Manhattan Beach: A Coastal Gem with a Rich History
The Heart of Manhattan Beach At the intersection of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Ocean Drive, the story of Manhattan Beach’s past and present unfolds. On one side, Shellback Tavern stands as a nostalgic reminder of the town’s laid-back surf culture. Its walls, covered in memorabilia from local sports legends like Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings, offer a glimpse into the town’s beachy history. Across the way, the Strand House presents a stark contrast with its modern, upscale ambiance. This multistory bar and restaurant, built with steel and paneless glass, offers a luxurious dining experience with stunning views of the beach, sunset, and the iconic Manhattan Beach pier.
Exploring the Town Manhattan Beach, nestled just south of LAX, surprises visitors with its idyllic charm. The hilly, pedestrian-friendly streets are perfect for leisurely strolls, where you can witness your neighbors enjoying barbecues and gatherings. The town’s cafes and boutiques offer delightful stops for a refreshing lemonade or unique home decor items. A bike ride along the Strand, the beachfront promenade, is a must-do activity, offering opportunities to watch volleyball tournaments or simply admire the luxurious beachfront homes. For a perfect end to a beach day, head to Simmzy’s on Manhattan Beach Boulevard for their famous ahi tuna starter, a hearty burger, and a refreshing sangria.
Culinary Delights In recent years, Manhattan Beach has seen a significant transformation in its culinary scene. The median home prices in the area have doubled over the last decade, contributing to the upscale-ification of this beach city. Notable establishments like Manhattan Beach Post and Fishing With Dynamite, both led by Chef David Lefevre, have garnered acclaim and spots on The Times’ 101 Best Restaurants list. The Strand House, part of the Zislis Group portfolio, along with the luxurious Shade Hotel and other restaurants, adds to the upscale dining options along Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
Despite the influx of high-end eateries, the town’s long-standing neighborhood classics like the Kettle and Pancho’s continue to thrive, offering a taste of the town’s more humble culinary beginnings.
The Best Things Are Still Free
In the north Manhattan Beach neighborhood of El Porto, you’ll find quaint character and a sense of the town’s original spirit. The downtown area is a blend of new and old gems, and the sense of community extends further inland and throughout the town. Sometimes the simplest pleasures, like a stroll along the ocean or watching the sunset, are the most beautiful and free experiences Manhattan Beach has to offer.
El Porto Surf Shop: A Surfer’s Paradise In the heart of El Porto, El Porto Surf Shop stands as a testament to the town’s enduring surf culture. Overlooking a liquor store, this surf shop is known for its welcoming atmosphere and the sandy-footed owner, Woodrow “Pack” Landfair, and his dog, Porto. The shop has become a hub for international surfers, evidenced by a pinboard map dotted with visitors from around the globe. Open from early morning to evening, it’s a place where you can immerse yourself in authentic surf culture and even pick up some gear or take a lesson.
The Strand: A Beachfront Haven While Santa Monica and Venice boast their famous boardwalks, the Strand in Manhattan Beach offers a more laid-back and picturesque experience of ocean-front beauty. The Marvin Braude bike trail, a 22-mile-long path, stretches from the Pacific Palisades down to Torrance, with a particularly beautiful five-mile stretch running through Manhattan Beach. The path is well-maintained and offers a pristine view of the sand and sea, often less crowded than other popular L.A. beach spots. It’s an ideal place for a leisurely bike ride or a peaceful walk, with benches for resting and admiring the happy dogs and beachfront mansions.
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House: A Breakfast Icon Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, with its nautical decor and ocean views, has been a breakfast staple in Manhattan Beach since the early 1960s. Over the years, it has expanded to include an expansive patio, offering diners picturesque views of the beach. The menu features a variety of pancake stacks, including flavors like macadamia nut, pineapple coconut, and pumpkin spice. For those with kids, the bite-sized “dollar” cakes are a hit. The restaurant is also known for its delicious tuna melt, making it a popular spot for both breakfast and lunch. Expect a wait for a table on weekends, but the classic American fare and the feeling of being on vacation in a quaint beach town are well worth it.
Amigos Tacos: A Local Favorite For a taste of local flavor, Amigos Tacos is a must-visit. While many outstanding local taco and burrito shops could have made this list, Amigos stands out for its breakfast burrito – a combination of eggs, cheese, salsa cream sauce, potatoes, and three types of breakfast meats. Located next to Mira Costa High School, Amigos has been a favorite spot for generations of hungry Manhattan Beach teens and beachgoers looking for a hearty start to their day.
Roundhouse Aquarium: A Marine Adventure At the end of the picturesque Manhattan Beach Pier, with its turquoise railings, lies the Roundhouse Aquarium. This small but charming aquarium is a delightful surprise, offering interactive experiences like a touch tank with starfish and tanks housing large eels and jellyfish. Staffed by local volunteers, the aquarium is dedicated to educating visitors about the area’s aquatic wildlife and the challenges facing marine ecosystems. One of its exhibits highlights the impact of refuse in the ocean, and a peephole in the floor offers a unique view of the ocean below, integrating the aquarium with its natural environment.
Manhattan Beach Creamery: A Sweet Spot No visit to Manhattan Beach is complete without a stop at Manhattan Beach Creamery. This locally owned ice cream shop, situated across from the popular Salt & Straw chain, offers a range of classic and inventive ice cream flavors, along with an assortment of baked goods and candies. The shop’s seasonal decorations add to its charm, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cone or something more adventurous, the Creamery’s small-batch homemade ice cream is a must-try.
Volleyball on the Beach Manhattan Beach is renowned for its volleyball scene, with the beach hosting both professional and amateur tournaments. The wide expanse of sand and excellent waves make it a popular spot for the sport. Visitors can either join in on a game or simply enjoy watching the high level of play. However, parking can be a challenge, especially on busy days, so arriving early is recommended.
Pages: A Bookstore with a Community Vibe Pages: a bookstore is more than just a place to buy books; it’s a community hub for book lovers. With an event calendar packed with author signings, story times for kids, and multiple book clubs, Pages offers a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Knowledgeable staff are always on hand to share their favorite recommendations, whether you’re looking for a new mystery, nonfiction, or cookbook. It’s the perfect place to find a new read before heading to the beach, and you might even come across a hardcover signed by your favorite author.
Pancho’s: A Manhattan Beach Tradition Pancho’s, serving up margaritas, rice and beans, and live mariachi music since the ’70s, is a beloved old-school hangout in north Manhattan Beach. While some aspects of the restaurant, like its logo and straightforward menu, may feel dated, others, such as its entree prices, have kept pace with the neighborhood’s upscale trend. The live music in the bar and the multistory space, adorned with brick, vines, and eccentric Mexican decor, make Pancho’s a staple for both locals and visitors. A visit here feels like a special Southern California indulgence, offering a taste of the area’s rich cultural heritage.
Sand Dune Park: A Fitness Challenge One of Manhattan Beach’s most unique attractions is Sand Dune Park, where athletes and fitness enthusiasts come to tackle the steep and challenging sand dune. The park, once entirely covered in sand dunes, now features just one remaining dune, which has become a popular spot for running, walking, and various drills. The 100-foot slope offers a rigorous workout and a chance to witness the impressive athleticism of your new neighbors. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or simply enjoy watching others tackle the dune, Sand Dune Park is a must-visit for anyone interested in the active lifestyle that defines Manhattan Beach.
Manhattan Beach Post: A Culinary Gem Manhattan Beach Post, often referred to as M.B. Post, has been a key player in establishing Manhattan Beach as a dining destination. Since its opening in 2011, the restaurant has offered a menu that could be described as Southern comfort with a worldly twist. Housed in a building that once served as the neighborhood post office, its industrial-rustic-chic decor pays homage to the site’s midcentury roots. The restaurant has evolved significantly over the past decade, undergoing a remodel during the pandemic that transformed its aesthetic from a sophisticated barn to an airy, plant-covered beach house. Despite the changes and the emergence of other fine-dining options in the area, such as Chef David LeFevre’s oyster bar, Fishing With Dynamite, and the upscale steakhouse the Arthur J., M.B. Post remains a standout in the local culinary scene. The restaurant’s “world-famous” bacon cheddar buttermilk biscuits, “blistering” blue lake green beans, and the decadent “Elvis” chocolate pudding dessert are just a few of the must-try items that continue to draw locals and visitors alike.
Ercole’s: The Ultimate Local Dive If Shellback Tavern is the go-to spot for beach-going 20-somethings, then Ercole’s is where locals of all ages come to relax and unwind. This beer bar and grill has been a Manhattan Beach institution since the 1920s, and its eclectic mix of memorabilia, old signs, vintage photographs, stained pool table, and retro beer logos create an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and timeless. With affordable pitchers and a cozy, welcoming vibe, Ercole’s is the perfect place to spend an evening, whether you’re catching up with friends in one of the booths or just enjoying the laid-back ambiance. The bar’s diverse and friendly crowd, combined with its unbeatable dive-y vibes, make it a favorite among both long-time residents and newcomers to the area.
The Kettle: A Late-Night Favorite For over 50 years, The Kettle has been a beloved fixture in Manhattan Beach, known for its tasty diner food and prime people-watching location at the corner of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Highland Avenue. The restaurant’s spacious carved wood booths and large brick wraparound covered patio provide a comfortable and inviting setting for diners of all ages. Open 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays, and until midnight every other night of the week, The Kettle is a popular destination for both local teens looking for a late-night snack and bar-goers in need of a hearty meal to soak up the evening’s indulgences. The menu, which includes an “under 9 and over 90” section, features a wide range of classic diner fare, from patty melts to fat steak-cut fries, making it a go-to spot for satisfying those late-night cravings.
Polliwog Park: A Family-Friendly Retreat Polliwog Park, the largest park in the South Bay, is a haven for families and nature enthusiasts. Spanning 18 acres, the park features multiple play areas, shade structures, and a sizeable pond inhabited by geese. A recent renovation introduced a new 12,500-square-foot playground with updated padded flooring and multisensory play structures, including musical, climbing, and discovery elements. The park’s design maintains its historical charm, with the “galleon ship” play-yard design from the 1970s still conceptually anchoring the colorful space. Additionally, Polliwog Park houses the headquarters and a small museum of the Manhattan Beach Historical Society in a red beach cottage originally built in 1905. During the summer months, the park’s amphitheater becomes the venue for free community concerts on Sunday nights, offering a perfect opportunity for a family outing or a relaxing evening under the stars. Visitors should be mindful of the natural surroundings, including the occasional presence of goose droppings on the lawns.
Whether you decide to move to Manhattan Beach, or a neighboring town, such as Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach or El Segundo, there are so many neighborhood activities a short walk, bike ride or drive away, you’ll never come up short looking for something to do, or a new place to eat or drink.
Ready to look at homes in the Los Angeles Beach Cities? Drop me a note at [email protected], or a text/call to 949-407-7709 so we can setup a time to chat about your plans and expectations. You can also browse all of the current listings available in-town on my website, updated in real-time.
