Spend a Perfect Summer Day in Manhattan Beach
Few places capture Southern California’s laid-back coastal lifestyle quite like Manhattan Beach. Just a short drive from Los Angeles International Airport, this beach community blends wide stretches of sand, oceanfront dining, boutique shopping, and outdoor recreation into an easy day trip. Summer brings warm afternoons, cool ocean breezes, and long daylight hours that make it easy to spend an entire day outdoors without feeling rushed.
Guests staying at Best Western Plus South Bay in Lawndale are about 15 minutes from the shoreline, making it simple to enjoy the coast while avoiding the higher prices and parking challenges of staying directly at the beach.
Start the Morning with a Walk Along The Strand
An early arrival is one of the best ways to experience Manhattan Beach before the busiest hours of the day. The Strand, a paved oceanfront path stretching for miles along the South Bay coastline, is popular with walkers, runners, cyclists, and families taking in the morning views.
As the sun rises over the Pacific, volleyball courts begin filling with players while surfers paddle out beyond the breaking waves. The relaxed pace offers plenty of opportunities to stop for photos, watch dolphins offshore during certain times of year, or simply enjoy the sound of the surf.
The walk between Manhattan Beach and neighboring Hermosa Beach is especially scenic and takes visitors past beachfront homes, parks, and public art without requiring a car.
Visit the Historic Manhattan Beach Pier
No visit feels complete without spending time at the Manhattan Beach Pier. Extending nearly 930 feet into the Pacific Ocean, the pier has become one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and offers panoramic views in every direction.
At the end of the pier sits the Roundhouse Aquarium, a small marine education center featuring local sea life and interactive exhibits. Admission is free, making it an easy stop for families with children or anyone interested in learning more about Southern California’s coastal ecosystem.
Fishing is permitted from the pier without a California fishing license, and benches along the walkway provide excellent places to relax while watching surfers, dolphins, and passing sailboats.
Spend the Afternoon on the Sand
Manhattan Beach consistently ranks among Southern California’s cleanest and most attractive public beaches. The wide shoreline provides enough space for sunbathing, beach games, picnics, and long walks, even during the busy summer season.
Visitors often enjoy:
- Swimming in designated areas with lifeguards on duty during summer.
- Playing on numerous public beach volleyball courts.
- Surfing or taking beginner lessons from local instructors.
- Reading or relaxing while enjoying steady ocean breezes.
- Building sandcastles with younger children.
Ocean temperatures remain cool throughout the summer, generally ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s, making a light wetsuit popular among surfers while swimmers often enjoy a refreshing break from the afternoon heat.
Enjoy Lunch or Dinner Near the Pier
The downtown district surrounding Manhattan Beach Boulevard offers one of the South Bay’s best collections of restaurants, cafés, and casual eateries. Outdoor patios become especially lively during summer, allowing diners to enjoy ocean breezes while watching the steady flow of beachgoers.
Fresh seafood is naturally a favorite, but visitors will also find steakhouses, pizza, sushi, gourmet burgers, Mexican cuisine, coffee shops, bakeries, and ice cream parlors within a few walkable blocks.
Reservations are often recommended for popular restaurants on Friday evenings, weekends, and holiday weekends during the summer travel season.
Browse Local Shops and Boutiques
After lunch, take time to explore the compact downtown shopping district. Independent boutiques, surf shops, home décor stores, bookstores, and specialty retailers line Manhattan Beach Boulevard and nearby streets.
The neighborhood has a relaxed atmosphere that encourages visitors to browse without feeling hurried. Many shops carry beach apparel, locally inspired artwork, gifts, and surf culture merchandise that reflects the area’s coastal identity.
Catch a South Bay Sunset
Summer sunsets are one of Manhattan Beach’s biggest attractions. As evening approaches, locals and visitors gather along the pier, on the sand, and at oceanfront restaurants to watch the sun sink into the Pacific.
The golden light creates excellent photography conditions, particularly from the pier looking north and south along the coastline. Clear summer evenings often produce colorful skies that linger well after sunset.
Allow extra time if you’re visiting on weekends, as traffic leaving the beach increases shortly after sunset.
Helpful Tips for a Summer Visit
- Arrive before 10:00 a.m. on weekends for easier parking.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, even on cloudy mornings.
- Pack a light jacket for the evening, as ocean temperatures cool quickly after sunset.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore downtown and The Strand.
- Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during warmer afternoons.
Parking and Getting Around
Public parking is available in several lots near the pier as well as metered street parking throughout downtown. During summer weekends and holidays, parking fills quickly, especially by midday.
Visitors staying at Best Western Plus South Bay can leave the beach traffic behind at the end of the day and return to complimentary parking at the hotel. Its location along Hawthorne Boulevard also provides convenient access to Interstate 405, making it easy to continue exploring other South Bay communities such as Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, or even Santa Monica on another day.
Combine Manhattan Beach with Other South Bay Stops
If your schedule allows, Manhattan Beach pairs well with several nearby attractions. Hermosa Beach sits immediately to the south and offers a lively pier district with live music, casual restaurants, and beach bars. Redondo Beach features King Harbor, waterfront dining, seasonal whale watching excursions, and the Redondo Beach Pier.
Aviation enthusiasts can also visit the Flight Path Museum near Los Angeles International Airport, while shoppers often continue to Del Amo Fashion Center in nearby Torrance, one of the largest shopping malls in the United States.
With so many destinations located within a short drive of one another, visitors can easily tailor the day to match their interests without spending hours in traffic.
A Relaxed Coastal Escape Near Los Angeles
Manhattan Beach offers an easy balance of outdoor recreation, ocean scenery, excellent dining, and classic Southern California beach culture. From sunrise walks along The Strand to an evening sunset over the Pacific, it’s a destination that rewards travelers who slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of the coast. Staying at Best Western Plus South Bay makes it easy to experience the beach while remaining close to Los Angeles International Airport, major freeways, and the many attractions throughout the South Bay.