A 4-Day Getaway to Manhattan Beach, California

• Day 1: Take a leisurely morning stroll along The Strand, a two-mile oceanside walkway. Visit Roundhouse Aquarium for a glimpse of marine life, tide pool exploration, and feeding young sharks. For lunch, head to Uncle Bill's Pancake House, a local favorite for its diverse breakfast and lunch menu. After lunch, visit the Manhattan Beach Pier, an iconic landmark and perfect for a photo-op.
• Day 2: Start your day off at Manhattan Beach Farmers Market, with fresh produce, flowers, and artisanal goods. Spend the afternoon at Polliwog Park, a lush garden oasis equipped with a pond, playground, and botanical gardens. Afterward, head to Fishing with Dynamite for an upscale seafood dinner that does not disappoint.
• Day 3: Visit the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden for a wander through 127 acres of gardens, forests, and trails. For lunch, enjoy a local favorite of tacos and margaritas at El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant. Spend the rest of the day at the Manhattan Village Shopping Center, a high-end outdoor shopping area that will surely fit any of your shopping needs.
• Day 4: Start your day off by renting a bike and enjoying a scenic ride along the beach. Afterward, make your way to Manhattan Beach Creamery for some of the best homemade ice cream in the area. End your trip with a sunset dinner at The Strand House, a restaurant that boasts amazing food and even better views.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Roundhouse Aquarium (1 hour, free)
• Uncle Bill's Pancake House (1 hour, $15-20)
• Manhattan Beach Pier (1 hour, free)
• Manhattan Beach Farmers Market (1.5 hours, variable)
• Polliwog Park (2 hours, free)
• Fishing with Dynamite (2 hours, $40-70)
• Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden (2 hours, $15)
• El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant (1 hour, $10-20)
• Manhattan Village Shopping Center (2-3 hours, variable)
• Manhattan Beach Creamery (30 minutes, $5-10)
• The Strand House (2-3 hours, $40-80)

Total Estimated Costs: $135-235

Transportation

There are multiple options for transportation in Manhattan Beach, including ride-shares, taxis, and bike rentals. The most cost-effective option would be to rent a bike for $20-30 per day, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of Manhattan Beach and save on transportation costs. Ride-shares and taxis are also readily available if you are in a time crunch or don't feel comfortable biking. Depending on the distance, ride-shares and taxis can cost anywhere from $10-30.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit Hermosa Beach or Redondo Beach for some additional beachside activities. For those with less time, consider cutting out Polliwog Park or Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Additionally, for those who are not comfortable biking, renting a scooter can also be a cheap and efficient option. Lastly, be sure to plan your itinerary around closing times, as many of these establishments tend to close early in the evening.