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There is a village atmosphere in Manhattan Beach, more affluent than neighboring cities. Conditions are congested, houses close together, streets narrow. Homes are within easy walking distance of the beach, so the streets become walkways to the sand that residents tend to think of as their own. The personal touch is evident in the cleanliness. Contrast this with Hermosa Beach, where homes and businesses are closer to the ocean, and with Redondo Beach, which has a marina, a busy boating and sportfishing center and commercial piers.

People in Manhattan are friendly, unless you offend them by blocking a driveway. Be careful where you park. Many garage doors bear signs: ''Private property. No trespassing. Vehicles will be removed at owner's expense.'' In the early morning you may see people padding out in bathrobes and barefoot, holding a cup of coffee, to move their car before the street sweeper arrives. Inland you will find quaint spots like the Daily Bread and Bagel, Hungry Mind and Bodacious Buns, a tiny sidewalk cafe, to name a few.

Beach volleyball is big here, especially for the hordes of amateur players. There are 24 tournament courts just south of the city pier, and many others on the north side. At the end of the pier is an oceanographic teaching station with aquariums, run by volunteers. Residents of Manhattan actually attend events at their beach. One city pundit put it this way: In Manhattan, everybody GOES to the beach. In Redondo, everybody LOOKS at the beach. In Hermosa, everybody DRINKS at the beach. -- Los Angeles Times

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Mahattan Beach Pier Surf Spot

The Manhattan Pier features several fairly consistent peaks on the north and south side. Along with El Porto, it is usually one of the first spots to set up sandbars. The Pier is best on medium tides and mid-winter mornings, but it's always worth checking for evening glass-off. The predominant winds are offshore during the winter. During the summer it gets some swells from the south, but most are blocked by the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Jumping off the pier to avoid the paddle out sounds like a good idea but it's illegal. And sure, shooting the pier will prove to your buddies how macho you are but you might be surprised to find out those pilings are bigger and closer together than they look. The north side is a popular spot for magazine photo sessions, so you might want to go elsewhere on sunny days to avoid the feeding frenzy.

To get there, take Sepulveda Boulevard to Manhattan Beach Boulevard and turn right. The boulevard ends at the pier. Metered parking is available. -- Van Weyden

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