Manhattan Beach may well be the prototype for the quintessential Los Angeles beach. A Beach Boys' hangout in their early days and the birthplace of beach volleyball, this west-facing urban beach attracts a broad mix of visitors.
-
Entrance Fee: None
Parking Fee: Street parking here is scarce. Bring quarters to feed the streetside parking meters or those in the parking lots.
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Restaurants nearby in town
- No alcohol on the beach
- No pets allowed on the beach, but they can walk on the beachside sidewalk
- Bike path
- Walking path
- Surfing
- Swimming, lifeguard on duty during daylight hours
- Volleyball
- Fishing from the pier
- Aquarium on the pier
- Finding parking here can be difficult at best, and you'll have to pay attention to your watch to be sure your meter doesn't expire.
- Manhattan Beach Open Volleyball Championships, August
- Sand Castle Contest, August
- Surf Festival, August
From LAX, head west on Imperial Highway to Vista del Mar and follow Vista del Mar and Highland Avenue south to downtown Manhattan Beach.


