Manhattan Beach: Sun, Surf, Sand, and Sweat

Imagine the quintessential SoCal beach with great waves, sea-green water, and clean sand that stretches for miles in both directions. Throw in a picturesque pier, beach volleyball, surfers and boogie boarders galore and you’ll start getting a feel for Manhattan Beach. (Did I mention that dolphins have been known to frolick near the shore here?)



As the first SoCal beach I ever laid eyes on, I have a special fondness for this yuppy, yet laid back South Bay enclave. But my fondness goes beyond mere nostalgia. While not far from the hustle and bustle of LAX, a visit to this laid-back city is like taking a mini-vacation.

Life here centers around the beach. Flip flops and swimwear are the unspoken uniform. Besides being relatively cleaner than Santa Monica, it also gets less of the camera-toting, super tourist crowd.



This is the playground of the toned, taut, and tan… almost makes me feel like I should take up beach volleyball or something – almost! Besides swimming and surfing, there are beachside paths for runners, rollerbladers, and bikers. So if you want to break a sweat, but don't want to be stuck indoors at a gym, this is the place to come. No wonder so many professional athletes call Manhattan Beach home.



If you want to try boogie boarding, surfing, rollerblading, etc. but don’t want to commit to buying the equipment, rent at FunBunn’s near the corner of Manhattan Beach Blvd and Manhattan Ave. Don’t forget to stop in at the Manhattan Beach Creamery next door to enjoy an ice cream snack in an old-fashioned, ice cream parlor ambiance.



For those into architecture, the stunning homes alongside the beach are almost as captivating as the ocean view (although don’t expect over-the-top Beverly Hills-style ostentation).



If you get worn out from all the physical exertion and want something to do besides building sand castles, check out the small, non-profit Roundhouse Aquarium at the pier’s end. You can see eels, sting rays, and even touch a starfish.



Be sure to take some time away from the beach to explore the boutiques and restaurants. Be forewarned, prices can be steep here. Notable exception: Wahoo’s, an inexpensive fish taco chain on Manhattan Ave. that won’t break the bank.

Parking's not easy, especially in summer. There are a number of metered parking lots with 2 hour limits. Don't forget to feed those hungry meters. A parking ticket can quickly change the "life's a beach" vibe into something similar sounding.

Directions:

• Take the I-405 north or south and exit on Manhattan Beach Blvd., heading west to the coast.
• Alternatively, you can take Rosecrans from the I-405, which takes you to the north end of town. From Rosecrans, turn left on Highland to go through town. The beach will be down the hill to the left, a couple of blocks away.