Manhattan Beach: A Local's Guide to Staying & Playing

Downtown Manhattan Beach clusters around the pier — shopping, restaurants, and the busiest sand. El Porto, the north end, is the surf-forward, residential side: quieter streets, a consistent break, and a locals' rhythm.

If you want to walk to dinner, either works; if you want to wake up to waves, stay north.

Dinner at MB Post or Fishing with Dynamite (book ahead), cocktails at The Kettle — open late — and pancakes at Uncle Bill's the morning after.

El Porto's beach cafés handle coffee and breakfast burritos before a surf.

For the full list, see our Manhattan Beach dining guide.

The Strand runs the full length of Manhattan Beach along the sand — walk, run, or bike it south past the pier toward Hermosa.

Volleyball courts line the beach; the pier's Roundhouse Aquarium is a free stop with kids.

LAX is ten minutes north — Manhattan Beach is the closest true beach town to the airport. SoFi Stadium is twenty minutes for concerts and game days.

Once you're here, you won't need the car much: surf, Strand, and dinner are all walkable from El Porto.

Highland Surf House — three private residences steps from the El Porto break, booked direct with the owner at the lowest published rate.

• The Sunset Residence
• The Surf Cottage
• The Designer Flat
• All three residences