Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach is a premier coastal city in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, known for its upscale living, pristine beaches, and strong sense of community. With a population of approximately 35,000, this affluent city combines small-town charm with modern sophistication. The heart of Manhattan Beach is its iconic pier, which features stunning ocean views, a historic aquarium, and access to some of the cleanest, softest sand on the West Coast. The Strand, a scenic bike and pedestrian path, runs along the beachfront, connecting luxurious oceanfront homes with the lively downtown area filled with boutique shops, fine dining, and casual beachside eateries.

Manhattan Beach is also renowned for its excellent schools within the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, consistently ranked among the best in California. The city offers a variety of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles, from the exclusive Hill Section with its spacious properties and sweeping views to the Sand Section, where homes are steps from the beach. Community events like the annual Manhattan Beach Open volleyball tournament and the Holiday Fireworks Festival foster a close-knit atmosphere. With its blend of stunning natural beauty, high-quality amenities, and vibrant local culture, Manhattan Beach is one of Southern California’s most coveted places to live.

Mornings in Manhattan Beach have their own rhythm—early surfers carving through the waves, runners weaving along the beach path, and locals kicking off their day at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House. If it’s the weekend, there’s a good chance I’m hitting the sand for a beach volleyball game, since it’s basically a way of life here. The downtown area is always buzzing, but it never feels overwhelming—it’s the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon popping into boutiques, grabbing a smoothie from Paradise Bowls, and just soaking in the laid-back yet lively energy.

Food-wise, Manhattan Beach nails that perfect mix of casual and upscale. Fishing With Dynamite is my go-to for fresh oysters and seafood, and you can never go wrong with tacos from The Local Yolk or a burger from Love & Salt. If I’m in the mood for a cocktail with a view, The Strand House is hard to beat, especially at sunset. Nights here can be as mellow or as lively as you want—sometimes it’s a chill glass of wine at MB Post, other times it’s a full night out, bouncing between Shellback Tavern and Ercoles, where the energy never fades. No matter how many times I visit, Manhattan Beach always feels like the kind of place where time slows down just enough, making it impossible not to come back for more.