Manhattan Beach Travel Guide: Wellness, Waves & Where to Stay Near LAX
- Green Sea Shells
- Aug 16, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 27
Manhattan Beach offers a lifestyle of balance where the ocean breeze fuels wellness, adventure, and joyful living. For families seeking a relaxing getaway, this coastal haven blends active fun, nourishing food, and peaceful moments. Here’s how to make the most of your sun-soaked day in this vibrant, health-conscious beach city.
Morning by the Ocean
Start Your Day at the Beach
Wake up with the sun and head to one of California’s cleanest, most beautiful beaches. Soft, golden sands invite you to take a barefoot stroll, play with the kids, or stretch out with some beach yoga. With family-friendly facilities—including showers and restrooms—it’s easy to settle in for a stress-free morning.
Catch the Waves: Surfing & Lessons
If you're feeling adventurous, surfing is a quintessential Manhattan Beach experience. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a first-timer, rentals and lessons are readily available:
Nikau Kai Waterman Shop (919 Manhattan Ave) – Surfboards, bodyboards, SUP boards, wetsuits, and beach essentials.
Spyder Surf (1116 Manhattan Ave) – A go-to spot for high-quality surf gear rentals.
El Porto Surfboards (3804 Highland Ave) – A classic surf rental shop with early morning availability.
One Wave Surf – 1.5-hour private and group lessons, perfect for beginners.
Beach Volleyball & Active Play
Manhattan Beach is the birthplace of beach volleyball, and its pristine courts are open to all. Play a casual game with your family or watch some of the country’s top players practicing. No reservations required—just bring your energy!
Outdoor Yoga & Meditation
For a wellness-focused morning, check out:
Beach Flow Yoga – A local favorite for beachfront yoga classes.
Mindful Waves Meditation – Guided sessions with ocean views, perfect for a moment of tranquility.
Exploring the Heart of Manhattan Beach
The Strand: Walk, Run, or Bike
Join the locals for a wellness-infused walk or bike ride along The Strand, a stunning 22-mile paved path stretching from Santa Monica to Torrance Beach. Options for rentals include:
Manhattan Beach E-Bike Rentals (3616 Highland Ave) – A great option for easy rides.
Hermosa Cyclery (20 13th St, Hermosa Beach) – Offers a variety of bikes, including tandems.
Jeffers Beach Rentals (39 14th St, Hermosa Beach) – Classic beach cruisers.
Next Adventure E-Bikes – Delivers e-bikes for rentals from 2 hours to a full week.
Morning Coffee & Smoothies
Recharge with a wellness-friendly coffee or smoothie from one of these local gems:
Good Boy Bob – Artisan coffee with a laid-back vibe.
Two Guns Espresso – Home of the famous "Flat White."
Verve Coffee Roasters – Sustainable, single-origin coffee.
Bluestone Lane – Australian-inspired café with fresh, healthy bites.
Shopping & Nourishing Eats
Manhattan Beach offers stylish yet laid-back shopping, from sustainable brands to beach-inspired boutiques:
Aviator Nation – Vintage-inspired loungewear.
Hammitt – Luxury handbags.
Free People – Boho-chic fashion.
For more retail therapy, visit Manhattan Village Mall (Anthropologie, Macy’s) or The Point in El Segundo for an upscale, open-air shopping experience. There are many restaurants here as well.
Dining
Manhattan Beach is home to both wellness-conscious spots and indulgent, feel-good restaurants. Some must-visit spots include:
The Strand House: Perfect for cocktail hour with a beach view.
Love & Salt: Upscale Italian dining, nice salads and cocktails
Manhattan Beach Post: Creative farm-to-table cuisine
The Kettle: Great for late-night bites.
Fishing with Dynamite: For the seafood enthusiasts.
Esperanza: Amazing vibe with great tequila. Their sister location, Palmilla is in Hermosa Beach
Tacolicious: San Francisco-based restaurant with a location in Manhattan Beach
Dashi Dashi: Sushi and sake bar
Slay Italian Kitchen: Unbelievably good pizza crust!
Beer and Wine
Afternoon: Family Adventures & Relaxation
Roundhouse Aquarium
Located at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier, this small but engaging aquarium offers interactive marine exhibits and touch tanks, making it a fantastic stop for little kids.
Parks for a Family Picnic
Polliwog Park – Green space, duck ponds, and a summer concert series.
Live Oak Park – Basketball courts, playgrounds, and shaded picnic areas.
Sunset Serenity & Evening Unwind
End your day with a stunning sunset—whether you’re watching from the pier, relaxing at The Strand House with a handcrafted cocktail, or simply sitting in the sand, listening to the waves.
For families seeking balance, adventure, and a deep breath of coastal wellness, Manhattan Beach is the perfect destination. It’s more than just a beach town—it’s a way of life.
Where to Stay on your Visit to Manhattan Beach
There are a variety of hotels to choose from in Manhattan Beach. Here are some that we would recommend.
[HIGHLY RATED]
MANHATTAN BEACH HOTELS
This luxury boutique hotel is located in the heart of Manhattan Beach. It features 38 spacious guest rooms and suites with modern amenities and elegant decor. Many of the rooms offer views of the Pacific Ocean and the Manhattan Beach Pier. The hotel also offers several on-site amenities, including a rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of the ocean, a full-service restaurant called Zinc at Shade, and a fitness center. The restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. This hotel is just a block away from the beach and in proximity to many local restaurants and shops. It is upscale and has a rooftop pool. Their penthouse suite, luxury suites and spa suites are pretty amazing!
Westdrift Manhattan Beach is a 4-star hotel with its coastal-inspired design and laid-back atmosphere. The hotel has 235 rooms and suites, all of which feature ocean views, private balconies or patios, and modern furnishings. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool, a fitness center, a spa, and a rooftop bar with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The hotel also has a restaurant, Jute, which serves California cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients. This hotel is less than 2 miles from the beach and 15-minutes from the Los Angeles airport.
[PRETTY GOOD]
MANHATTAN BEACH HOTELS
Each studio at the Residence Inn Los Angeles LAX/Manhattan Beach is equipped with a stovetop and oven. Free Wi-Fi is included along with a 32-inch flat-screen cable TV and HBO. The hotel has barbecue facilities. Guests can also use the on-site laundry facilities. (Don't get confused while booking, this one is on Sepulveda in Manhattan Beach)
Located in Manhattan Beach, California, just 6 minutes’ drive from the beach, this hotel offers a complimentary hot breakfast buffet and an on-site gym. All comfortably furnished guest rooms include free Wi-Fi. Each modern room features a flat-screen TV with cable. Boasting a full kitchen or kitchenette, each en suite unit is equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities.
This Manhattan Beach hotel is within a 5-minute drive of the Pacific Ocean and downtown. Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi. The rooms include a refrigerator and coffee maker. Guests can dine at Second Story Restaurant, which serves local, organic foods and wines. The concierge service assists guests in finding restaurants and entertainment around the city.
Only 2-minute hike up from the beach, The Sea View Inn At The Beach provides accommodations with free bikes, and private parking. Some units at the property feature a patio with a sea view. At the hotel, each room has a desk. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, all guest rooms at The Sea View Inn At The Beach have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms have balconies.
[DOES THE JOB]
MANHATTAN BEACH HOTELS
Featuring a restaurant and a seasonal outdoor pool, this Manhattan Beach, California inn is 1.2 mi from Manhattan Beach Pier. Free Wi-Fi is offered in all rooms. Each room provides a flat-screen satellite TV, a desk and an private bathroom at Seahorse Inn. All rooms are air-conditioned and come equipped with a refrigerator.
Offering views of the city skyline, Manhattan Beach Pier is 1.5 miles away from the hotel. A flat-screen TV with cable is featured in each room at Hi View Inn & Suites. A small refrigerator, microwave and coffee-making facilities are included. Each bathroom provides free toiletries. Free parking.
This hotel is within 1 mi to Manhattan Beach Pier. This hotel offers free WiFi in every room. Rooms are equipped with a flat screen TV with cable channels, a hairdryer, hardwood floors, and an iron and ironing board. Free parking is available.
When it comes to finding a hotel near LAX, the key is striking a balance between convenience and quality. If you're just passing through for a quick overnight stay, the hotels about a mile from the airport are actually your best bet. However, it's essential to choose wisely because not all areas around LAX are created equal.
If you're looking for a safe and pleasant experience, El Segundo emerges as a top choice. Its proximity to both the beach front and excellent dining options make it a standout among the rest. Click here for hotel suggestions near the airport, near El Segundo and in Manhattan Beach.
Read about Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach, a city on the Southern California coast, offers an inviting mix of natural beauty and endless activities perfect for families. Consider a visit to this town on your Los Angeles holiday. Located just a short drive from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), this beach city is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy a few days of sun, sea, and fun. Read this article to learn more.
Read about Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach
Just south of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa offers its own unique charm. The Hermosa Pier is a great spot for a stroll, and you can rent bikes or scooters at Hermosa Cyclery. Enjoy some beachside tacos at Guisados, grab a drink and watch the sunset at Vista or get a coffee at Java Man.
Read about El Segundo
El Segundo
Head to El Segundo for more shopping and dining at The Point and Plaza El Segundo.The town also has a lovely downtown with great restaurants (we love Jame Enoteca, and Sausal) and is home to Top Golf El Segundo, a fun spot for golf enthusiasts.
