Manhattan Beach, Town, and Pier

Manhattan Beach is a cute beach town. Here the pier reminds of gracious days in the 1920s when women picnicked on the beach in their modest swimsuits. At the end of the pier is an octagonal building, which was built in 1920- the circular shape was designed to protect the pier pilings from waves. It is a beautiful building, all white and fancy. Inside the building, you can visit the Roundhouse Aquarium, and see ten shark tanks, fish tanks, and touch tanks, all for only a small donation!

It's fun to stand on the pier and watch the surfers catching a wave. The beach is clean and wonderful for a long walk. At night the pier is elegantly lit with strings of lights. Walk around the fun, surfer-oriented stores on Manhattan Beach Blvd, at the base of the pier. The side streets off Manhattan Beach Blvd also have many cafes. Le Pain Quotidien is in the Metlox Plaza on Morningside Dr and has outdoor seating. 
There is a wonderful walkway called Manhattan Beach Strand, from Manhattan Beach Pier to 45th Street in the north, 3.2 miles there and back. It is up above the beach in front of the beachhouses, with flowers galore. There is also a bike path that runs along the sand. 
To the south, check out Hermosa Beach, a really cool beach area with cafes, a happening bike path scene, beach volleyball, a perfect beach and a clean pretty pier.
For a huge beautiful park with four playground areas check out Polliwog Park, east on Manhattan Beach Blvd.

Directions

From Highway 1 (Sepulveda Blvd), turn towards the ocean on Manhattan Beach Blvd and you will come to the pier.
There is metered parking at the beginning of the pier on Manhattan Beach Blvd, for a small fee. 
Roundhouse Aquarium, free admission but suggested donation, call (310) 379-8117. Open 10-5 on weekends, and 2-5pm on weekdays. Open till 7pm during the summer.

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