Surfing USA: Top 10 Things To Do In Manhattan Beach

things to do in manhattan beach california
Nadia
Nadia 
Updated
| 3 min read

The tide for things to do is high at Manhattan Beach. This Los Angeles neighborhood represents a classic California beach with volleyball, surfing, and sunbathing. The proximity from the ocean to the shops and food options are all walking distance from each other, making this a great spot to spend your day. The location of Manhattan Beach is perfect for commuters from Los Angeles or Orange County, who want to explore one of the most popular beaches in the region. Here is our list of the top 10 things to do in Manhattan Beach, California.

1. Play volleyball


Get the true California experience with some beach volleyball! Manhattan Beach is known for its iconic volleyball and has plenty of nets for everyone to join in on the fun. Spike, bump, and dive in the sand for a fun filled afternoon. Go at sunset for amazing views while you get a good workout.

Beach Volleyball

Address: Manhattan Beach, California

Website: Beach Volleyball

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2. Visit Sand Dune Park

Looking down from the top of the sand dune
Source: Photo by Flickr user Jeremy Miles used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Go for a picnic at Sand Dune Park, which is named after the 110-foot (33 meter) high sand dune that is there. The dune makes a perfect workout for those wanting to challenge themselves or a nice evening for those wanting to get a panoramic view at the top. Perfect for solo travelers or families to enjoy.

Sand Dune Park

Address: Bell Ave, Manhattan Beach, California

Website: Sand Dune Park

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3. Go to the local aquarium


Roundhouse Aquarium is a free and little aquarium that is a great stop in the area. It sits near the end of the pier at Manhattan Beach and has a beautiful million-dollar view of the ocean. If you want to dive into learning about marine life, this is a cute place to go.

Roundhouse Aquarium

Address: Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, California

Website: Roundhouse Aquarium

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4. Bike down Strand Avenue


The strand is a scenic pathway along the beach where many people walk along or bike. There are restaurants, shops and houses along the road making it a perfect place to rent a bike and glide around the area. Here you will see some of the most expensive real estate in the United States.

Strand Avenue

Address: Strand Avenue, Manhattan Beach, California

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5. Take a surfing lesson

Surfing
Source: Pixabay

Manhattan beach has the perfect kind of waves for beginner surfers. Book a lesson with Campsurf, a surf shop along The Strand, for a friendly and knowledgeable instructor. Catch your first waves and maybe start the beginning of a whole new hobby.

Campsurf

Address: 4500 The Strand, Manhattan Beach, California

Website: Campsurf

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6. Eat brunch at Manhattan Beach Post

Corned beef cheek hash, fried egg, sherry vinegar, gremolata
Source: Photo by Flickr user T.Tseng used under CC BY 2.0

This farm-to-table restaurant will put you in a food coma, where you will need to nap it off on the beach right next to it. Manhattan Beach Post has delicious shareable plates that are always unique with a regularly changing menu. Come here for brunch, lunch, or dinner and don’t forget to order a drink at this rustic style food joint.

Manhattan Beach Post

Address: 1142 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, California

Website: Manhattan Beach Post

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7. Go to the Comedy and Magic Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


This club’s beach side location attracts some of the biggest comedians and magicians in the country. Laugh so hard you are in stitches with some great performances. If you are a fan of Jay Leno, he performs here close to every week so get tickets in advanced.

Comedy and Magic Club

Address: 1018 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, California

Website: Comedy and Magic Club

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8. Try the different microbrews at Brewco

things to do in manhattan beach california | try the different microbrews at brewco
Source: instagram

Brewco is a great place to down a craft beer while eating some delicious food in Manhattan Beach. The brewery has a wide selection of beers to try that has its customers coming back again and again. Try the shrimp tacos with a beer sampler platter and you are good to go. Sit back and relax while gazing out at a nice ocean view.

Brewco

Address: 124 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, California

Website: Brewco

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9. Go wine tasting at Uncorked

things to do in manhattan beach california | go wine tasting at uncorked
Source: instagram

If beer isn’t your style, there is a place not too far called Uncorked for some of the best wines in the area. Indulge in boutique wines at this cute store for a great price. The wine tasting costs 15 USD for a flight of five select wines. The store also sells wine accessories, making it a great opportunity to get a unique souvenir.

Uncorked

Address: 302 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, California

Website: Uncorked

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10. Have a picnic at Polliwog Park

Polliwog Park
Source: Photo by Flickr user Urban Outbacker used under CC BY 2.0

Take your wine from Uncorked and head over to picnic at Polliwog Park. This large park is known for its cleanliness and is a great place to spend the day at. An amphitheater is also inside the area, making it a popular place for small concerts.

Polliwog Park

Address: 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, California

Website: Polliwog Park

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Try something new

Manhattan Beach is a great location to try out several water sports, if you have never done them before. Go paddle boarding, wind surfing, paragliding, or even rent a fly board to jet pack over the water and make you feel like you are in an action movie. There is something for everyone here at the beach, so what are you waiting for!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Just an American girl chasing the unique in the world. I've been to 22 countries and 4 continents. My current goal is to go to all 7 continents before I turn 25. I'm a filmmaker, journalist, and...Read more

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