Manhattan Beach: Elite Volleyball Capital of California

How to get there

North or south on the 405 Freeway (San Diego) exit Manhattan Beach Blvd., make right onto Highland.

About Manhattan Beach

World's Premier Beach Volleyball Destination

Manhattan Beach reigns as the undisputed volleyball capital of the world, hosting the prestigious AVP Manhattan Beach Open—a tournament that serves as "the epicenter of the beach volleyball world." This legendary event draws decorated Olympians and champions who compete not just for prize money, but for volleyball immortality: winners have their names permanently etched into the Volleyball Walk of Fame on the iconic pier.

The beach features extensive volleyball nets that stretch all the way to neighboring Hermosa Beach, creating one of the most comprehensive volleyball venues anywhere. From casual weekend warriors to serious athletes who practice daily, Manhattan Beach accommodates all skill levels. The 2025 Manhattan Beach Open (August 14-17) continues this legacy as an AVP Gold Series event, offering free general admission with premium viewing options available for an elevated experience.

The Strand: America's Most Prestigious Beach Real Estate

The Strand represents one of the most exclusive addresses in American real estate, featuring oceanfront homes that consistently rank among the most expensive per square foot in the United States. This legendary beachfront promenade serves as both a world-class walking and biking path and home to multi-million dollar residences that epitomize California coastal luxury living.

Current market conditions show 92 luxury homes for sale with a median listing price of $4.22 million (2025). The Sand Section offers quiet walk-street neighborhoods directly adjacent to the ocean, while the Hill Section provides panoramic ocean and city views from elevated positions. The Strand section specifically includes some of the nation's most coveted oceanfront properties, where residents enjoy direct beach access and unobstructed Pacific Ocean views.

Manhattan Beach Pier & Roundhouse Aquarium

The iconic 900-foot Manhattan Beach Pier serves as both a functional fishing destination and the community's most recognizable landmark. Originally built in 1920 after previous iterations were destroyed by Pacific storms (1897 and 1913), this sturdy structure has anchored the beach community for over a century. The distinctive red-tiled Roundhouse, added on July 4, 1922, houses the Roundhouse Aquarium Teaching Center—a beloved educational facility that introduces visitors to Southern California marine life.

The pier's historical significance extends beyond recreation, as it was originally named "Potencia" (meaning "potential energy") when developers attempted to harness wave power for the growing community. While the wave energy experiment failed during early storms, the pier evolved into the cultural and recreational centerpiece it remains today, hosting major volleyball tournaments and serving as the heart of Manhattan Beach's beachfront identity.

El Porto: Premier South Bay Surf Spot

The northern end of Manhattan Beach, known as El Porto, ranks as one of Southern California's most popular and consistent surf breaks. This section attracts surfers of all skill levels, from beginners taking their first lessons to experienced wave riders seeking reliable year-round surf conditions. El Porto's wave quality and accessibility make it an ideal introduction to California surf culture while maintaining enough challenge for serious practitioners.

Professional surf instruction is readily available, making El Porto an excellent choice for visitors wanting to experience authentic California surfing. The break's proximity to The Strand and volleyball courts creates a unique environment where surf culture intersects with beach volleyball traditions, embodying the diverse recreational opportunities that define Manhattan Beach's appeal.

South Bay Beach Cities Culture

Manhattan Beach forms one-third of the prestigious "Three Beach Cities" alongside Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, creating the heart of LA County's South Bay region. This trio offers distinctly different personalities while maintaining seamless coastal connectivity: Manhattan Beach provides upscale family-oriented luxury, Hermosa Beach delivers vibrant nightlife and party atmosphere, and Redondo Beach offers harbor activities and dining.

The moderate climate (average year-round temperatures of 69.1°F high, 56.4°F low) supports year-round outdoor activities and contributes to the area's desirability for both residents and visitors. The community of 35,506 maintains a sophisticated, family-friendly atmosphere with highly rated schools, upscale shopping, and cultural amenities that complement its world-class beach recreation.

Perfect Day Planning Guide

Morning (7am-11am): Start with sunrise volleyball or surfing at El Porto. Grab coffee from downtown Manhattan Beach and walk The Strand for optimal people-watching and real estate viewing.

Midday (11am-3pm): Enjoy beach activities, visit the Roundhouse Aquarium, and experience the pier. Tuesday visitors can explore the certified farmers market featuring local vendors and artisanal products.

Afternoon/Evening (3pm-sunset): Watch serious volleyball training sessions, explore upscale downtown shopping, dine at waterfront restaurants, and enjoy sunset views from the pier.

A fine sandy beach with a 900 foot classic pier this is one of the best beaches in LA county, and surprisingly quiet given it's great location on the shore of the district of Manhattan Beach.  The beach is overlooked by a rising rank of town houses in an eclectic mix of styles that really emphasizes the diversity of the region.

Families set up mats and umbrellas here to spend a whole day with the kids, and for an afternoon stroll go down to the end of the pier to visit the aquarium in the red tiled roundhouse which is an icon of the beach.

 

There are plenty of volleyball nets erected for everybody to have space to try, and the you will find all kinds of players here from local kids to the serious who practice every day.  Classic sand volleyball beach nets extend to Hermosa Beach.  There is a yearly Volleyball Open tournament held here just beside the pier where amateurs can compete against professionals.  See more at the city website Beach Volleyball page.

 

Other things you will find at Manhattan beach include bike trails, disabled facilities such as beach wheelchairs and access ways, and children's playground equipment.

Of course lifeguards are on duty each day and restrooms, showers and other normal facilities are well represented here.

With plentiful parking options this is one of the easier beaches to reach by car.  Consider street parking on the underground parking on Morningside Drive if you don't want to park on the beach itself. Or park right at the end of the pier in one of the small lots there.

Food: Restaurants nearby include The Strand House, Darren's Restaurant and Bar and Rock'N Fish.  But walk around and you will find plentiful more options.

Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours.

Related information:

• Official website: here
• City of Manhattan Beach
• California State Beaches

Manhattan Beach has plenty of facilities for kids so it's very suitable for a family outing.

Here is Manhattan Beach on the map.