17. 2Beach - Manhattan Beach Pier

On a clear, sunny day (which most are in Manhattan Beach, the South Bay of L.A.) it seems fairly obvious to go to the beach to lay out in the sun and bathe.  This is awesome during about half the year.  Even though from about March to November you can get by without a jacket, the water stays a fairly consistent temperature that doesn't make it conducive to swimming or being in the water too long without a wet suit from about October to April.  Always a good idea to check.

So, 2Beach or not 2Beach?  That was the question.

Aaaahhhhhhh!  There's so much more to do at this beach than sun bathe.

Walking:  You can walk the cement path also known as the Strand.  You can walk the wet sand right by the water's edge.

Biking:  There's a bike path.

Volleyball:  Manhattan Beach is considered the home of beach volleyball.

Swimming

Surfing:  Traditional, Wind or Paddle

Photography

Walking the Pier: Alone or with a date

Fishing from the end of the Pier

The Roundhouse Aquarium:  The aquarium at the end of the pier.  This is the only place to buy food or beverages only during Roundhouse hours (weather permitting).

Watching the Sunset, Sunrise or for dolphins

There are restrooms and showers to wash off the sand and salt water. 

If you drive to the Pier, you want to be sure to bring plenty of quarters to feed the meter.  Twenty-five cents buys you 10 minutes.

Pets are allowed ONLY on the Strand.  No pets on the beach or on the Pier.  No smoking is allowed.  No nudity (just wanted to see if you are paying attention).

Please, please, please be sure to use the trash receptacles.

And please, please, please watch for bikers when you cross the bike path.  Also, remember the bike path is for bikes.  NOT for walkers.  That's what the Strand is for.

Before I end and include the video I did for this post, I leave with the following: T. Harv Eker has written that the poor think "or" and the rich think "and".  One could easily make a magnificent day at Manhattan Beach by parking closer to downtown (you are not a slave to putting quarters in the meter) where you have the best of both worlds; all the activities at the beach and all the shopping and dining not at the beach.

Just thought of a couple more things:  shell hunting, bird watching and Frisbee tossing.  Oh my!