Manhattan Beach sits in the heart of LA's South Bay, with a string of sandy shoreline stretching in both directions. From mellow family spots to heavy surf breaks and bonfire hangouts, each nearby beach has its own personality. Use this guide to pick the stretch of sand that fits your mood and crew.
Iconic pier, wide sand, and a polished yet relaxed scene at the center of Manhattan Beach.
If you only have time for one South Bay beach, this is the one to hit. You get postcard views of the pier, long strands of volleyball courts, and the paved Strand path for walking or biking. Step off the sand and you’re within a few blocks of independent boutiques, cafés, and high-end spots for sunset cocktails.
A consistent sandbar break and low-key vibe make El Porto the South Bay’s everyday surf workhorse.
Just north of the main Manhattan Beach strip, El Porto feels more local and utilitarian, with easy lot parking and surfers hustling across the asphalt at dawn. The waves here tend to be punchier and bigger than nearby stretches, so it draws shortboards, longboards, and surf lessons alike. Even if you don’t paddle out, it’s a great place to watch the lineup and grab a casual coffee or burrito nearby.
A busy pier, packed volleyball courts, and a dense run of bars and eateries give Hermosa a party-ready beach-town feel.
A short bike ride south from Manhattan Beach drops you into Hermosa’s more boisterous scene. The sand is wide and active, with pickup volleyball games stretching for blocks and people cruising the Strand. When the sun starts to dip, the Pier Plaza fills with live music, happy hours, and patios that keep the energy going well into the evening.
Calmer water near the breakwater, a historic pier, and kid-friendly diversions make Redondo a relaxed all-day outing.
Head a bit farther south and the coastline softens into Redondo’s gently curving bay. Near the marina and pier, waves are usually smaller, which works well for younger kids and casual swimmers. Add in seafood shacks, ice cream stands, and rentals for kayaks or pedal boats, and it’s easy to turn this stretch into a full family beach day without anyone getting bored.
A long, open beach with fire pits and big skies, framed by planes lifting off from nearby LAX.
Dockweiler feels a bit wilder and more exposed than the beaches right in town, with broad sand and fewer buildings crowding the horizon. It’s one of the rare LA-area spots where you can legally claim a fire ring, making it prime for s’mores and sunset hangs after a day in the water. Expect a soundtrack of jet engines overhead, but the trade-off is easy parking and room to spread out.