When you think of Los Angeles, you probably think of the glitz of Hollywood or the glamour of Beverly Hills. But as someone who lived in LA for 8+ years, I can tell you that the fast pace of the city is exhausting. Luckily California is the perfect place for weekend trips, and Manhattan Beach is just a short drive from the center of the city. Read on for my guide to a weekend getaway in Manhattan Beach, and find all of my travel guides here!
xx
Mercedes
Why this trip is worth it
Although it’s only 45 minutes from downtown, Manhattan Beach has a completely different feel than the rest of the city. The biggest draw for me is the beautiful pristine beach, but there are also plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars to stay entertained.
LA beaches like Venice & Santa Monica are famous, but can be dirty and overcrowded. In my opinion, Manhattan Beach is the best beach in Los Angeles!
How to get there
Manhattan is south of Santa Monica, and just north of Redondo & Hermosa. Because public transportation is difficult and the city is massive, having a car is crucial in Los Angeles. If you’re planning to visit more than one area, you need to get a rental car.
Although parking in LA is difficult, it’s worth it to be able to come & go when you want. Just be prepared to spend a lot to park overnight at a hotel (no matter where you stay in Los Angeles).
Where to stay
Manhattan unfortunately doesn’t allow AirBnBs, and it’s fairly residential. However, there are two good hotels that are close to the ocean and walking distance to the pier area.
BEST FOR COUPLES: SHADE HOTEL
Shade Hotel is a trendier, upscale hotel in an excellent location. It’s just a few blocks up from the pier and the beach. If you’re looking to do a romantic weekend as a couple, this hotel is a good choice. The rooms don’t have ocean views, but they do have huge spa bath tubs. Their parking is more expensive (around $30-40 per day).
BEST FOR FAMILIES: SEA VIEW INN
For a budget-friendly option, Sea View Inn is a good choice. I’ve stayed in their basic rooms which are fine, but I recommend an ocean view room if you’re willing to pay a little extra.
Sea View Inn is a 20 minute walk from the pier, but they do have inexpensive parking. It’s either free or $15 per day, depending on when you stay and what room / rate you book. They also have umbrellas & chairs to borrow from the desk for free. It’s ideal for families or longer stays, since they have larger two bedroom suites with kitchens like this one.
What to do
Manhattan Beach is more relaxed and low key, but still has a lot of activities to keep you busy for a weekend.
WALK THE BEACH
My favorite activity in Manhattan is enjoying the beach. There is a walking path and a biking path. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent a pair of rollerblades! When I lived in Redondo Beach as a kid, rollerblading to Manhattan was one my my favorite activities.
WATCH A VOLLEYBALL MATCH
Manhattan Beach is the home of beach volleyball. It’s really fun to grab a towel and a snack, and just sit on the sand and watch a game.
GET AN ICE CREAM SANDWICH
This might seem like an odd bucket list thing to do, but you must try an ice cream sandwich from Manhattan Beach Creamery. They’re famous all around Southern California. The chocolate-dipped salted caramel is my favorite!
GO SHOPPING
There are a few cute boutiques near the pier, as well as bigger brands like Splendid and Free People. My husband is a fan of the brand Birdwell, which has a store in Manhattan. You can find a listing of all the stores here.
Where to eat
BREAKFAST SPOTS
If you’re staying at the Sea View Inn and want something casual, I recommend a smoothie at M&Love Cafe (my favorite is the basil berry smoothie). For something more substantial, have a sit down brunch at Cafe Wild. Their potatoes are amazing, and so are the breakfast tacos & burritos!
If you’re staying at Shade, The Kettle is open 24 hours and a must visit. I have a lot of fond memories of going to The Kettle with my mom. It’s more of a classic diner spot and may have a bit of a wait, but it’s a Manhattan Beach institution.
LUNCH & DINNER
My two favorite restaurants in Manhattan Beach for dinner are MB Post and Love & Salt. They’re both pretty popular, so be sure to make a reservation.
If you want good Mexican food, Pancho’s is close to the Sea View Inn and has been around since 1945. It has a cool interior and delicious classics like carnitas and chimichangas.
DRINKS
For a glass of wine with an ocean view, I recommend The Strand House. Get there early if you want to watch the sunset, as you may need to wait for a table with a view. For a beer in a more casual setting, check out Brew Co.
What to wear
Manhattan Beach is a pretty casual place. I recommend flat sandals, espadrilles, or white sneakers. For sun protection, bring a baseball cap vs. a sun hat.
My favorite outfit for Manhattan is comfortable jeans over a one piece swimsuit, since you’ll be able to hangout at the beach but also go to a bar or a restaurant at the end of the day.
And lastly… sunburns are never in style, so remember to wear sunscreen! I love French beauty brands, and La Roche-Posay also makes great body sunscreens. For my face I try to wear SPF 50 if I’m at the beach, and SPF 30 daily.
ESSENTIALS TO PACK
- A striped or bright colored bathing suit
- A baseball cap
- Comfortable jeans
- Sundresses
- Flat sandals or espadrilles
- White sneakers
- Sunscreen – I currently love Goop Unseen Sunscreen (EU link) for my face
- Vacation beauty essentials
Outfit details
Red bow strap bodysuit | Gucci belt (EU link) | white YSL sneakers (similar styles here)
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