Manhattan Beach, California50 languages Article Talk Read Edit View historyTools Appearance hide Text Small Standard Large Width Standard Wide Color (beta) Automatic Light Dark Coordinates: 33°53′20″N 118°24′19″W From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Manhattan Beach, California City The Manhattan Beach Pier on a typical fall afternoon The Manhattan Beach Pier on a typical fall afternoon Flag of Manhattan Beach, California Flag Official seal of Manhattan Beach, California Seal Motto(s): “Sun, Sand, Sea” Location of Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles County, California Location of Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles County, California Manhattan Beach, California is located in the United StatesManhattan Beach, CaliforniaManhattan Beach, California Location in the United States Coordinates: 33°53′20″N 118°24′19″W Country United States State California County Los Angeles Incorporated December 12, 1912[1] Named for Manhattan Government • Type Council-Manager • Mayor Amy Howorth • Mayor Pro Tem David Lesser • City council[3] Steve Napolitano, Richard Montgomery, Joseph Franklin • Acting City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian • City treasurer Tim Lilligren[2] Area[4] • Total 3.94 sq mi (10.20 km2) • Land 3.93 sq mi (10.19 km2) • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2) 0.1% Elevation[5] 66 ft (20 m) Population (2020)[6] • Total 35,506 • Estimate (2022)[6] 34,137 • Density 9,025.4/sq mi (3,484.7/km2) Time zone UTC-8 (Pacific) • Summer (DST) UTC-7 (PDT) ZIP codes 90266, 90267[7] Area codes 310/424[8] FIPS code 06-45400 GNIS feature IDs 1660985, 2411020 Website www.citymb.info Manhattan Beach is a city in southwestern Los Angeles County, California, United States, on the Pacific coast south of El Segundo, west of Hawthorne and Redondo Beach, and north of Hermosa Beach. As of the 2020 census, the population was 35,506.[6] Together with Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, it forms the three Beach Cities within the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. The community is known for a long beach stretching approximately 2.1 miles (3.4 km) and roughly 450 feet (140 m) wide. The climate is moderate because of Manhattan Beach’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, with an average year-round high temperature of 69.1 °F (20.6 °C) and an average year-round low of 56.4 °F (13.6 °C). History[edit] Don Manuel Domínguez, owner of Rancho San Pedro, which included modern-day Manhattan Beach The sandy coastal area was likely inhabited by the Tongva tribe of Native Americans. Archeological work in the nearby Chowigna excavation show evidence of inhabitants as far back as 7,100 years ago. The Tongva Village of Ongovanga was located near neighboring Redondo Beach.[9] In the mid-18th century, the Portolá expedition was the first European land exploration of present-day California. It traveled north from San Diego to the San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles Basin, San Fernando Valley, Monterey Bay, and San Francisco Bay. In 1784, the Spanish Crown deeded Rancho San Pedro, a tract of over 75,000 acres (300 km2), to soldier Juan José Domínguez. It included what is today the entire Port of Los Angeles; San Pedro, Los Angeles; Harbor City, Los Angeles; Wilmington, Los Angeles; Carson; Compton; the Dominguez Hills; Lomita; the Palos Verdes Peninsula; Redondo Beach; Hermosa Beach; Manhattan Beach; and Torrance. In 1863, a Scottish immigrant, Sir Robert Burnett, purchased Rancho Sausal Redondo and Rancho Aguaje de la Centinela from Avila’s heirs for $33,000. Ten years later in 1873, Burnett leased the ranch to a Canadian, Daniel Freeman (not the American of the same name, who was the first to file a claim under the Homestead Act of 1862). Burnett returned to Scotland. Freeman moved his wife and three children onto the ranch and started growing various crops. On May 4, 1885, Freeman bought the ranch from Burnett for $140,000. At some point after this the location was informally called “Shore Acres.” Shortly thereafter, in 1888 the area’s first freight and passenger railroad tracks were built by the Santa Fe Railroad company. The tracks ran through today’s Manhattan Beach and spanned all the way to Redondo Beach with a substation constructed in later years at Center Street, which today is Manhattan Beach Boulevard.[10] George H. Peck owned the land that became part of the north section of Manhattan Beach. A coin flip decided the town’s name. Around 1902, the beach suburb was named “Manhattan” after developer Stewart Merrill’s home, the New York City borough of Manhattan.[11] “Beach” was appended to the city’s name, in 1927, at the behest of the postmaster.[11] Incorporation of the City of Manhattan Beach won in a vote held on November 26, 1912.[12] Mrs. W. A. Bruce, a landowner of property near the coast, created the first beach resort for Black Americans in Southern California, Bruce’s Beach.[13][14] Bruce set up a small portable cottage with a stand in front where soda and lunches were sold.[13] There were two dressing tents with showers, and fifty bathing suits were available for rent.[13] Peck’s land was located between Bruce’s land and the beach itself, and Peck erected “no trespassing signs” on his land, which required beachgoers to walk a half-mile around his land in order to go to the beach.[13] Many beachgoers did so, which made the nearby white landowners unhappy.[13] In the 1920s, the Ku Klux Klan began violently harassing the resort’s visitors, the Bruce family, and four other Black families that bought lots. In 1924, the city used eminent domain to seize the land from the Black property owners under the pretense of building a park.[15][16][17] Bruce’s attorney noted that there was a lot of vacant property located on both sides of Bruce’s Beach that could have been used for a public park, and that the city’s insistence in seizing Bruce’s property was a ruse to carry out the city’s racist objection to Black people using the public beach.[15] In 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation authorizing the transferring of the property to descendants of the family.[18][19] The land in Manhattan Beach was formerly sand dunes. During the 1920s and 1930s, Kuhn Brothers Construction Company leveled uneven sandy sites and some excess sand was sold and shipped to Waikiki, Hawaii, to convert their reef and rock beach into a sandy beach.[20] The McMartin preschool trials, an example of day care sex abuse hysteria, started with investigations of a Manhattan Beach preschool in 1983. The trials ran from 1987 to 1990 and resulted in no convictions.[21] HBO dramatized this case in the Emmy-winning Indictment: The McMartin Trial,[22] which was partially filmed in Manhattan Beach.[23][24] The Manhattan Beach Pier in 2013 Geography[edit] Climate[edit] hideClimate data for Manhattan Beach, California Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °F (°C) 91 (33) 92 (33) 95 (35) 102 (39) 97 (36) 104 (40) 97 (36) 98 (37) 110 (43) 106 (41) 101 (38) 94 (34) 110 (43) Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 64.9 (18.3) 63.7 (17.6) 64.3 (17.9) 65.9 (18.8) 68.1 (20.1) 71.3 (21.8) 74.4 (23.6) 75.2 (24.0) 74.9 (23.8) 72.8 (22.7) 68.9 (20.5) 65.2 (18.4) 69.1 (20.6) Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 49.3 (9.6) 50.2 (10.1) 51.9 (11.1) 54.1 (12.3) 56.7 (13.7) 61.3 (16.3) 64.1 (17.8) 64.4 (18.0) 62.9 (17.2) 59.3 (15.2) 53.3 (11.8) 48.9 (9.4) 56.4 (13.5) Record low °F (°C) 27 (−3) 34 (1) 35 (2) 42 (6) 45 (7) 48 (9) 52 (11) 51 (11) 47 (8) 43 (6) 38 (3) 32 (0) 27 (−3) Average precipitation inches (mm) 2.71 (69) 3.35 (85) 1.85 (47) 0.7 (18) 0.22 (5.6) 0.08 (2.0) 0.03 (0.76) 0.05 (1.3) 0.21 (5.3) 0.56 (14) 1.11 (28) 2.05 (52) 12.92 (327.96) Source: The Weather Channel[25] Manhattan Beach benefits from ocean breezes that provide clean air and summer temperatures that are 10 to 20 °F (5.6 to 11.1 °C) cooler than the inland regions of Southern California. The city has a total area of 3.9 square miles (10 km2). Manhattan Beach features 2.1 miles (3.4 km) of ocean frontage. Beach and sand dunes[edit] A majority of the land in Manhattan Beach was once exposed sand dunes, which now lie beneath the city’s buildings and streets. The underlying dunes afford residents ocean views throughout western portions of the city. The tallest hill is 244 feet high, and it is located in the city’s southwest region. The only remaining exposed sand dune is at Sand Dune Park, where sand resembling the original landscape can also be found. In the late 1920s, excess sand from Manhattan Beach was purchased by Hawaiʻian developers, who negotiated a deal with the Kuhn Brothers Construction Company to ship the sand across the Pacific Ocean from Manhattan Beach via Los Angeles Harbor to Waikiki Beach over a ten-year period.[20] The beach is approximately 2.1 miles long and 400 feet wide. In the early part of the last century, the beach was narrow (approximately 150 feet) and sloping. From 1938 to 1989, it more than doubled in width when large quantities of sand were placed on beaches to the north during construction of the Hyperion Treatment Plant, Marina del Rey, and Scattergood Power Plant. The sand was carried southward by the ocean’s natural littoral flow and widened Manhattan Beach.[26] Every August, the city hosts the Manhattan Beach Open volleyball tournament and the International Surf Festival. Neighborhoods[edit] Glass home on the “Strand” A view of the ocean in Manhattan Beach The city has several distinct neighborhoods, including the “Strand”, “Sand Section”, “Hill Section”, “Tree Section”, “Gas Lamp Section”, “Manhattan Village”, “Manhattan Heights”, “East Manhattan Beach” (Manhattan Village, Manhattan Heights, Liberty Village), “The Poet’s Section” (Shelley, Tennyson, Longfellow, Keats), and “El Porto” (North Manhattan Beach). The Roth Tract, between Herrin and Peck, is sometimes referred to as the “Bird Section.” The “Hill Section” is known for its high-priced homes; many of the residences are remodeled or newly constructed. The steep hills allow panoramic ocean and city views.[27] The “Sand Section” has quiet walk-street neighborhoods adjacent to the ocean. Oceanfront homes stretch along the bike path and walking lane of “The Strand”. “The Strand” section of Manhattan Beach includes some of the most expensive real estate per square foot in the United States.[28] Since 2010, new property developments in Manhattan Beach cannot exceed two lot parcels. Size and appearance restrictions were enacted by the Manhattan Beach City Council to preserve the appearance of the beachfront community after three lots were joined to create a 16,000-square-foot (1,500 m2) oceanside home in 2008.[29] Downtown[edit] “Downtown” Manhattan Beach is considered the heart of the city. The area runs along Manhattan Beach Boulevard and the streets perpendicular to the Manhattan Beach Pier and Valley Drive. There are Zagat-rated casual fine-dining restaurants, specialty boutiques and retailers that create a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use downtown center. The Metlox site, where the pottery factory once stood for decades, was closed in the early 1990s and redeveloped into a mixed-use center. The Metlox site includes a luxury boutique hotel, spa, restaurants, shops and underground parking. North Manhattan Beach District[edit] North Manhattan Beach business district is located near the intersection of Rosecrans and Highland and has restaurants and shops. The district is defined as covering “32nd Street to 45th Street and consist[s] of over 80 businesses”.[30] Rosecrans Corridor[edit] The Rosecrans corridor is located on the south side of Rosecrans Avenue, east of Sepulveda, and west of Aviation. The Manhattan Beach Country Club, the westdrift Manhattan Beach Hotel and Golf Course, retail stores, restaurants, supermarkets, multi-story office buildings, and shopping centers border the Rosecrans corridor between Sepulveda and Aviation Boulevards. The Rosecrans corridor is adjacent to The Point[31] and Plaza El Segundo[32] off Sepulveda Blvd, which features additional retailers. Sepulveda Corridor[edit] The Sepulveda Corridor occupies the commercial zone, and is the city’s main north–south highway. The area includes the Manhattan Village Mall, which is located east of Sepulveda Boulevard between Marine and Rosecrans Avenues. The mall, built in the early 1980s, was remodeled in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Manhattan Village Mall is executing a multimillion-dollar redevelopment which adds both outdoor and enclosed retail and restaurant space. There are several medium-size hotels, large automobile dealerships, automotive repair shops, restaurants, multi-story office buildings, medical buildings, pharmacies, banks, and small shopping centers along this corridor. Kaiser Permanente’s medical offices include a laboratory and pharmacy.[33] Aviation Corridor[edit] The Aviation Corridor is located along Aviation Boulevard (the city’s eastern boundary), south of Rosecrans Avenue, and north of Marine Avenue. Aviation High School was located at the intersection of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Aviation until it closed in the early 1980s.[34] The zone includes several major entertainment and aerospace complexes, including the Manhattan Beach Studios Media Campus and the Northrop Grumman Space Park Complex.[35] Manhattan Beach Media Campus has production for movies and entertainment including the Marvel Studios motion pictures Thor (2011) and Iron Man 2 (2010) and both sequels to James Cameron’s Avatar movie.[36] The studio complex has large photovoltaic solar panel rooftop installations in the area which generates approximately 1 megawatt of power. Demographics[edit] Historical population Census Pop. Note %± 1920 859 — 1930 1,891 120.1% 1940 6,398 238.3% 1950 17,330 170.9% 1960 33,934 95.8% 1970 35,352 4.2% 1980 31,542 −10.8% 1990 32,063 1.7% 2000 33,852 5.6% 2010 35,135 3.8% 2020 35,506 1.1% U.S. Decennial Census[37] The 2010 United States Census[38] reported that Manhattan Beach had a population of 35,135. The population density was 8,914.7 inhabitants per square mile (3,442.0/km2). The racial makeup of Manhattan Beach was 29,686 (84.5%) White (79.3% Non-Hispanic White),[39] 290 (0.8%) Black or African American (U.S. Census), 59 (0.2%) Native American, 3,023 (8.6%) Asian, 49 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 409 (1.2%) from other races, and 1,619 (4.6%) from two or more races. There were 2,440 people of Hispanic or Latino origin, of any race (6.9%). The Census reported that 35,107 people (99.9% of the population) lived in households, 28 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized. There were 14,038 households, out of which 4,735 (33.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 7,583 (54.0%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 892 (6.4%) had a female householder with no husband present, 438 (3.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 695 (5.0%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 85 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 3,627 households (25.8%) were made up of individuals, and 1,078 (7.7%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50. There were 8,913 families (63.5% of all households); the average family size was 3.10. There were 8,725 people (24.8%) under the age of 18, 1,740 people (5.0%) aged 18 to 24, 9,532 people (27.1%) aged 25 to 44, 10,681 people (30.4%) aged 45 to 64, and 4,457 people (12.7%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.2 males. There were 14,929 housing units at an average density of 3,787.9 units per square mile (1,462.5 units/km2), of which 9,420 (67.1%) were owner-occupied, and 4,618 (32.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.3%. 25,587 people (72.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 9,520 people (27.1%) lived in rental housing units. According to the 2010 United States Census, Manhattan Beach had a median household income of $139,259, with 3.4% of the population living below the federal poverty line.[39] Many high-profile individuals in the sports and entertainment industry live in Manhattan Beach due to its oceanfront desirability, top performing school district, and commuting distance to Los Angeles.[40] According to Mapping L.A., German and English were the most common ancestries in 2000. Canada and the United Kingdom were the most common foreign places of birth.[41] Economy[edit] According to the city’s 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[42] the top employers in the city are: # Employer # of Employees 1 Target 405 2 Skechers 362 3 Macy’s 271 4 Fry’s Electronics 251 5 Marriott 208 6 Ralphs 146 7 Olive Garden 143 8 24 Hour Fitness 133 9 Bristol Farms 130 10 Shade Hotel 113 11 Manhattan Beach Toyota 99 12 Houston’s Restaurants 97 13 California Pizza Kitchen 85 14 Chili’s 81 15 Belamar Hotel 79 16 Islands 75 17 REI 62 Residential prices in Manhattan Beach are among the highest in the state of California. In 2013, the Dataquick study reported that more homes exceeding $1 million were sold in Manhattan Beach than any other city in California. Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills, La Jolla, Malibu, Bel-Air, Orinda, Atherton, Montecito, and other high end cities in California ranked behind Manhattan Beach. The Higley 100 Census survey found that The Hill Section of Manhattan Beach is the second highest mean household income neighborhood in Los Angeles County, with Beverly Park ranking first and Beverly Hills (the 90210 section) ranking third, respectively.[43] The current median residential home price is $2.2 million according to a November 23, 2014, Los Angeles Times article, and land values in Manhattan Beach rank among the highest per square foot in the nation.[28] Land values on the Manhattan Beach “Strand” are routinely around $10 million for a 3,000-square-foot (280 m2) piece of land. Parks and recreation[edit] Manhattan Beach pier and concrete bike path See also: List of Manhattan Beach municipal parks The wide sandy beaches attract over 3.8 million visitors annually.[44] Beach volleyball, swimming, body boarding and surfing are popular activities among residents and visitors.[45] Popular surf spots include the pier and El Porto, the northern end of the beach. Lifeguard stations are located along the entire length of the beach and the beach is cleaned and groomed daily by crews from LA County Beaches and Harbors Department. Along the Strand at the eastern edge of the beach is a concrete bike path for bicycles. The bikeway extends north to Santa Monica and south to Torrance. A separate 2.1-mile (3.4 km) pedestrian walkway runs alongside the bike path. Restrooms and shower facilities are provided adjacent to the Strand paths. An area known Veteran’s Parkway is a pedestrian walkway that runs adjacent to Valley Drive and Ardmore Avenue near downtown Manhattan Beach. Nearly 20 acres (8.1 ha) and 3 miles (4.8 km) long and extending into Hermosa Beach, the wood-chip walkway is a popular trail for runners and dog-walkers. Polliwog Park is the largest and most popular park. Located on Manhattan Beach Boulevard, two blocks west of Aviation Boulevard, Polliwog Park includes the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden, as well as a small lake, open-air concert amphitheater, playground equipment, picnic tables, restrooms, and a fenced dog exercise area. It is also the site of the Manhattan Beach Historical Society Red Cottage, which is home to the city’s collection of historical artifacts. Marine Avenue Park, west of Aviation Boulevard on Marine, has several lighted ball fields, basketball courts, and an indoor racket ball facility. A small skate park was added to Marine Avenue Park in 2017 after a 16-year battle over its location.[46] Live Oak Park in the downtown area has ball fields, batting cages, playground equipment, basketball courts, tennis courts, and picnic tables. Additionally, Begg pool offers comprehensive swimming programs year around for both adults and children including instruction, recreational swimming, water aerobics, and even a youth swim team and adult swim club.[47] Bruce’s Beach (formerly Culiacan Park) is north of downtown. For over 50 years, the city of Manhattan Beach hosts an annual Hometown Fair[48] at Live Oak Park in downtown Manhattan Beach. Popular among community residents, the fair features food and drink, live music, games and booths to raise funds for local causes. Government[edit] Local government[edit] The city of Manhattan Beach is governed by a five-member City Council. City Council members are elected every four years. The office of the Mayor of Manhattan Beach rotates every nine months among the members of the City Council, so that each City Council member serves one term as Mayor. A City Manager is appointed by the City Council. An elected City Treasurer serves a four-year term. The Beach Cities Health District,[49] provides health and wellness services to the residents of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach. It is funded partially by over $3 million annually from property taxes. The voters of the three beach cities elect the 5-member Board of Directors to 4-year terms. One of 78 California Health Districts,[50] it was created in 1955 as South Bay Hospital which no longer exists and took on its current name in 1993. Beach Cities Health District is now focused on real estate development and opened AdventurePlex,[51] a Manhattan Beach fitness center for kids and their families, in 2002. Filled with mazes, tunnels, outdoor rock climbing walls, complex ropes courses, and an indoor gym, AdventurePlex challenges children physically and intellectually in health-focused recreational activities. County government[edit] Manhattan Beach Library Manhattan Beach is in the Second Supervisorial District of Los Angeles County. Holly Mitchell is the District Supervisor.[52] The county collects taxes on properties in Manhattan Beach and maintains property assessment rolls. Los Angeles County maintains the beach and provides daily cleaning and grooming. The county also maintains the bike path at the eastern edge of the beach. The Manhattan Beach County Library is located downtown on Highland Avenue two blocks north of Manhattan Beach Boulevard. The library is part of the County of Los Angeles Public Library system, and includes Internet-accessible computers, WiFi, and access to the six million items in the county library collection. The new $19 million, 20,000 square foot, two-story facility featuring a glass exterior was completed in 2015.[53] State legislators[edit] In the California State Legislature, Manhattan Beach is in the 24th Senate District, represented by Democrat Ben Allen,[54] and in the 66th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Al Muratsuchi.[55] Federal government[edit] In the United States House of Representatives, Manhattan Beach is in California’s 36th congressional district, represented by Democrat Ted Lieu.[56] Education[edit] According to US Census data, Manhattan Beach holds the ranking as the second most educated city in Los Angeles County and the fifth most educated city in the state of California.[57] Primary and secondary schools[edit] Mira Costa High School School 2010 API Score[needs update] Grandview Elementary 957 Meadows Elementary 946 Pacific Elementary 960 Pennekamp Elementary 948 Robinson Elementary 962 Manhattan Beach Middle 945 Mira Costa High School 911 Public education in Manhattan Beach is provided by the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, which oversees five elementary schools (Grand View, Meadows, Pacific, Pennekamp, Robinson), one middle school (Manhattan Beach Middle School), and one high school (Mira Costa High School). The Manhattan Beach Unified School district is ranked as the third-best-performing school district in the state of California.[when?][citation needed] The district received a score of 926 on the 2010 California Academic Performance Index.[58] Each individual school also ranks at the top of its respective category.[59] Manhattan Beach is currently ranked as one of the best suburbs in Los Angeles Country for its high-earning and well educated residents.[60] Manhattan Beach’s top performing school district is currently ranked as the third best in the state of California, behind only Palo Alto and South Pasadena.[61] and Forbes Magazine ranked the city’s school district, MBUSD, as the sixth best school district in the United States.[62] Private schools located in Manhattan Beach include American Martyrs Catholic School (of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles), Manhattan Academy, Montessori School of Manhattan Beach and Journey of Faith Christian School. Residents of Manhattan Beach were in the Wiseburn School District until 1913, when the Manhattan Beach elementary school district formed. Residents attended Redondo Union High School until 1950, when Mira Costa High School opened.[63] Residents were within, in addition to the elementary district, the South Bay Union High School District until 1993, when the latter dissolved.[64] MBUSD formed in 1993.[63] Media[edit] Manhattan Beach is served by Easy Reader-Manhattan Beach, Beach Magazine, the Daily Breeze, the Los Angeles Times, and the Beach Reporter. In popular culture[edit] This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (November 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Filming locations 1408 (2007) John Cusack’s character surfs in El Porto waves. 2012 (2009) Cracks appear down the middle of 45th Street. The 1983 Taylor Hackford film Against All Odds was filmed along The Strand and on the beach. George Jung of Blow (2001) film. The CBS series CSI: Miami, at Manhattan Beach Studios and one episode was taken at Polliwog Park. The TV show Hannah Montana used Mira Costa High School as the image of the school portrayed in the TV show, and the Manhattan Beach Pier was also commonly shown in the intro of the show. Indictment: The McMartin Trial (1995) Closing scene filmed on Manhattan Beach Pier.[23][24] Jerry Maguire (1996) In the movie, Dorothy’s (Renée Zellweger) house is in the Gas Lamp Section on 23rd Street. The Fox Network series The O.C. The scenes set inside Governor Swan’s mansion in Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl were shot here. Point Break (1991) In the movie, Keanu Reeves buys his surfboard from a shop located on the Manhattan Beach pier. Starsky and Hutch (2004) In the movie, Starsky (Ben Stiller), can be seen stretching under the pier. Tequila Sunrise (1988) Mel Gibson’s character lives on the beach near the pier. The CW Television Network series Veronica Mars. The TV show Weeds. The movie Airborne. The video for the song “White Walls” by Macklemore. The movie Mac & Devin Go to High School and scenes from the music video “Young, Wild & Free” by Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa.[65] Other Manhattan Beach is mentioned in the song “Surfin’ U.S.A.” by the Beach Boys. Group members were from the adjacent city of Hawthorne. The Manhattan Beach Open volleyball tournament in Manhattan Beach is known as “The Championships, Wimbledon of Beach Volleyball.” The names of the tournament champions are inscribed in plaques along Manhattan Beach Pier. This event usually takes place in August and airs on national TV. Notable people[edit] See: List of people from Manhattan Beach, California Public transportation[edit] Manhattan Beach is served by Beach Cities Transit. The Douglas and Redondo Beach C Line stations are nearby, though outside the city. Historically, Manhattan Beach was served by the Pacific Electric streetcar system.[66] See also[edit] Portal: flag Greater Los Angeles References[edit] ^ “California Cities by Incorporation Date”. California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions. Archived from the original (Word) on November 3, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014. ^ “City Treasurer”. City of Manhattan Beach. Archived from the original on January 17, 2018. Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ “City Council”. City of Manhattan Beach. Retrieved May 10, 2018. ^ “2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files”. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 1, 2020. ^ “Manhattan Beach”. Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ Jump up to:a b c “Manhattan Beach (city) QuickFacts”. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ “USPS – ZIP Code Lookup – Find a ZIP+ 4 Code By City Results”. Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ “Number Administration System – NPA and City/Town Search Results”. Retrieved December 27, 2017.[permanent dead link] ^ Greene, Sean; Curwen, Thomas (May 9, 2019). “Mapping the Tongva villages of L.A.’s past”. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 27, 2020. ^ “The History of Manhattan Beach”. November 8, 2022. Retrieved March 2, 2023. ^ Jump up to:a b Judson Grenier. “Capsule History of Manhattan Beach, 1912 – 1975”. Archived from the original on July 4, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ “Manhattan Beach Dons New Municipal Togs”. The Los Angeles Times. November 27, 1912. p. 26. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e “Colored People’s Resort Meets with Opposition”. The Los Angeles Times. June 27, 1912. p. 16. ^ Masters, Nathan (December 13, 2012). “Manhattan Beach: The City Built on Sand Dunes Celebrates Its Centennial”. KCET. 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Archived from the original on December 28, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ The Point Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ Plaza El Segundo Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ “Manhattan Beach Medical Office – Kaiser Permanente”. ^ “Manhattan Beach Studios”. Archived from the original on January 19, 2009. Retrieved December 28, 2008. ^ “Northrop Grumman Space Technology”. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved December 28, 2008. ^ “‘Avatar’ sequels to be filmed at Manhattan Beach studio”. Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved February 8, 2014. ^ “Census of Population and Housing”. Census.gov. Archived from the original on April 26, 2015. Retrieved June 4, 2015. ^ “2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA – Manhattan Beach city”. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014. ^ Jump up to:a b “State & County QuickFacts”. Archived from the original on June 20, 2012. ^ Gary Baum (July 25, 2013). “Manhattan Beach Real Estate Prices Go Wild”. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ “Manhattan Beach Profile – Mapping L.A. – Los Angeles Times”. Los Angeles Times. ^ City of Manhattan Beach Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2010 Archived October 4, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 26, 2010. ^ “Configurable Real Estate Data Reports”. CoreLogic. Archived from the original on February 8, 2014. Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ Estimating the potential economic impacts of climate change on Southern California beaches; Climatic Change (2011) 109 (Suppl 1):S277–S298 DOI 10.1007/s10584-011-0309-0 ^ Skalij, Wally (August 23, 2021). “Can you dig it? AVP takes over Manhattan Beach”. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 25, 2021. ^ “Marine Avenue Park | City of Manhattan Beach”. www.citymb.info. Archived from the original on November 11, 2017. Retrieved November 10, 2017. ^ “Parks and Facilities in Manhattan Beach”. ^ “Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair – Nothing says community like the Hometown Fair”. www.mbfair.org. ^ Beach Cities Health District Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ List of California Health Districts ^ AdventurePlex Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ “Discover the Los Angeles County Second District – LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell”. Retrieved January 16, 2022. ^ Gnerre, Sam. “A look back at the history of the Manhattan Beach Library”. The Beach Reporter. Retrieved September 4, 2018. ^ “Senate District 24”. Senator Ben Allen. Retrieved January 24, 2023. ^ “Statewide Database”. UC Regents. Archived from the original on February 1, 2015. Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ “California’s 33rd Congressional District – Representatives & District Map”. Civic Impulse, LLC. ^ Lauren Lloyd (November 17, 2011). “Manhattan Beach Ranks As 5th Most Educated California City”. Archived from the original on February 2, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ [1] [dead link] ^ Local Educational Agency (LEA) List of Schools, api.cde.ca.gov Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ Ellen Robinson (July 5, 2014). “Manhattan ranks high among best suburbs in L.A.” The Beach Reporter. Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ “Find a school skills articles, book lists, videos, and milestones – GreatSchools”. Parenting. ^ “Manhattan Beach School District ranks 6th in the nation”. Easy Reader News. May 5, 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2017. ^ Jump up to:a b “History of Manhattan Beach USD”. Manhattan Beach Unified School District. Retrieved October 28, 2020. ^ Kowsky, Kim (November 5, 1992). “School District Reorganizations Win Handily : The breakup of South Bay Union High School District is approved. But a proposition moving control of two schools from Los Angeles to Rancho Palos Verdes is blocked by a judge”. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 28, 2020. ^ ABC7. “Snoop Dogg kicked off local school campus | ABC7 San Francisco | abc7news.com”. ABC7 San Francisco. Retrieved May 16, 2020. ^ “Trolley”. Manhattan Beach Historical Society. External links[edit] Wikimedia Commons has media related to Manhattan Beach, California. Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Manhattan Beach. Official website Edit this at Wikidata Manhattan Beach Historical Society Leadership Manhattan Beach Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce showvte Places adjacent to Manhattan Beach, California showvte Municipalities and communities of Los Angeles County, California, United States showvte Greater Los Angeles Area show Authority control databases Edit this at Wikidata Categories: Manhattan Beach, California1912 establishments in CaliforniaCities in Los Angeles County, CaliforniaIncorporated cities and towns in CaliforniaPopulated coastal places in CaliforniaPopulated places established in 1912South Bay, Los Angeles This page was last edited on 25 December 2024, at 01:12 (UTC).     
 Manhattan Beach: Local’s 48-hour itinerary. Accommodation: Airbnbs are recommended over hotels for better value and proximity to the beach. Many offer beach equipment rentals (bikes, boogie boards, etc.). Food: Breakfast/Brunch: Sloopy (smoothies, coffee, lavender honey oat milk latte), Cafe Wild (hash, pancakes), Little French Bakery (croissants, coffee), Blue Stone Lane Cafe (creative brunches, iced vanilla latte), Uncle Bill’s Pancake House (pancakes, ocean view, Santa Fe omelette). Lunch: Pack sandwiches and snacks to enjoy on the beach to save money. Dinner: BRCO (sandwiches, fries – closing soon), Sims (gastropub), The Strand (high-end, wood-fired pizza, seafood), Sugarfish (high-end sushi – reservations recommended). Ice Cream: Salt & Straw (unique flavors), Manhattan Beach Creamery (classic treats, cupcakes, cookie sandwiches). Affordable Eats Tip: Avoid restaurants close to the pier, as many are being replaced by higher-end establishments. Activities: The Strand: Walking, running, biking. Go early to avoid crowds. Shopping: Window shopping or upscale shopping available. Manhattan Beach Pier: Enjoy the ocean views and casual nightlife. Parking: Free 12-hour parking lot off 12th Street (arrive early) and a free 10-hour lot at Manhattan Beach Boulevard and North Ardmore Avenue. Overall Vibe: Family-oriented, less touristy than Venice or Santa Monica, cleaner, with a strong sense of community. Nightlife: More casual than other nearby beach towns; consider Hermosa or Redondo Beach for a more vibrant party scene.

Is Manhattan Beach the Best City in Los Angeles? Living in Manhattan Beach, CA

Manhattan Beach, located in Los Angeles County, is often hailed as one of the best places to live in Southern California. With its world-class beaches, excellent schools, and small-town charm, this affluent coastal city offers an unparalleled lifestyle. Below is an in-depth exploration of the community, including its housing market, amenities, and lifestyle offerings.

Manhattan Beach

Proximity to Major Landmarks:

15 miles from Santa Monica
17 miles from Beverly Hills
20 miles from Downtown Los Angeles
5 miles from LAX, ideal for frequent travelers

Community and Lifestyle:

Population: Approximately 36,000
Small-town vibe with a close-knit community
Blend of luxury living and laid-back beach culture

Housing Market:

Housing prices reflect the high demand for this exclusive area, with homes ranging from $1.2 million to $30 million. The city is highly walkable, with easy access to the beach, restaurants, and shops. Homes range from 1950s originals to ultra-modern new builds.

East of PCH: Condos starting at $1.2 million
West of PCH: Entry-level homes begin at $1.8 million
Luxury homes on the Strand: Up to $30 million
Tree Section: Larger lots with homes starting around $4 million

Diverse Architecture

Mid-Century Homes: Original 1950s designs with character.
Modern Builds: Contemporary homes with sleek aesthetics.
Spanish-Style: Classic designs with terracotta roofs.
Townhomes: Compact, stylish options for urban living.
Subterranean Builds: Innovative designs maximizing lot space.

Manhattan Beach Schools and Education:

Top-rated public and private schools
Competitive academic programs

Safety and Crime in Manhattan Beach:

Crime rates are low compared to other areas in LA
Local police force ensures safety and addresses homelessness effectively

Things to Do in Manhattan Beach:

Pristine beaches ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing-Manhattan Beach offers stunning, sandy beaches comparable to destinations like Hawaii and the Caribbean.
Outdoor lifestyle: running trails, biking paths, and ocean activities-Unique pedestrian-only streets offering a quieter, safer environment.
Trendy restaurants, bars, and boutique shopping
The Strand: Perfect for biking, running, or taking in ocean views.
Surfing: Consistent waves attract surfers from around the world.
Beach Volleyball: The city is famous for its beach volleyball culture.
Pier Views: A picturesque pier offers stunning sunsets.
Family-Friendly: Safe and clean beaches ideal for kids.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere Meets Coastal Luxury

Manhattan Beach’s popularity stems largely from its award-winning schools and family-oriented vibe. Compared to the bustling, tourist-heavy Santa Monica or the eclectic energy of Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach offers a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle. Here, you won’t find rows of weed shops or the same chaotic energy, making it an ideal spot for families or those seeking a tranquil retreat.

However, this serenity may not suit everyone. The quiet, suburb-like ambiance can feel uneventful for those craving excitement. Many streets lack sidewalks or parkways, and while some neighborhoods have opted to underground utility lines, the process comes at a significant cost to residents—an important consideration for prospective homebuyers.

Manhattan Beach Living – Luxury with a Price Tag

Real estate in Manhattan Beach is as coveted as its location. The median price for a single-family home hovers around $3.2 million, higher than Venice Beach and Marina del Rey but still more affordable than Santa Monica or Pacific Palisades. Beachfront properties, known for their unparalleled ocean views, are among the priciest per square foot globally. While condos are relatively rare, most resemble townhomes or single-family residences, maintaining the neighborhood’s upscale aesthetic. Manhattan Beach, a coastal gem in Southern California, has a history as unique as its stunning oceanfront views. What was once an expanse of uninhabitable sand dunes was transformed in the early 1900s with the construction of a train track and large-scale sand removal—some of which was even shipped to Waikiki, Hawaii. Officially incorporated as a city in 1912, Manhattan Beach has since evolved into a sought-after community that balances small-town charm with upscale living.

Neighborhood Highlights: Finding Your Ideal Fit

Manhattan Beach is home to several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and appeal:

Sand Section: The epitome of Southern California living, this neighborhood is closest to the beach and offers smaller lots with high walkability. It’s the most expensive area, with median home prices around $4 million and top-tier properties exceeding $20 million. The classic coastal vibe here is unmatched.
Tree Section: A favorite among real estate agents, the Tree Section is known for its larger lots, added privacy, and a cozy, lush ambiance. Some areas feature charming parkways, particularly around landmarks like American Martyrs Church. Median prices sit at approximately $3.5 million, with some homes reaching $11 million.
Liberty Village/Manhattan Heights: Offering the best value, this neighborhood is more affordable and has a traditional suburban feel. With flatter terrain, parkways, and backyard utility poles, it’s a practical choice for families or first-time buyers. New construction is on the rise here, with median home prices around $2 million and high-end properties topping out at $4.2 million.

Whether you’re drawn to its history, family-friendly atmosphere, or luxurious real estate offerings, Manhattan Beach has something for everyone. Its distinct neighborhoods cater to a range of lifestyles, from the energetic beachgoer to those seeking a serene, suburban retreat. With a perfect blend of charm and sophistication, it’s no wonder Manhattan Beach remains one of Southern California’s most desirable coastal communities.

Manhattan Beach offers an exceptional lifestyle with its luxurious homes, top-tier schools, and unparalleled beach access. While it comes at a premium, the combination of amenities, community, and location makes it one of the most desirable places to live in Los Angeles County. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly environment, a vibrant nightlife, or a serene place to retire, Manhattan Beach delivers on all fronts. If you’re ready to make the move, now is the perfect time to experience the best of coastal living.