fires
YES Bathrooms/showers available
