Manhattan Beach can be explored through its coastline, city history, and local events. More than two miles of coastline and 115 acres of sandy beach give the area a distinct coastal character; Bruce's Beach and the Manhattan Beach Open beach volleyball tournament also tell other stories about the destination. When deciding what to do, you can consider beach activities, culture, and specific event dates as different priorities.
Coast, Pier, and Activity
The Manhattan Beach Pier is at the end of Manhattan Beach Boulevard, is 900 feet long, and divides the beach area. Swimming is possible at the beach, and fishing is permitted at the pier year-round. Check local regulations before fishing. More than 450 public parking spaces are available at the beach. Since the number may change, check current parking conditions before you arrive.
Surf lessons are available at the northern end of Manhattan Beach, known as El Porto; check availability in advance. The Strand is a paved path along the beach used by cyclists, runners, and walkers. In addition to water activities, the coast offers a path for exercise by the beach and a designated area for fishing at the pier, each providing a different way to experience the shoreline.
Sand Dune Park adds a different landform to the beach landscape: the park includes a 100-foot-high sand dune.
Bruce's Beach, Art, and City History
On February 19, 1912, Willa and Charles Bruce purchased a property on Manhattan Beach's Strand beachfront path to create a beach resort for the Black community. By 1916, the resort known as Bruce's Beach had become a well-established center of the Black community. Its history thus records both the purpose of the property purchase and the resort's later significance.
Bruce's Beach Park is named in memory of Bruce's Beach and honors Manhattan Beach as a city of respect and inclusion for the next hundred years. Another connection to art is Light Gate: the artwork is located at the top of 14th Street, between City Hall and the new library on Highland Avenue.
Polliwog Park and Local Reasons to Visit
Nature and history come together at Polliwog Park. The Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is located there on Peck Avenue, just north of Manhattan Beach Boulevard. It offers free classes on creating and caring for a drought-tolerant garden. Class dates may change; check the current schedule before your visit.
Also in Polliwog Park, a restored beach house is home to the city's Historical Museum. Tours are offered by appointment, so arrange a time before your visit. Garden classes and museum tours are different ways to engage with the area: one focuses on drought-tolerant gardening, the other on city history.
The weekly Manhattan Beach Certified Farmers' Market takes place in Downtown Manhattan Beach every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; more than 60 food vendors are represented there. Check the current schedule before your visit if you plan to include the market in your itinerary.
Planning Around Different Timing Requirements
Several different timing requirements apply when planning your visit: fishing at the pier is permitted year-round, tours at the Historical Museum require an appointment, and the market takes place weekly on Tuesday. The Manhattan Beach Open beach volleyball tournament has been held since 1960 and offers amateurs a way to enter through qualifying rounds. Tournament dates and format may change. These differences can help you choose coastal activities, history, and events according to their respective timing requirements.
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