Officially known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, this 22-mile bicycle path traces nearly the entire extent of LA's westward-facing coastline. The segment in Manhattan Beach is particularly well-kept: Bicyclists stick to the path in the sand while pedestrians can tackle the manicured walkway above—perfect for snooping on the stunning oceanfront real estate.
As its name implies, one of the biggest draws in Manhattan Beach is, well, its beach. The waterfront, where you'll likely spend most of your time, is lovely, low-key and within walking distance of fine dining and seafood restaurants. Its upscale downtown area, centered around Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Manhattan Avenue, is more charming than its South Bay siblings, though you'll have to hoof it up and down hill to explore all of it. Though one entire border is beachfront, that's not all there is to do; you'll find plenty of other pleasant things to do in Manhattan Beach, from a scenic bike path to a hike through a hilly, sandy park.
Tip: Parking by the beach is pretty limited, so if you plan on spending the entire day there, you'll want to head to the underground parking garage (entrances on Morningside Dr and N Valley Dr) on the northeast end of Downtown Manhattan Beach.
RECOMMENDED: A full guide to Manhattan Beach
