Welcome to Manhattan Beach
An Upscale Beach Community that Maintains a Small-town Feel
Manhattan Beach is a trendy, hip, and upscale beach community in the southwestern portion of Los Angeles County. Known to locals as “MB,” Manhattan Beach has some of the best-maintained beaches in all of Southern California, thanks to regular beach grooming. There’s plenty to see and do here with fewer crowds than on some of L.A.’s well-known beaches. The City of Manhattan Beach was officially incorporated on December 2, 1912, and might be one of Los Angeles’ best-kept secrets, with its impressive beachfront homes and unparalleled sunsets.
What to Love
- Trendy and upscale while holding on to small-town vibes
- Lots of local restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment
- Pleasant weather year-round
- Plenty of outdoor activities
Local Lifestyle
Manhattan Beach locals are a pretty active bunch, and it’s easy to see why. The mild, Mediterranean climate and clean beach encourage residents who live here to recreate outdoors. Biking, jogging, beach volleyball, beach tennis, skateboarding, and surfing are favorite pastimes among those who call Manhattan Beach home. Because of its high walkability, you’ll see visitors and laid-back locals enjoying a meal at the area’s various sidewalk cafes, browsing the many shops and boutiques, or simply relaxing in one of several parks you’ll find here.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Downtown Manhattan Beach is this chic beach city’s hub. Here you’ll find high-end boutiques and retailers, both casual and fine dining establishments, and countless bars and pubs. You won’t find many chain stores or restaurants here, which adds to the local feel. Home to more than 150 retailers, you're sure to find whatever you're looking for in downtown Manhattan Beach. On Manhattan Avenue look for "pages: a bookstore” the best independent book store in a small town where you can find great recommendations from the talented and well read staff. They are also happy to order any book you might need for pick up or delivery. For a real taste of the Manhattan Beach vibe, shop steps from the sand at or Vuori, that sells chic women’s and mens clothing and accessories.
When it’s time to get something to eat, you have a choice of many different eateries at all other price points. One trendy dining option is the Michelin-rated restaurant, Fishing with Dynamite featuring an oyster bar and serving up more traditional seafood fare. Or for and upscale dining experience try Arthur J a steak and seafood eatery with a mid mod flair, or Mangiamo Ristorante Italiano traditional yet upscale since 1984.
For a fun night out, Manhattan Beach’s Shellback Tavern, and Ercoles 1101 locally known as Erc’s, are local bar favorites or try many of the area’s nightlife hot spots, but most can get a bit packed, especially on the weekends, so arrive early.
Things to Do
One thing that you’ll notice about Manhattan Beach is that there is always something going on. Manhattan Beach has a very active community calendar full of festivals, events, and community gatherings. Manhattan Beach hosts the Manhattan Beach Open, a summer pro beach volleyball tournament held right on the sand. No visit to Manhattan Beach would be complete without stopping by the 928 feet-long Manhattan Beach Pier. Built in the 1920s, this sturdy concrete pier is the oldest concrete pier on the west coast. You’ll find an iconic red-roof structure at the end of the dock that houses the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium. Admission to the aquarium is free and offers something for the entire family.
Schools
The Manhattan Beach School District has five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The district is award-winning and has garnered national recognition for its performance and test scores.
Real Estate
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