27 Hand-Picked Things to Do in Manhattan Beach, CA – 2024 Update
When looking for the best things to do in Manhattan Beach, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the unexpected whirlwind of activities that this breezy coastal town throws at your feet.
So, we’ve meticulously plucked the most eye-popping, sand-between-the-toes activities, new hot trends, and local treasures, and ranked them from 27 to 1. Our methodology relies on a mix of tourist popularity, emerging newness, trends among tourists and locals alike, family-friendliness, and of course, cost and value for you.
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Methodology
We chose the best things to do in Manhattan Beach by considering the experience and reviews of locals, tourists, and online trends to gather intel on what truly people enjoy here.
We’ve accounted for tourist magnetism (after all, what draws the crowds can’t be ignored), family-friendly options (because dragging your kids around should be fun), cost (freebies get brownie points), and the weird cool factor (because normal is boring).
The 27 Best Things to Do in Manhattan Beach, CA
27. Ride a Beach Cruiser Along The Strand
Feel like you’re pedaling through a dream? Well, you probably are. Renting a beach cruiser and gliding along The Strand makes you part of the scenery, but don’t be fooled by its simplicity.
Ideal for lazy afternoons or when you need a break from your own mind.
Location: Check on Google Maps
26. Sunbathe at Manhattan Beach Pier
This isn’t just any pier; it’s the pier. A sunbather’s paradise and the sort of place where you can lie down on a towel and accidentally nap for hours.
The view extends to the horizon and maybe beyond, while the soothing noise of the waves competes with beach volleyball in the distance. Be sure to slap on sunscreen or risk becoming the human embodiment of a lobster.
Location: Check on Google Maps
25. Visit the Roundhouse Aquarium
The Roundhouse Aquarium houses an aquatic menagerie of critters with surprisingly quirky attitudes. It’s like a house party under the sea where you don’t get wet but leave with all the ocean vibes.
Family-friendly, of course, but don’t be surprised if you, the adult, are more captivated than the kids.
Location: Check on Google Maps
24. Surf at El Porto Beach
For those with balance and bravery in spades, El Porto Beach delivers waves that demand respect.
Known for being one of the most consistent surf spots around, it’s where the ocean throws its wildest mood swings. Beginners should perhaps start elsewhere, but seasoned wave warriors, this is your arena.
Location: Check on Google Maps
23. Play Beach Volleyball
Manhattan Beach is the birthplace of beach volleyball, and the sand courts here hum with the spirit of competition.
Whether you’re spiking like a champion or gently coaxing the ball over the net, you’ll find that the beach volleyball scene here is second to none. This is a place where athleticism and sand collide in the most glorious of ways.
Location: Check on Google Maps
22. Picnic at Polliwog Park
Craving greenery amidst all that sand? Polliwog Park is your leafy escape, where picnics take on a life of their own.
With a pond, wide grassy spaces, and birds who might just join you for lunch, this park lets you take a break from the relentless beach without losing the outdoorsy vibe.
Location: Check on Google Maps
21. Visit the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden
A secret garden? Not quite. The Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is an explosion of native plants that somehow thrive despite the ocean’s salty breath.
Stroll here for an experience that can only be described as a cross between a science project and a magical retreat.
Location: Check on Google Maps
20. Stroll Through Downtown Manhattan Beach
Downtown Manhattan Beach is an odd blend of coastal chic and laid-back whimsy. It’s a perfect place for people-watching or window shopping.
You might think you’re in a slow-paced paradise, and you’re not wrong. Wander through art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that seem plucked from a dream.
Location: Check on Google Maps
19. Take a Yoga Class on the Beach
Yoga on the beach is the kind of experience that sounds cliché until you’re doing it. Breathing in salty air while stretching to the sounds of crashing waves might just unlock parts of your mind you didn’t know existed.
Whether you’re an experienced yogi or a curious newbie, the classes here are a blissful escape.
Location: Check on Google Maps
18. Eat at The Strand House
Eating with a view of the ocean that’s so close you could almost taste the salt in the air? Yes, please. The Strand House is a must-visit for anyone craving high-end dining with a side of ocean breeze.
The food here is as refined as the view, and trust us, you’ll want to eat your way through the entire menu.
Location: Check on Google Maps
17. Walk Your Dog at Live Oak Park
Live Oak Park is the place where dogs practically walk their humans. With plenty of space for pups to run, sniff, and wag tails at breakneck speeds, this park is where the local canines come to socialize.
You’ll find yourself drawn into conversations about the finer points of dog toys while your four-legged friend makes new besties.
Location: Check on Google Maps
16. Visit the Manhattan Beach Art Center
Art galleries can be a hit or miss, but the Manhattan Beach Art Center manages to strike a strange chord between modern, quirky, and visually arresting.
This is where you’ll find locals pondering abstract art and tourists snapping selfies with sculptures that may or may not be sentient. Family-friendly with an edge, it’s a cultural gem hiding in plain sight.
Location: Check on Google Maps
15. Get a Cold Treat at Manhattan Beach Creamery
If there’s a place where calories don’t count, it’s the Manhattan Beach Creamery.
This iconic ice cream stop boasts mind-boggling flavor combinations that flirt with the edge of absurdity. You’ll find everything from traditional vanilla to creations that make you question reality itself. An absolute must on a hot beach day—or even a cold one.
Location: Check on Google Maps
14. Join a Group Paddleboarding Session
Paddleboarding is for those who love the idea of standing on water without the danger of falling through. Join a group session and discover the delicate art of balancing on a board while the ocean tries to unbalance your zen.
It’s a workout disguised as fun, and the local instructors are more than happy to let you drift in serenity—or not.
Location: Check on Google Maps
13. Watch a Sunset at Bruce’s Beach
Bruce’s Beach isn’t just a beach—it’s a front-row seat to some of the most heart-stopping sunsets on the West Coast. Settle down on the grass or the sand as the sun melts into the Pacific like an orange sherbet, making the sky blush with colors you never thought possible.
It’s romantic, peaceful, and entirely free.
Location: Check on Google Maps
12. Go Fishing on the Pier
Fishing at Manhattan Beach Pier is an exercise in patience, luck, and people-watching. Even if the fish don’t bite, you’ll be entertained by surfers gliding below and seagulls plotting their next heist.
Bring your fishing gear and settle in for an afternoon where time seems to slow down and the ocean plays the background soundtrack.
Location: Check on Google Maps
11. Visit the Historical Society Museum
Manhattan Beach’s past isn’t just about sand and surf. The Historical Society Museum offers a dive into the town’s quirky history—from its days as a quiet retreat to its emergence as a bustling beach haven.
This museum is the perfect stop for history buffs or anyone curious about the strange and often hilarious tales of this coastal town.
Location: Check on Google Maps
10. Play Tennis at Live Oak Park
Live Oak Park isn’t just for the dogs—tennis aficionados can serve up some fun here too. The courts are pristine, the atmosphere electric, and there’s always a chance to meet locals who are passionate about the game.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just picking up a racket, the courts at Live Oak Park offer a dynamic, sun-soaked challenge.
Location: Check on Google Maps
9. Take a Helicopter Tour Over the Coast
If walking along the beach isn’t cutting it, why not soar above it? Helicopter tours offer an aerial view of the stunning Pacific coastline, giving you a whole new perspective on Manhattan Beach.
The thrill of being in the sky combined with the sweeping vistas makes this an unforgettable experience for adventurers and scenery lovers alike.
Location: Check on Google Maps
8. Play Golf at The Lakes at El Segundo
Manhattan Beach might not have its own golf course, but a quick jaunt to neighboring El Segundo gives you access to The Lakes. This 9-hole course is a favorite among locals who appreciate a quick game without the full-day commitment.
It’s a laid-back, picturesque place where you can practice your swing while surrounded by towering palm trees.
Location: Check on Google Maps
7. Go Whale Watching
Whales are majestic, but seeing them in the wild is a whole other level of awe. Whale watching off the coast of Manhattan Beach offers you the rare chance to glimpse these massive creatures as they migrate.
Book a boat tour and keep your eyes peeled for tail flips, spouts, and the occasional playful breach.
Location: Check on Google Maps
6. Dine at Fishing With Dynamite
Fishing With Dynamite is not what it sounds like—there’s no explosives involved, only explosions of flavor. This local seafood spot serves up fresh catches with a creative twist.
Oyster lovers will find themselves in heaven, while others might get swept away by the legendary lobster rolls. It’s seafood done in a way that’s memorable and delicious.
Location: Check on Google Maps
5. Take a Day Trip to Catalina Island
If the beach isn’t enough, how about an island?
Manhattan Beach is just a hop and a ferry ride away from Catalina Island, where you can spend the day hiking, snorkeling, or sipping drinks with a view. It’s the perfect day trip for those craving an escape that feels worlds away but is only a few miles off the coast.
Location: Check on Google Maps
4. Join a Beach Clean-Up
Give back to the beach that gives you so much. Beach clean-ups are a regular occurrence in Manhattan Beach, where locals and visitors alike come together to keep the sands pristine.
It’s a rewarding way to spend the morning, and you leave knowing you’ve made a tangible difference to the environment.
Location: Check on Google Maps
3. Shop at the Manhattan Beach Farmers Market
Local produce, artisanal goods, and the smell of freshly baked bread fill the air at the Manhattan Beach Farmers Market. A favorite among both residents and tourists, this market offers a glimpse into the town’s vibrant community.
Stroll the stands, snack on organic treats, and leave with a bag full of fresh finds.
Location: Check on Google Maps
2. Eat at Manhattan Beach Post
MB Post is more than a restaurant—it’s a culinary institution in Manhattan Beach. Known for its communal dining tables and shared plates, it’s a place where strangers can become friends over some of the most flavorful food in town.
The menu is diverse, inventive, and downright delectable.
Location: Check on Google Maps
1. Walk the Manhattan Beach Pier at Sunset
The Manhattan Beach Pier at sunset is the ultimate experience that sums up the magic of this coastal town. As the sun sinks into the Pacific, casting colors that defy explanation, you’ll realize why it tops the list.
It’s a moment of serenity, beauty, and connection to the world—and it doesn’t cost a thing.
Location: Check on Google Maps
