If you’re looking for one day Manhattan beach itinerary, you’ve come to the right place! We spent a day in the beachside city and had a wonderful time exploring what it has to offer. We really enjoyed the relaxed vibes and even felt safe at night.
We love beach cities, and this one made for a great beach escape for us. With its clean, sandy shoreline and plenty of exciting activities to try in town, it was the perfect place for us to spend the day.
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Overview – 1 Day In Manhattan Beach
This Manhattan Beach itinerary is ideal for slow travelers looking for a relaxed experience. It’s crafted to match the city’s easygoing vibe, letting you explore like a local at a slow pace, perfect for soaking in the city’s charm.
Throughout the day, we walked around downtown Manhattan Beach, saw the aquarium, and dined at the delicious local eats. We also got to enjoy the sunset at the iconic pier.
The main street has tons of boutique shops so make sure to check them out if you want to get a few souvenirs for your friends and family back home.
If you don’t have the time to plan out an entire day in Manhattan Beach, read on. Our itinerary includes all the fun places we visited, so that you can enjoy the same great experience with ease.
Need help planning a road trip? Are you overwhelmed by the thought of trip planning? It can take 10-12 hours to plan just one day! We can create a road trip itinerary so you can enjoy your trip without the stress.
1 Day Manhattan Beach Itinerary
Breakfast at Bluestone Lane Manhattan Beach Café
We loved our mocha at Bluestone Lane Manhattan Beach Café. It was absolutely delicious and we especially loved the latte design- it was so well done! Try out their Avocado Smash and Banana Toast! Plus, the surfboard theme was a great way to start the day.
The staff was really friendly too- we had a conversation with one of them and it turns out his girlfriend was also South Indian! We talked about Indian movies for a while and it was really nice to connect with someone who knew about our culture. All-in-all, it was a great experience and I’d highly recommend it!
🤩 If you love their coffee, get their coffee beans to make daily at home!
Walk Along The Strand (Or rent/bring your bike)
Walking along the Strand (also known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail) or biking along the trail is another local thing to do. We didn’t have our bikes with us so we walked around.
The beachfront houses with their open ocean views along the paved trail were so breathtaking that we opened up Zillow to check their prices. 😁
You could hear the sound of seagulls and the crashing waves along the shore. As we walked, we had to be mindful of the occasional bike that zoomed by, but we were never too concerned since the bikers were quite careful.
Bikes are welcomed on the trail, and you can stop in and rent one at Manhattan Beach Bike & E-Bike Rentals & Repairs, or at Hermosa Cyclery if you happen to be at the south end of the beach.
🤩 Looking for a self-guided e-bike tour? Check out this 5-starred one.
Roundhouse Aquarium
Next we visited the Roundhouse Aquarium out on the pier. This aquarium is open weekdays from 2 to 5 pm and weekends from 10 to 5 pm, and the good news is that admission is free! When I visited it was a bit crowded, but there were still plenty of exhibits for everyone to enjoy.
The aquarium is a small 2-story building with over 100 different species of marine life. The highlight of the visit was the Touch Tank Exhibit, where you can put your hand into a tank to touch the animals. We didn’t do it, but watched others having a great time doing it, especially the kids.
The Roundhouse Aquarium also offers special programs which I recommend checking out. They are available throughout the year and include things like a night with the sharks, Marine Science Camps, Summer Beach Classes, Beach Cleanups, and much more.
Lunch at Pitfire Pizza
We chose to have lunch at Pitfire Pizza, and I must say, it just might be the healthiest pizza spot in Southern California! This place offers many veggie and salad options on their menu, and we decided on the $16 Farmers Plate.
It was packed with grilled broccolini, roasted cauliflower, a shaved brussels sprouts salad, goat cheese, cranberries, almonds, and a champagne vinaigrette.
To top it all off, we got an unfolded pesto chicken pizza, made with mozzarella and provolone cheeses, pesto (nuts), and red onions. It was amazing!
It was the perfect combination of freshness and flavor, and it was really filling. We even had enough pizza left over to take home in their cute pink pizza box!
Pitfire Pizza definitely exceeded our expectations, and we would highly recommend this spot for a healthy and satisfying lunch!
Or Lunch at Manhattan Beach Post [Alternative]
If you’re looking for something different for lunch than pizza, then Manhattan Beach Post is the perfect spot. This MICHELIN-starred spot has an excellent brunch menu, so you’ll find something delicious and unique.
We initially thought of going there for lunch, but since we had already had breakfast, we decided to go to a place with a lunch menu. It’s definitely the perfect spot for anyone looking for a unique brunch menu for lunch.
Pro-Tip: Buy their gift card for $100 and you’ll get to spend $120, giving you more for what you pay.
Walk Around & Shop at Downtown Manhattan Beach
After lunch, go shopping in Downtown Manhattan Beach. The streets are lined with boutique stores that have a unique selection of surf and streetwear, clothing shops, homeware, gift shops and jewelry stores.
The atmosphere is incredibly vibrant and it’s easy to feel like you’re a part of the local community.
I would recommend checking out the Manhattan Beach Creamery if you’re a fan of ice cream. Their selection is really something and sure to please everyone’s palate.
Plus, there are several Instagrammable murals around the area for you to explore. Whether you’re looking for a great place to shop or just to take photos, Downtown Manhattan Beach is the place to be.
The beauty of Downtown Manhattan Beach is that it offers a truly unique shopping experience. With so many different stores and options, it’s easy to find something that suits your style. You won’t be disappointed with the quality of goods available either.
Sunset at Manhattan Beach Pier
Next, we headed out to the Manhattan Beach Pier right around sunset, and the view was breathtaking. We watched the sun slowly dip below the horizon and the sky lit up with a beautiful array of colors.
The walk back from the Pier was also stunning; we could see lighted houses in the distance and the sky was lit up with stars. We could even catch glimpses of the surfers surfing the last waves of the day. The sunset was the best part of our day!
Dinner at The Kettle
That evening, we had dinner at The Kettle. We think this may be the healthiest diner in the area since there were more healthy options on the menu than most of the other diners we’ve been to!
Plus it’s open 24 hours – which was especially great on Thanksgiving day. We called up so many restaurants and they were all closed, except for The Kettle.
Their website quips that the place is “locally world famous since 1973” and I can vouch for the huge portions of food!
We chose the $25.95 Stir Fry Chicken which had tons of chicken, red & green bell peppers, broccoli & onion stir-fried in honey & soy sauce. You can choose to have it with wild or coconut rice. If you don’t like chicken, you can make it with tofu or crispy cauliflower instead.
You can make it vegan with tofu and the entree came with a choice of soup or salad and garlic toast or a homemade muffin.
We opted for the French Market Onion Soup – topped with a thick layer of melted mozzarella & swiss and a sourdough toast (they were out of garlic toast). We also ordered the Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Sautéed Garlic Broccoli for some extra veggies.
The Kettle is only a 4 minute walk to the Manhattan Beach Pier, and the atmosphere is really nice. But there can be a wait for a table – we waited for 30 minutes but luckily we were close enough to the pier that we were able to take a nice walk while we waited.
Best Time to Visit Manhattan Beach
Honestly, you can visit anytime since the weather isn’t too extreme – either in the summer or winter. You can expect it the average temperatures to be between 48°F – 78°F throughout the year.
If you’re looking for those warm sunny days especially if you’re spending a lot of time in the water, summer is the best choice. Since it doesn’t rain during the summer months, you’ll have the best weather.
If fewer crowds, visit in early spring or early fall. We visited in late November and the Christmas decor was already up and the crowds were decent.
Pro-Tip: If you’re planning to spend hours in the water, grab a wetsuit to keep you warm.
Where to Stay in Manhattan Beach
There are lots of options if you choose to stay for more than a day in Manhattan Beach. Check out the following options to help you plan your stay.
Budget – Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles LAX/Manhattan Beach
Located on Pacific Coast Highway 1, this Residence Inn offers all the comforts of home. The guest rooms have well-stocked kitchenettes, ideal for longer stays. The spacious rooms have 1 or 2 queen-sized beds and are well-furnished.
Enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool after a long day. This pet-friendly hotel is perfect for longer stays in Manhattan Beach and breakfast is included at no extra cost!
Mid – westdrift Manhattan Beach
Despite not being located downtown or near the beach, Westdrift offers exceptional amenities at an affordable price. Situated right on a golf course, it boasts an outdoor pool, a well-equipped gym, and large windows that provide picturesque views of the greens.
Plus, you’ll enjoy see ducks, geese, and birds in the hotel gardens. Conveniently situated next to the Manhattan Marketplace Shopping Centre, this hotel also serves an excellent breakfast.
Lux – Shade Hotel
Experience the best of Manhattan Beach at Shade Hotel. With its prime location, you can explore everything on foot. No need to worry about renting cars or relying on public transportation.
Enjoy top-notch service and comfortable rooms with all the amenities you need, including a 2-person hot tub, balcony, and ocean views in every room. We love the rooftop pool and sipping refreshing drinks at the bar!
Getting Around Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is a great place to explore, and the best way to make the most of your trip is to get around quickly and easily. Downtown Manhattan Beach is very walkable, especially with their diagonal pedestrian crossings (I’ve never seen them where I live!)
Taxis, Ubers, and bike rentals are the 3 primary methods of transit in the area, and all offer unique advantages.
Taxis are typically the quickest way to get around, and can be found throughout the city. Ubers are a great option for single travelers or small groups, and are usually more affordable than taxis.
Bike rentals are a great way to explore the city and get some exercise at the same time–many companies offer one-day or weekly rental packages. No matter what your budget or preference, there is sure to be an option that works for you!
🤩 Here’s a self-guided e-bike tour – highly rated with quality bikes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manhattan Beach walkable?
Yes, Manhattan Beach is very walkable. There are plenty of sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails throughout the city, making it easy to get around. Many of the main attractions and sites in Manhattan Beach are within walking distance of each other.
Why is Manhattan Beach famous?
Manhattan Beach is famous for its expansive, beautiful beach, excellent surfing opportunities, and lively beachfront atmosphere. It is also known for its iconic wooden pier, concrete bike path, and vast array of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Is Manhattan Beach nicer than Santa Monica?
Yes, Manhattan Beach is generally considered nicer than Santa Monica. Manhattan Beach offers a quieter beach experience, with less crowds, more luxury amenities, and beautiful coastal views. Plus, Manhattan Beach is known for its local surf culture and laid back vibes.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up your day in Manhattan Beach, we hope our one-day itinerary showed you the best of what this beach town offers, especially if it’s your first time visiting.
From a tasty start at Bluestone Lane to a stunning sunset, every moment was chosen to give you a real feel of Manhattan Beach life. If you’re looking for other things to do, check out our guide to free things to do in Manhattan Beach.
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