Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Manhattan Beach Creamery
★4.0(1,149 reviews)$$Ice Cream
🕑 20-30 minutes👶 Perfect for all ages, from toddlers (18 months+) to teens. Little ones love picking out colorful candies and watching their sundaes being made, while older kids appreciate the creative flavor combinations and Instagram-worthy treats.🧡 Saved by 30 families
About
Manhattan Beach Creamery is a delightful artisanal ice cream destination that's perfect for families looking to cap off a beach day or explore downtown Manhattan Beach. With homemade flavors crafted in-house and an array of sundaes, cupcakes, and candy treats, it's a sweet-tooth paradise that's conveniently located just steps from the sand and the charming Manhattan Beach Pier.
Highlights
- ✓House-made artisanal ice cream flavors with unique seasonal options
- ✓Build-your-own sundae bar with fun toppings that kids love choosing
- ✓Fresh-baked cupcakes and colorful candy selection
- ✓Prime location just steps from Manhattan Beach Pier and the ocean
- ✓Instagram-worthy ice cream creations perfect for family photos
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit mid-afternoon (2-4pm) on weekdays to avoid the after-dinner rush when lines can stretch out the door, especially on summer weekends
- 2.Parking can be challenging in downtown Manhattan Beach,arrive early or use the public lot on 11th Street, just a short walk away
- 3.Grab your treats to-go and enjoy them at the nearby Polliwog Park playground or on the beach at sunset for a memorable family moment
- 4.Ask for a sample before committing,the staff is friendly about letting kids taste unique flavors like lavender honey or sea salt caramel
- 5.Bring cash or check their payment options ahead of time, and keep wet wipes handy for sticky fingers after beach play
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons (2-4pm) are ideal for shorter waits, or visit on weekend mornings before beach crowds arrive. Summer evenings after 7pm can get very busy, so plan accordingly if you have tired little ones.
What to Know
Expect to spend $8-15 per person for ice cream and treats. Street parking is metered and limited, so budget extra time for parking. The shop is stroller-accessible with a small indoor seating area, though most families grab-and-go to enjoy their treats at the nearby beach or park.
Seasonal Notes
Summer is peak season with longest lines but the best beach-and-ice-cream combo experience. Off-season (fall and winter) offers shorter waits and they often feature seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice and peppermint. Check their social media for holiday specials and limited-edition flavors.
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Nearby Eats
The Kettle (classic American comfort food with a solid kids menu, 2 blocks away) and Uncle Bill's Pancake House (beloved family breakfast spot, great for fueling up before beach time) are both excellent nearby options.
More Activities Near Manhattan Beach
Adventure
The Strand
Free
The Strand is Manhattan Beach's iconic oceanfront path that stretches for miles, offering families a traffic-free zone perfect for biking, scootering, and strolling while soaking in stunning Pacific Ocean views. Kids love the freedom to explore on wheels while parents appreciate the safe, paved pathway that connects multiple beach access points, parks, and playgrounds along the way.
Activity
Manhattan Beach Pier
Free
Manhattan Beach Pier offers families a quintessential Southern California experience with nearly 1,000 feet of scenic oceanfront walking, an educational oceanarium, and endless opportunities for spotting dolphins, surfers, and local fishermen in action. Kids love watching the waves crash beneath their feet, exploring the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab & Aquarium at the pier's end, and playing on the sandy beaches that stretch out on either side.
Library
Manhattan Beach Library
★4.7Free❤️8
Manhattan Beach Library is a beautifully designed modern library that goes far beyond books, offering an exceptional children's section with interactive programs that make learning fun. With its highly-rated story times, engaging educational activities, and welcoming community atmosphere, it's become a beloved gathering spot for young families in the South Bay area.
Park
Polliwog Park
★4.6Free❤️46
Polliwog Park is Manhattan Beach's crown jewel for families, offering an impressive combination of modern playground equipment, a refreshing splash pad, and wide-open grassy spaces perfect for picnics and play. With highly-rated summer concert series and exceptionally well-maintained facilities, it's consistently ranked as one of the South Bay's best family destinations.