Welcome to Manhattan Beach
Upscale lifestyle with upscale views.
Home to film execs, professional athletes, and captains of tech and financial industries, Manhattan Beach is one of the three enviable beach cities outside Los Angeles. With its charming downtown, spectacular weather, and proximity to the beach — plus easy access to the city — this affluent community is not only breathtaking but a superb place to call home.
There are several smaller residential enclaves within Manhattan Beach, including the beachside Sand Section, the posh Strand Section (with the closest homes to the water), the area west of Highland Avenue with its higher land value, South End Walk’s car-free streets, and the El Porto district’s high percentage of multi-family residences.
The Tree Section is just a short walk to downtown and the beach and boasts homes with small- to medium-size backyards, a hot commodity in the area. Head to the Hill Section to see the expansive, multimillion-dollar estate on large lots, as well as a few charming beach cottages. Manhattan Village is known as the area’s only gated community, with upgraded townhomes and single-family estate homes, while Manhattan Heights/Liberty Village is recognizable for its 1950s and ‘60s architecture and popular Polliwog Park.
Complementing these residential areas in Downtown Manhattan Beach along Manhattan Beach Boulevard — also called the Gaslamp Section, named for the quaint gas lamps between 21st and 24th streets.
What to Love
- A range of residential areas and architectural options
- Proximity to the beach
- Exclusive, affluent atmosphere
Local Lifestyle
Life here revolves around the beach and the nearly constant blue skies. When they’re not walking The Strand bike path along the waterfront or playing (or watching) beach volleyball, residents can be found hanging out at the parks or shopping and brunching with neighbors in the small downtown area. The laid-back feel of the community, while more urban than that of the neighboring Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, is appealing to families, retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, and commuters. It’s truly the epitome of the California dream lifestyle with a perfect balance of beach town charm and big-city amenities.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
The downtown area and Manhattan Beach Pier are the neighborhood’s dining, entertainment, and shopping mecca, where you’ll find fashionable shops and award-winning restaurants. Browse more than 150 retailers, from home goods to artwork to men’s and women’s clothing. When you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s easy to satiate your hunger with world-class ocean-view dining masterminded by award-winning chefs, family-friendly restaurants, delis, cafes, and coffee shops. Whatever you’re craving, it’s here at the pier.
More shopping? Head to the new Manhattan Village Mall, a recently renovated shopping center located conveniently off Sepulveda Boulevard. The indoor-outdoor complex celebrates the modern-luxury feel of Manhattan Beach through its upscale shop selection and an array of casual dining options.
Among the restaurants not to miss in Manhattan Beach: Manhattan Beach Post, a farm-to-table eatery set in the original Manhattan Beach post office building (and a favorite of Jesse). Michelin-starred Chef David LeFevre has put a highly personal touch on his playful, artisan menu of small shared plates, handcrafted cocktails, and small-production wines. Another Jesse fave, Simmzy’s Burgers is just the place when you’re craving a burger and craft beer. The vibe here is “vacation year-round” and they’ve got it down pat, with homemade food and a laid-back atmosphere.
For a special occasion, head to The Strand House, a sophisticated, family-owned eatery dedicated to great food, wine, and friends. You’ll dine on coastal California cuisine with 180-degree views of the Pacific and be treated to impeccable, yet never stuffy, service.
Things to Do
There’s always something going on in Manhattan Beach, whether you’re watching the International Surf Festival in August or attending the lively weekly farmers market. Join your neighbors at one of three parks for a lazy weekend afternoon. Choose from Bruce’s Beach Park in the middle of town, as well as Sand Dune Park and Live Oak Park near the Tree Section.
Shop and dine in Downtown Manhattan Beach. Go walking, running, biking, rollerblading, or skateboarding along The Strand — there’s always a beach volleyball tournament or sidewalk sale going on. For fresh, organic, local food, shop more than 50 vendors at the Tuesday Farmers Market — there are always kids’ entertainment and train rides, too.
Every fall, the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair lights up the streets with more than 200 arts and crafts exhibitors, live music, community arts performances, food, a beer garden, games for the whole family, and booths celebrating local causes. It’s the see-and-be-seen event of the fall.
Families love visiting the Roundhouse Aquarium at the Pier, checking out the Volleyball Walk of Fame, collecting seashells at low tide, and sitting by the fireplace in Metlox Plaza. Truly, there’s something for everyone in Manhattan Beach, any time of day, all year round.
Schools
Manhattan Beach is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Grand View Elementary, K-5, highly rated public elementary school
- Pacific Elementary, K-5, highly rated public elementary school
- Manhattan Beach Middle, 6-8, highly rated public middle school
- Mira Costa High School, 9-12, highly rated public high school
Download PDF Here