Los Angeles is known for its glamor and Hollywood history, but the presence of nature is incredibly lively in its surrounding suburbs. Manhattan Beach is the perfect example of this. Only 45 minutes from downtown LA, Manhattan Beach is one of three major beach towns in the area, joining Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach to form southern California’s South Bay.
Situated so close to the ocean, it’s no wonder Manhattan Beach offers residents so many opportunities to soak up the area’s more than 286 days of annual sunshine. So whether you’re all about the sand and surf or simply want to take a stunning sunset along the pier, keep reading for the best ways to enjoy the outdoors in Manhattan Beach.
Hit the waves
Manhattan Beach real estate puts you minutes from the water, where you can surf year-round. The best waves roll in through the fall and winter, but there’s no better time to break in a new board than during the summer when the swells are smaller. Local surf instructors even offer private lessons to ensure your skills are honed. Jetski tours are another local favorite, providing a fast-paced and adventurous way to explore the South Bay. For those seeking more adrenaline run, kite surfing is another option, as is shark diving. The shore itself at Manhattan Beach is wide and spacious, with ample room to lay out and catch some rays.
Stroll the Manhattan Beach Pier
Photo courtesy of Roundhouse Aquarium
Steps from Manhattan Beach homes for sale is the Manhattan Beach Pier, a beautiful 928-foot stretch that holds the record as the oldest pier on the West Coast. The pier is home to the Pier Cafe, where locals can grab quick seafood and American bites. Those investing in Manhattan Beach real estate can stroll down the pier to catch the stunning sunset over the water or take a trip to the Roundhouse Aquarium, a charming attraction that hosts summer camps and other educational programming throughout the year. Stop by to get up close to sharks, eels, octopi, and other incredible marine life.
Join an adult sports league
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Bay Club
Manhattan Beach has three adult sports leagues that meet and regularly compete throughout the year. There’s a men’s slow-pitch spring league, a coed team, and a senior league for softball lovers. The co-ed kickball league is a favorite for coworkers looking to stay active outside the office, or there’s the seven-on-seven soccer league. If organized sports aren’t for you, grab a few friends for a casual game of beach volleyball.
Manhattan Beach homes are also close to the Manhattan Beach Badminton Club. Originally founded in 1936, the club has been supporting the sport of badminton for generations. Membership in the club provides access to several badminton courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a jacuzzi, lounge, and BBQ area, a kitchen, locker room, and playground area. The Manhattan Country Club is another top spot for recreation, with its 18 tennis courts, beautiful outdoor pool, fitness center, and selection of healthy eateries.
Play a round on the greens
Photo courtesy of West Drift
If you’re more of a golfer, the city has several courses for you to explore as you consider investing in Manhattan Beach real estate. Located nearby the Manhattan Country Club, Westdrift Golf spans 24 acres and offers two courses: a par 3 and a par 27. The course is open from sunrise to just before sunset, making it an excellent destination for your first round of golf in Manhattan Beach. Closer to Hermosa Beach, the Beach City Golf Club is also dedicated to providing local golfers with a world-class instruction facility. With high-tech golf simulators and professional instructors onsite, the club is a must-visit for anyone looking to improve their game.
Visit a local park
Another perk of investing in Manhattan Beach homes for sale is gaining access to a number of local parks. Sand Dune Park, as its name suggests, invites visitors to explore some of California’s beautiful sand dunes. A favorite spot for fitness enthusiasts, it’s common to see residents hiking and jogging up the steep dunes.
Polliwog Park is another great green space in the city, with an adjacent dog park, a gorgeous pond, and a 9-hole disc golf course. Concerts and performances are often held at the park’s amphitheater, while families can gather to let the kids blow off steam on the playground. Live Oak Park is the place to go for a quick game of tennis, or you can round up your family and friends for a BBQ in their picnic area. Finally, Valley Park is a cozy spot close to Hermosa Beach, beside the Theodore Payne Garden.
Dine on an outdoor patio
Photo courtesy of The Strand House
If you prefer to relax as you take in the surrounding beauty, Manhattan Beach has plenty of outdoor dining options. The Strand House on Manhattan Beach Blvd is an upscale American eatery that boasts farm-to-table ingredients and incredible ocean views. Another great farm-fresh American haunt is the Manhattan Beach Post, where locals can dine indoors or outdoors in a rustic setting. Try the maple bacon cheddar biscuits or a juicy ribeye.
Finally, there’s Nick’s Manhattan Beach, a source for all things comfort food with a lovely outdoor seating area. Understated and elegant, Nick’s is the place to go for seafood stews, friendly service, and delicious desserts, all only a few minutes from the water.
If you’re relocating to Manhattan Beach, know that you’re investing in a city filled with natural beauty and plenty of ways to enjoy it. The real estate market in Manhattan Beach is moderately competitive, as buyers face low inventory and median prices of around $2.6 million. That being said, partnering with an expert local real estate team is the best way to ensure you settle into the home you’ve always wanted. The Jen Caskey Group brings a combined 30 years of experience to clients looking for homes in the South Bay. So if you’re ready to embark on your new adventure in Manhattan Beach, get in touch with one of the Manhattan Beach real estate experts at the Jen Caskey Group.
