How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach, California

How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California

Discover How to Make the Most of Your Day at Manhattan Beach


Manhattan Beach is a highly sought-after place to live in California due to its pristine beaches and proximity to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). It also happens to be one of the best destinations to visit in California. Whether you're seeking a relaxing day at the beach or an exciting day of shopping and dining, Manhattan Beach has something for everyone. Check out this guide for ideas on how to spend your visit. Let's go!


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Travel Tips
  • For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
  • For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.


How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California


Maximizing Your Travel Experience: Tips for Exploring New Places

When visiting a new city, it's important to take your time and enjoy the experience. We suggest visiting two places: one that's nature-inspired, like a park, and another that's a hub for dining and shopping. This will save you from the hassle of finding parking multiple times and allow you to fully immerse yourself in the surroundings. Here's how we made the most of a day in Manhattan, even with a toddler in tow.


Getting There

Drive from Los Angeles to Manhattan Beach: less than an hour, depending on traffic.
Expect to circle around a few times to find parking, especially on weekends.


What to Do in Manhattan Beach

How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California

1. Visit Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden

Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden
Address: 1237 N Peck Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
Admission to the garden is Free.
Street Parking is Free.


 How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California

If you're visiting Manhattan Beach with a little one, don't miss out on the Botanical Garden! It may be small, but it's packed with a variety of California native plants that are sure to delight your toddler. 


How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California

Create a Chic and Effortless Travel Look with Beautiful Turquoise Jewelry

If you're a fan of turquoise jewelry, then add a pop of color to your wardrobe with Genuine American Turquoise jewelry from Diego Jones Jewelry. Their hand-crafted pieces are not only stunning but also eco-friendly and made of lead-free, hypoallergenic surgical steel. 

Genuine Turquoise jewelry from Diego Jones Jewelry. Save 10% on all your orders with code: TRE10


How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California
Our own little one enjoyed taking a leisurely walk through the gardens. 


How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California

Polliwog Park 

Outside the garden, the nearby Polliwog Park has plenty of benches and picnic tables for you to enjoy a relaxing lunch amidst the beauty of nature.


How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California
 We were also able to spot some friendly ducks and turtles in the small pond nearby which made our little one jump for joy.


How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California
I came across a hilarious squirrel that abruptly froze as if trying to conceal itself by not moving.


How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California

2. Take a stroll along the Manhattan Beach Pier 

Manhattan Beach Pier 
Address: 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266


How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California

Parking near Manhattan Beach Pier

Our weekend trip to Manhattan Beach was nearly derailed by the classic Los Angeles parking dilemma. After circling the block several times, we finally found a spot, only to have it taken by a car full of elderly women. Fortunately, we were able to secure another spot just in time and avoid any further parking mishaps.

Lot 2
Address: 222 12th St, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266


How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California

Visit the Beach

Manhattan Beach is a great place to spend your day off. One of the top activities you can do here is to visit the beach. The sandy shores and clear waters provide the perfect setting to relax, take a stroll, or swim with your friends and family. 

Make sure to check out the waters under the bridge, as it is a popular spot for taking pictures. The pillars of the bridge create a stunning background, especially when the light hits them just right.


How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California

Rent a Bike

If you're feeling a bit more active, you can rent a bike and go for a ride along the coast. The Bicycle Trail provides a scenic route that takes you through the beautiful coastal area. The trail is well-maintained and offers picturesque views of the beach and surrounding areas. You can rent bikes from several shops around the area, so it's easy to find a bike that suits your needs.


How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California

3. Shopping

If you are looking to do some shopping, head to Sunny Days Manhattan Beach on Manhattan Beach Boulevard. I really adore the chic and comfortable clothes they offer there.


How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California

4. For Lunch

We tried The Kettle and my husband enjoyed their "New Orleans Style Shrimp" but my "Kettle Burger" was just ok. The restaurant boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making our experience all the more enjoyable.

The Kettle
Address: 1138 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.


How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California

5. And for Dessert

Manhattan Beach Creamery
Address 1120 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266


If you're looking for a delicious dessert spot, don't miss Manhattan Beach Creamery. The charming pink clouds painted on the ceiling and the floating umbrellas create such a magical atmosphere. To keep things on theme, I decided to order something th
at's pink. Even better, the new Barbie movie has just been released, so it's time to embrace all things pink! Meanwhile, my little one is sporting his detective look, reminiscent of a character from the Oppenheimer film. 

The strawberry ice cream was absolutely heavenly – I highly recommend it!


How to Spend a Day in Manhattan Beach California

This weekend drive to Manhattan Beach wasn’t planned but that is what makes this trip more exciting, the spontaneity of the moment.

Manhattan Beach is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to spend some quality time outdoors. Whether you want to relax on the beach or go for a bike ride, there's something for everyone here. Remember to come early and plan ahead to make the most of your visit to Manhattan Beach.

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