Things to Do in Manhattan Beach, CA: Pier, Roundhouse Aquarium & The Strand

Luxurious Residential Areas and Beach Volleyball! The Aspirational Manhattan Beach

What place comes to mind when you think of beaches in America or California?

Besides world-famous beaches like Santa Monica and Venice Beach, there are multiple attractive beaches beloved by locals and featuring luxurious residential areas!

This time, as our 9th beach introduction!!, we’ll introduce Manhattan Beach, an aspirational town whose comfortable atmosphere you’ll fall in love with once you visit!

1. What is Manhattan Beach?

Manhattan Beach is one of the upscale beach towns in Los Angeles County, California.

It’s conveniently located about 15 to 20 minutes by car (approximately 5.3 miles) from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

It’s characterized by its beautiful and luxurious residential neighborhoods, and with good public safety, it’s one of the recommended places for tourists from Japan!

2. About the History

In 1901, John Merrill and his company purchased land that was then called Potencia Beach.

He named this land Manhattan Beach after the upscale beach resort on Coney Island in New York State, and announced plans to build a new resort town.

The small wooden building he constructed that same year was the first structure built in the new town’s downtown, and this building was later used as city hall.

It officially gained city status on December 7, 1912!

The first pier was built in 1897 or 1898 by the Los Angeles Ocean Power Company at the foot of Center Street.

This pier supported motors to generate power for the Strand’s lighting system, but part of it was washed away to sea in a storm in 1899.

The next pier was built in the same location, and on July 5, 1920, a pier approximately 922 feet long (about 281 meters) was completed.

After World War II, the area’s livability attracted attention and many people moved here.

Many military personnel who visited this area during the war returned to live here after the war!

3. Famous for Beach Volleyball Tournaments!

This place is also famous for hosting the Manhattan Beach Open, a beach volleyball tournament.

It began as an amateur event in the 1960s and is now part of the professional volleyball players’ tour!

Beach volleyball player Mike Dodd, who won a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, also participated in this tournament.

Many volleyball courts are set up on the beach, and you can often see people of all ages enjoying volleyball.

4. Manhattan Beach Pier and Aquarium

From the pier, you can overlook the beautiful residential areas, beach, and people playing volleyball.

Also, at the end of the pier is the Roundhouse Aquarium, a small aquarium.

It’s popular with families with children as it has exhibits about local marine life and educational displays about what happens to trash that ends up in the ocean.

5. About the Upscale Residential Area and The Strand

It’s recommended to stroll along The Strand while viewing the beachfront area lined with luxurious homes and the beach.

On the promenade, besides running and cycling, you can spend relaxing time sitting on benches placed here and there while gazing at the ocean!

As shown in this Instagram post, during Halloween season, the entire town was cutely decorated!

Frontier by EcoDrive (@frontier_ecodrive)

6. Uncle Bill’s Pancake House (Breakfast Restaurant)

Uncle Bill’s Pancake House is a very popular breakfast restaurant in Manhattan Beach.

Mr. McElroy, known as “Uncle Bill,” founded this restaurant in 1961, so it’s a long-established restaurant that has been loved for over 60 years.

Originally built as a regular residence, this restaurant has a somewhat homey atmosphere!

The variety of hearty and delicious dishes served on the terrace is attractive, and it’s always bustling with local residents and tourists.

Please also check out this Instagram for the local scene!

Frontier by EcoDrive (@frontier_ecodrive)

7. Bluestone Lane Manhattan Beach Café

This is the Manhattan Beach location of the popular cafe Bluestone Lane.

You can enjoy carefully crafted coffee and smoothies influenced by Melbourne, Australia’s famous coffee culture.

The modern and stylish interior with cute blue cups matches the stylish and beautiful atmosphere of Manhattan Beach!

Please buy a drink and take a leisurely stroll on the pier while soaking up the sunshine!

8. Nearby Beach #1: Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach is just south of Manhattan Beach and is one of the popular beaches, featuring a restaurant that was a filming location for the popular movie La La Land.

Please check out this blog too!

Lighthouse Café, Hermosa Beach: Iconic La La Land Filming Spot

9. Nearby Beach #2: Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach is also a beach located further south past Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach, and it’s one of the popular beaches for tourists!

It’s one of the lively and attractive beaches with a large pier, many shops, and restaurants, so please check it out!

Frontier by EcoDrive (@frontier_ecodrive)

10. In Conclusion

Manhattan Beach – an aspirational town that captivates you once you visit!

Please take a leisurely stroll along the promenade or look around from the pier and enjoy the comfortable atmosphere!

We introduce many other attractive tourist spots on Instagram! Please check them out too!

Frontier by EcoDrive (@frontier_ecodrive)