Keep Cool on the Coast with the Ultimate Manhattan Beach Itinerary
Searching for the quintessential Southern California destination? Look no further than Manhattan Beach. Popular among families and beachgoers, Manhattan Beach offers some of the best day and night activities in LA. A short drive south from LAX takes you to this quaint beach community noted for its beautiful coastline and posh hillside homes. Friendly locals say hello to visitors and LA natives alike, fostering a sense of community felt from Aviation Blvd all the way down to the pier. Whether you’re strolling along the sand, sipping an iced vanilla latte at a local cafe or window shopping at mom-and-pop boutiques, there’s no better city to spend a long afternoon enjoying everything surf, sand and sun. Let’s dive right into everything Manhattan Beach has to offer!
Do: Marvin Braude Bike Trail (The Strand)
Commonly referred to by locals as The Strand, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail is an absolute must-see in Manhattan Beach. Running just along the shoreline, the paved trail spans north up to Pacific Palisades and south all the way down to Palos Verdes. Pack a bag for an entire day out if you plan to traverse the whole path—make stops in Venice Beach, Marina del Rey and other beach cities along the way!
Shop: Manhattan Village
In need of a little retail therapy? Let Manhattan Village act as your shrink for the day. This luxury lifestyle destination houses everything from trendsetting brands to boutique small businesses in a sunny, quintessentially SoCal, open-air atmosphere. Stop by Alo to pick up a silky soft activewear set (you’ll later break it in with a beach walk down at The Strand), and be sure to get in a little self-care! Heyday Skincare, a facial spa specializing in personalized treatments, recently opened its newest location in Manhattan Village. LED light therapy, micro-currenting and gua sha stone sessions are just a few enhancements that can be added to any facial for an all-day glow. But the self-care doesn’t stop there; there’s nothing better than a sweet treat after a facial, and luckily Sprinkles is just steps away. We’ll take a dozen!
Dine: BOA Steakhouse
BOA Steakhouse has been the talk of West Hollywood and Santa Monica for its innovative take on the traditional steakhouse. Now the modernized joint finally made its way to Manhattan Beach. Unlike outdated white-tablecloth steakhouses, BOA’s interior is seductively sleek. Tropical-inspired booths and candlelight sets the mood for a sultry date night with your boo. The menu is equally as alluring with dry-aged ribeye, Japanese Wagyu and truffle mac ’n’ cheese—enough said. Just make sure to dress the part with an upscale look that matches the elevated atmosphere.
Stay: Westdrift Hotel
Once you check in, you won’t want to check out of Westdrift Hotel. Just a mile off shore, Westdrift Hotel embodies California’s laid-back vibe with a twist of East Coast inspiration. Personalized services make for a true boutique experience, and the East Coast’s sophisticated charm floats throughout Westcliff’s interior design. It’s truly the best of both coasts. A cabana-bordered pool, executive golf course and CrossFit-style fitness center promise endless entertainment while rooms boast breathtaking views of the Manhattan Beach coastline.
Local Insight: Dance in the lobby of the onsite restaurant, Jute, every Friday with live music by up-and-coming local LA acoustic artists.
Don’t Miss: Esperanza Cocina de la Playa
One of South Bay’s latest dining destinations, Esperanza Cocina de la Playa in downtown Manhattan Beach is a stunning Sonoran-inspired restaurant. The jaw-dropping interior gives off a glamorous coastal-chic vibe, which draws inspiration from Cabo San Lucas. Stop in for the Fresh Spicy Mango Margarita and the delicious Fajitas del Mar for an elegant evening out. You’ll definitely be snapping a few Instagram photos here!
