People relocate to Manhattan Beach every year for a seemingly endless list of reasons. One primary reason is to escape the hustle and bustle of city living. This idyllic beachside town is full of parks and lush green spaces, serene ocean views, and the feeling of being part of a tight-knit community.

Families with school-aged children are especially fond of Manhattan Beach for its safety, top-rated schools, playgrounds, and nearby conveniences. It is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family.

If you’re new to Manhattan Beach’s shopping and dining options, you’re sure to be delighted by what you find.

You can pick up all your daily essentials — and do some shopping for fun — without even leaving town. Just steps from the beach, you’ll find some of the area’s hottest boutiques, like the beach-friendly attire at Birdwell Beach Britches, casual and comfy clothing at Splendid, and fashionable men’s and women’s attire at Wright’s. At the popular Manhattan Village shopping center, you’ll find some of your favorite major retailers like Williams Sonoma, Francesca’s, and Macy’s. Manhattan Village is also a great place to grab a quick bite to eat; choose from favorites like California Pizza Kitchen, Mercado, and Island’s Fine Burgers & Drinks.

Looking for a more upscale dining experience? You’re in luck — Manhattan Beach has plenty of highly-rated restaurants that are sure to dazzle your tastebuds. Enjoy the decadent menu at The Strand House, which serves fantastic seafood and meat dishes, or have a glass of wine and gourmet meal at Tin Roof Bistro. Healthy food lovers will have a blast diving into the menu at Lemonade, which features treats like kale salads, caprese sandwiches, and of course, refreshing lemonades. There’s also Love & Salt, an Italian-inspired Californian eatery that serves incredible handcrafted cocktails as well as gourmet pasta and pizza dishes.

Bask in the warmth of the Southern California sun at one of Manhattan Beach’s numerous outdoor recreation spaces. Unwinding is second nature for residents of this peaceful and breathtaking coastal town.

It goes without saying that you’ll want to visit Manhattan Beach itself, a 115-acre sandy sprawl that features two acres of ocean frontage and a gorgeous, scenic pier. Fishing, swimming, and surfing are all popular activities at this beach, and locals and visitors alike love to visit the AVP Manhattan Beach Open, held on the beach each year. You can even enjoy your own game at the Marine Street Beach Volleyball Courts! At the end of the pier, you’ll find the Roundhouse Aquarium, which is free to visit and fun for the whole family.

After your time exploring the sand and ocean, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Manhattan Beach’s great outdoors. Bring your furry friend to explore the dog run at Live Oak Park or to make new friends at Polliwog Park Dog Park! The kids will love playing at the beautiful Sand Dune Park or exploring AdventurePlex, a thrilling experience that offers classes in soccer, basketball, music, and many more. Kids can even take summer camps here, learning to rock climb, doing arts and crafts, and building their social skills. For a relaxing day to yourself, play a round at Westdrift Golf, a stunning 24-acre golf course that is lots of fun for players of all skill levels.

Manhattan Beach is home to several excellent schools within the Manhattan Beach Unified School District. The district is ranked as the third best-performing in California, with each individual school also ranking at the top of its category. Forbes has also ranked the district as the sixth-best in the entire country.

Top educational opportunities in Manhattan Beach include: