10 Best Attractions in Manhattan Beach, CA

Located along Southern California’s beautiful shoreline, Manhattan Beach is a perfect destination for those who prefer a peaceful environment and a lively neighborhood vibe. Imagine a picturesque pier, wide sandy beaches, and an excellent food scene — making it a standout spot in the South Bay. Whether you’re visiting for relaxed family time or work, it’s easy to put together an unforgettable itinerary that suits all needs.

Your trip becomes much more comfortable and enjoyable if you know the most popular things to do in Manhattan Beach. This guide will help you make the most of your visit to Manhattan Beach.

Location: 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA

Stretching 928 feet into the Pacific Ocean, the Manhattan Beach Pier is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It’s a hub of activity, often featuring performers, musicians, and local artists. At the end of the pier is the Roundhouse Aquarium — a small marine education center — and you’ll often see surfers riding waves below. The pier also includes the Volleyball Walk of Fame, celebrating winners of the Manhattan Beach Open beach volleyball tournament.

Location: 1701 Marine Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA

AdventurePlex is a large indoor play center run by the Beach Cities Health District, perfect for children ages 4–12 and families. The facility features a multi-level play structure, rope courses, rock climbing walls, sports courts, and ToddlerTown for younger kids. It offers camps, drop-in play, fitness challenges, and birthday party options.

Location: 33rd St & Bell Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA

Sand Dune Park is known for its steep, natural 100foot sand dune — a favorite workout spot for fitness enthusiasts and adventurous visitors alike. The area also includes shaded picnic spots and trails. Visitors aged 13 and older must make an online reservation to access the main dune, while children 12 and under can visit without a reservation.

Location: Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA

Located at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier, the Roundhouse Aquarium offers free admission and showcases marine life from Santa Monica Bay. You can explore interactive exhibits with eels, rays, lobsters, and other coastal species. It’s a great educational stop for families and anyone interested in ocean life.

Location: Northern Manhattan Beach, CA, USA

Found at the northern end of the beach, El Porto is a relaxed and popular beach area especially beloved by surfers. Its powerful waves and accessible beachfront parking make it ideal for both seasoned surfers and spectators. Compared to downtown Manhattan Beach, El Porto feels more laid-back and peaceful.

Location: Around 1142 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA

Downtown Manhattan Beach offers an open-air shopping and dining experience with stylish boutiques, restaurants, and small hotels. Lined along Manhattan Beach Boulevard and nearby streets, the area blends easygoing coastal charm with beach activities like surfing and volleyball. Downtown is a great place to enjoy local cuisine, seaside views, and boutique shopping just blocks from the sand.

Location: 1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA

The Manhattan Beach Art Center is a small city gallery that hosts rotating exhibitions, workshops, and creative programs. Admission is typically free, and visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and eclectic art displays. The center also offers visual arts education and community-focused art events throughout the year.

Location: 117 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA

The Strand House is an oceanfront restaurant offering farm-to-table California cuisine with sweeping views of the Pacific. With chef-driven seasonal menus, this restaurant is known for high-quality seafood, meat dishes, and thoughtful vegetarian options. It’s an excellent choice for a special meal or sunset dinner with panoramic beach views.

Location: 1901 N Valley Dr, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA

Live Oak Park is one of the city’s oldest and most popular parks, spanning around nine acres. The park offers playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, picnic areas, and multipurpose fields. It also hosts the annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair every October — a community favorite event featuring live music, food, and family fun.

Location: Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA (Paseo along the beachfront from 25th Street to the northern city limits near Hermosa Beach)

The Strand is a beloved beachfront path that runs along the shoreline, popular for walking, jogging, biking, and people-watching. Lined with beautiful oceanfront homes and providing direct access to the beach, it’s one of the most scenic and popular ways to experience Manhattan Beach’s coastline.

Imagine local culture, coastal beauty, and family-friendly fun — Manhattan Beach is truly one of Southern California’s most inviting destinations. Whether you’re admiring iconic landmarks like the Manhattan Beach Pier or relaxing in charming parks like Live Oak Park, there are lots of places to visit in Manhattan Beach for every age group.

Book your stay at Manhattan Inn & Suites today and enjoy a convenient location just minutes from Manhattan Beach Pier and local attractions!