Back in the 70s, my Dad lived in Manhattan Beach for a few years, and he always spoke fondly of those times, sharing stories about what a great town it is. Growing up, I visited Manhattan Beach several times with my family and later got to know it even better when Jamie and I lived in Santa Monica in 2012. Manhattan Beach has always been one of our favorite beach towns and, in our opinion, it’s the nicest in the LA area. It’s very family-friendly and has managed to maintain its charm over the years.
This was our last stop on our California vacation, and although it wasn’t our first time visiting with the kids, it was the first time in a while, so everything felt new to them given their age. Here is our day in Manhattan Beach with kids.
Our trip started in Santa Barbara…to start from the beginning, click here.
Location
What is Manhattan Beach?
Manhattan Beach, incorporated in 1912, is a charming coastal city in Los Angeles County known for its beautiful sandy shores and vibrant community. The town’s historic pier, built in 1920, houses the Roundhouse Aquarium and is a notable landmark. Manhattan Beach offers upscale dining, boutique shopping, and an active outdoor lifestyle. Families can enjoy beach activities, surfing, and biking along The Strand, as well as visiting parks like Polliwog Park, which features playgrounds and picnic areas. With its friendly atmosphere and scenic beauty, Manhattan Beach is a favorite destination for family outings and vacations.
West Coast not your thing? See our favorite East Coast beach here!
Morning: Breakfast at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House
We started our day early with breakfast at one of our favorite spots, Uncle Bill’s Pancake House. This iconic restaurant is a staple of Manhattan Beach and one we highly recommend. It’s a place filled with nostalgia for us, and at one point, my photo was even on the wall here – but that’s a story for another time. Uncle Bill’s offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious breakfast options that set the perfect tone for a beach day.
Uncle Bill’s Info:
1305 Highland Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 545-5177
Strolling The Strand
After a hearty breakfast, we made our way to The Strand, a picturesque walkway that runs along the beach. The Strand is perfect for a leisurely stroll, bike ride, or simply enjoying the stunning ocean views. The kids loved seeing the variety of houses lining the walkway, most of which are many millions of dollars. This walk is a must do in Manhattan Beach.
Visiting the Famous Pier
One of the highlights of our visit was the Manhattan Beach Pier. We strolled down the pier, taking in the stunning views of the ocean and beach from both sides. The kids were fascinated by the large waves and enjoyed spotting the surfers riding them. Unlike the bustling Santa Monica Pier, the Manhattan Beach Pier is very relaxing and not too busy, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll and soaking in the beach vibes.
Roundhouse Aquarium
At the end of the pier, we visited the Roundhouse Aquarium. Although small, the Aquarium is well-curated and features a variety of marine life, offering an educational and engaging experience for the whole family. Best of all, admission is free, making it a must-visit if it’s open during your trip. The kids loved seeing the colorful fish and learning about the ocean’s inhabitants, adding a fun and educational twist to our beach day.
The Roundhouse Aquarium is open to the public:
Monday – Friday 2pm – 7pm & Saturday – Sunday 10am-7pm. (As of 2024)
For more on the Roundhouse Aquarium check their website here.
Exploring town With Ice Cream In Hand
After our visit to the pier, we walked up Manhattan Beach Boulevard to grab some ice cream at Manhattan Beach Creamery. The Creamery is a popular spot with delicious homemade ice cream and lots of flavors to choose from. The kids were thrilled with their treats, and it was a nice way to cool off. With our ice cream in hand, we wandered around the town, checking out some of the unique shops. The friendly atmosphere and variety of stores made for an enjoyable afternoon.
Back to the Beach
After exploring the town, we headed back to the beach for more fun. Manhattan Beach is a pretty low-key beach for LA, making it a great place for kids to run around, chase the waves, and build sandcastles. It’s not too crowded, and the pier provides a perfect backdrop. We spent the rest of our time on the beach watching the sunset, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views.
Manhattan Beach continues to charm us with its friendly atmosphere and stunning scenery, making it a favorite destination for our family. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering new ones, Manhattan Beach is a place that never disappoints. We will keep coming back to this beach year after year!
