Photo: Terry Bixler
Photo: Terry Bixler
Photo: Terry Bixler
The Strand
FreeAdventure
🕑 1.5-3 hours depending on how far you travel and beach stops👶 Best for ages 2 and up. Toddlers enjoy wagon rides and short walks, while older kids (5+) can independently bike or skate the entire route. Teens appreciate the beach volleyball courts and active atmosphere along the path.
About
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.
Highlights
- ✓Miles of smooth, flat paved path perfect for learning to ride bikes
- ✓Uninterrupted ocean views and beach access points every few blocks
- ✓People-watching opportunities with surfers, volleyball players, and beach-goers
- ✓Connection to Manhattan Beach Pier with dining and Roundhouse Aquarium
- ✓Safe, car-free environment for kids to gain independence on wheels
Pro Tips
- 1.Rent bikes or surreys from nearby shops on Manhattan Beach Boulevard before heading to The Strand,many places offer kid trailers and tag-alongs
- 2.Start early morning (before 10am) to avoid crowds and secure easier beach parking; mornings also offer calmer winds for little riders
- 3.Pack sunscreen and hats,there's zero shade on The Strand, and the ocean breeze can be deceiving about sun exposure
- 4.Bring a beach bag with sand toys; kids often want to stop and play on the beach midway through your ride or walk
- 5.The section between Manhattan Beach Pier and Hermosa Beach Pier is especially scenic and has the most family-friendly amenities
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (8-10am) offer the calmest experience with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Spring and fall provide ideal weather,summer can get packed with tourists, while winter mornings can be chilly but still pleasant for active families.
What to Know
The Strand itself is free to use with multiple public access points. Street parking can be challenging and often requires payment; arrive early or consider paid lots near the pier. Restrooms and water fountains are available at regular intervals along the path.
Seasonal Notes
Year-round destination, though summer (June-August) brings the largest crowds and warmest water temperatures. Winter months can have cooler morning temps but are ideal for crowd-free visits. Marine layer fog is common in May and June mornings ('June Gloom') but typically burns off by afternoon.
Nearby Eats
Manhattan Beach Post for upscale family dining with a kids' menu just blocks from The Strand, or Uncle Bill's Pancake House for classic breakfast fare that kids love after a morning ride.
More Activities Near Manhattan Beach
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.
Park
Sand Dune Park
★4.6Free❤️140
Sand Dune Park is a one-of-a-kind adventure spot where kids can experience the thrill of climbing steep, natural sand dunes right in Manhattan Beach. This hillside park offers energetic children the perfect outlet for burning energy while enjoying stunning ocean views and exploring native California plants in a unique coastal ecosystem.