Manhattan Beach, California

Want to eat a lobster dinner in your Lululemon? Here you can! Well, maybe not literally, but what we mean is that in MB, locals enjoy a laid-back lifestyle on one of the nicest beaches in SoCal without compromising on the finer things in life.

With outdoor activity options as expansive as the ocean views – think beach volleyball, bike rides on The Strand, and sunset strolls on the pier – there is no shortage of ways to enjoy all the natural beauty around you while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As promised, after you’ve enjoyed another perfect weather day, you can get dressed up to explore the parade of specialty shops and upscale restaurants that this beautiful oceanside city has to offer. The only thing that might be lacking is your favorite ethnic eatery in downtown LA, but even that is just 20 miles away.

Rated an A+ on Niche.com in the “Public Schools,” “Good for Families,” “Outdoor Activities,” “Nightlife,” “Weather,” and “Health & Fitness” categories, it’s hard to beat everything but the price tag.

Yes, this area has some of the best of the best, and the price tag shows it. Far from the sleepy surf town it was in the 1980s, the median home price here is now just shy of $3 million, with costs increasing steeply as you get closer to those oceanside views. Not looking to buy? There are options, but not a ton. According to Zillow, the median rental cost for a 2-bedroom apartment is $5,500.

Why is it pricier than already-pricey neighboring beach towns? Let’s just name a few: 1) ample outdoor activities highlighted by a pristine beach and stunning pier; 2) a top-notch school system that bolsters the safe community vibe (more on this later), and 3) no shortage of boutique shops, fine dining and nightlife options for those looking for more fun after playing all day in the sun.

If Manhattan Beach sounds like where you want to be, but the cost is a bit over budget, check out nearby Redondo and Hermosabeaches, just a couple miles south. Although unique in their own right, these areas offer much of what Manhattan boasts, at a slightly more reasonable cost.

With sand between your toes and high-end living at your fingertips, MB residents enjoy a well-rounded lifestyle. Need a kid-friendly activity? Ride your bikes along the ocean to the aquarium by the pier – it's free! Want to unwind? Pack a snack and plop yourself down at El Porto Beach to watch the surfers take advantage of some of the best waves in the South Bay.

Looking to treat yourself? Indulge your taste buds at the popular Fishing with Dynamite before grabbing a cone at Manhattan Beach Creamery. Or, maybe it’s some movement that you’re craving. Join a game of volleyball, take a stroll in one of the city’s many parks, stop by a workout class at one of the fitness gyms – there’s one on every corner – or take a walk in the sand to the next level by climbing a mountain of it at Sand Dune Park.

With so much to offer visitors and residents, it's easy to plan your perfect day here. To see what locals get up to for fun in Manhattan Beach check out the calendar of events.

We highly recommend visiting Manhattan Beach and staying in the community in a VRBO rather than a hotel to get a feel for living among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our partnership with Expedia as well.

While people of all ages and relationship statuses call MB home, there’s a reason you see so many parents pushing strollers on The Strand. The schools are unbelievably good.

The Manhattan Beach Unified School District is one of the highest-ranked districts in the state. For public offerings, the community has five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Mira Costa High School received an “A+” rating from Niche.com. Locals appreciate and value the impressive school system as much as the strong sense of community that it cultivates.

With an award-winning and nationally recognized school district, you may not need to look elsewhere, but if private school is a priority for your family, there is a long list of similarly “A+” rated schools. Vistamar School, Bishop Montgomery High School, and Le Lycee Francais de Los Angeles are all outstanding options within a reasonable driving distance.