Probably one of the most interesting beach towns in the Los Angeles area, Manhattan Beach, also known as the "Pearl of the South Bay" is home to fashionably chic shopping and award-winning restaurants all just steps from the historic Manhattan Beach Pier. But here's a few answers to some frequently asked questions that may come in handy when visiting!

HOW DO I DECIDE WHERE TO EAT?

That's a good question! Only minutes away from the Seaview Inn at the Beach, the Manhattan Beach Food Tour takes you on a voyage throughout Downtown Manhattan Beach where you will taste the best dishes from the top restaurants! Visit many restaurants showcasing a variety of different cuisines including Mexican, Seafood, Mediterranean, Californian, a Wine Tasting and so much more! This culinary journey will be led by locals who will share the history of Manhattan Beach and California's food trends, as well as highlight the most picturesque scenes in the area.

WHAT IS THAT BUILDING AT THE END OF THE PIER?

That's the Roundhouse and it houses an aquarium with a touch tank and many animal specimens from the Santa Monica Bay. It's a particularly good place for kids, and the admission is free! More than 100 marine animals from Southern California's waters live at the aquarium. Notable wildlife includes moon jellies, sharks, octopus, moray eels, lobsters, and more. 

WHERE DO I PARK?

The City runs twelve parking lots.  These lot locations can be viewed using the online Public Parking Lots Interactive Tour. In addition to the parking lots, there are over 400 City street meters in the Downtown and North Manhattan Beach business districts. And for visitors, you'll need maps and directions, no worries the friendly folks at the City of Manhattan Beach got you covered!

No matter the reason you're visiting us, The Sea View Inn offers casual comfort with all the modern conveniences. We're just a stone throw away from local eateries and a charming avenue of eclectic shops.  "Live like a local" and borrow one of our beach cruisers to cruise along the beachfront bike path and enjoy the views of the panoramic ocean. To learn more or help with booking your stay, contact us!

"Catch a wave and you're sitting on top the world!"

- The Beach Boys "Catch A Wave" (1963)

No truer words have ever been spoken, but you've got to start somewhere, right?

Looking to try the Sport of Kings yourself? To seek the stoke? I found it in Manhattan Beach when I was kid, but it's never too late to give it a shot! Back then, surf lessons didn't really exist. Now things are very different, and you can learn "wave sliding" with professional guidance in a safe environment with the appropriate equipment.

Manhattan Beach offers several options for Surf Lessons and Camps in a variety of formats, as well as forgiving waves that are great for learning!

Surf's Up!

From private lessons to classes to full-blown surf camps, there few better places to learn to surf than Manhattan Beach!

Manhattan Beach Surf Lessons

• campsurf.com
• losangelessurfinglessons.com
• surflessonswithkatie.com
• aquasurfschool.com
• perfectdaysurfcamp.com
• surfacademy.com
• learntosurfla.co

See you in the lineup!

When you're done shredding, check out the surf shops around town and have everything you need to stay geared up – from wetsuits to boards to beachwear. You’ll be ready for your next session in no time!

A trip to Manhattan Beach is not complete without a visit to the Pier. Located at the end of Manhattan Beach Boulevard, the pier was reputedly one of the first structures erected during the town's birth back in 1901, though the one standing today is not the original pier. The original structure was made from wood and stood 900 feet long but it was destroyed by a storm in 1913.

Delays in construction related to cash flow, mother nature, and the war prevented the reappearance of the pier until 1920. This time around, engineer A.L. Harris built a concrete structure and designed a circular end to help protect against exposure and the ravages of the sea. An octagonal house was added to the line-up in 1922 and a 200-foot extension that had been added in 1928 was destroyed by a winter storm in 1940, never to be repaired.

In 1946, the pier and attached beach were given to the state by the city of Manhattan Beach. For the next forty years, life revolved quietly around this beautiful spot by the sea. But by the mid-1980s, age and Mother Nature had done their dirty work on the pier. A passing jogger was injured by falling concrete and this was the last straw. Something had to be done. In 1995, the Manhattan Beach Pier was declared a historic landmark by the state and the process of restoring it back to its original glory was underway.

Today, the pier is home to the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium. Free to the public, the aquarium houses a shark tank, a touch tank with species native to Southern California and more.

The pier is also known for its fine fishing, particularly barred surfperch, with fisherpeople catching up to hundreds of them per hour.

In the late 1940s, Dale Velzy, the first commercial surfboard shaper, started a business building and repairing surfboards under the pier. He then moved to the nearby storefront in 1949.

If the pier looks very familiar but you just can't place it, think back to the 1980s. Mel Gibson's character in Tequila Sunrise lived on the beach near the pier. In 1991, Keanu Reeves bought his surfboard from a shop on the pier in Point Break. And in 2004, Ben Stiller's character, Starsky, is seen stretching and running under the pier in the movie Starsky and Hutch. Be sure and make it down to the Manhattan Beach Pier the next time you are in the area. Its long and colorful history provides a little something special for everyone.

WHERE TO STAY? 

The Sea View Inn at the Beach is the closest hotel to the Pacific Ocean in Manhattan Beach, CA! Recently remodeled, our rooms are all unique, comfortable, boutique and chic, and we provide lots of freebies including FREE Wi-Fi, bicycles, beach towels, beach chairs, boogie boards, and beach toys for the kids! Call us today to book your room with a view - 310.545.1504

If you are in the market for a fabulous vacation, try a flight to the home of the stars, as well as the location of luxurious beaches, such as Manhattan Beach, California and its things to do.

A short stroll from the Sea View Inn, beachgoers can view the Californian classic Manhattan beach, with all of its volleyball courts, sunbathers, and surfers.

Nearby, the South Bay Bicycle Trail and accompanying pedestrian walkway is a great place to jog and bike along the beautiful beach side.

After burning calories biking and jogging, travelers may visit one of the many excellent restaurants in downtown Manhattan Beach, that have earned the location a noteworthy reputation spot for extravagant dining, with many locations such as, The Arthur J, serving hardwood grilled steaks. There is also Paradise Bowls, with its maximum sized fruit bowls of pineapples, goji berries, and superfood, pitaya. Or even perhaps the Ercoles Bar, which has been in town since 1927, according to the LA Times, sporting pool tables and $6 mai tais.

After a satisfying lunch, brunch, or afternoon cocktail, travelers should visit one of the many museums or galleries of greater Los Angeles. L.A. is home to more museums, theaters, and galleries than any other U.S. city, according to Discover Los Angeles. Awe-inspiring museums include the Getty Center in Brentwood and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) on Museum Row. There are also monthly art walks across the city.

If museums are not your idea of a good time, the nightlife of L.A. is unparalleled. There are many nightclubs, bars, and comedy clubs, including the chic Drai's and the Colony in famous Hollywood, or the well-known Hard Rock Cafe, or the highly entertaining Laugh Factory with its stand-up comics and surprise guests.

Whatever your idea of luxury or fun is, L.A. is accommodating, and a great place to visit for any traveler in search of the sun, fun, and lax times. Perhaps you might even rub elbows with some of Hollywood's elite in the Manhattan Beach pier!

WHERE TO STAY? 

The Sea View Inn at the Beach is the closest hotel to the Pacific Ocean in Manhattan Beach, CA. Recently remodeled, our rooms are all unique, comfortable, boutique and chic, and we provide lots of freebies including FREE Wi-Fi, bicycles, beach towels, beach chairs, boogie boards, and beach toys for the kids! Call us today to book your room with a view - 310.545.1504

Manhattan Beach and volleyball go together like the moon and stars - a perfect pair. Whether you enjoy playing or watching, beach volleyball is a fun, exciting sport, and we'd like to share some upcoming summertime events that you're sure to love. And it's all conveniently located to the premier Manhattan Beach hotel, The Sea View Inn.

Charlie Saikley 6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament, August 3-4, 2018. Named after the "Godfather of Beach Volleyball", over 40 years ago Charlie Saikley introduced youngsters to volleyball by starting the first Southern California volleyball instruction program. He created beach-lifestyle tournaments featuring world-class players, and his strong belief in family-friendly, all-age inclusive games still shines in these events. Divisions include Men's 40+, Men's 50+, Men's Open, Women's Masters 35+, and Women's Open.

Jr. 6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament, August 5, 2018. A tournament for ages 19 and under that prepares young volleyball players for participation in the famed Charlie Saikley 6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament, teams can dress up and showcase their playing skills. The Jr. 6-Man is divided into three tournaments: 12 years and under; 13 to under 15; and 15 but under 19 boys. The winning teams receive medals and International Surf Festival t-shirts.

Manhattan Beach Open Volleyball Tournament, August 16-19, 2018. Celebrating 59 years, the "granddaddy of beach volleyball tournaments" is an extremely popular tournament that began in the 1960s as an amateur event. Now it's the only professional volleyball tournament that allows amateurs to compete in pre-qualifying rounds for an opportunity to place into the main event. A celebration of this wonderful tradition begins on August 16with an MBO Volleyball Walk of Fame red carpet ceremony; the qualification tournament is held the same day. The tournament is presented by the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) and the City of Manhattan Beach. 

Make your visit a memorable one at The Sea View Inn, the closest hotel to the beach with a warm, cozy atmosphere where you can live like a local in the hometown environment of  Manhattan Beach. Contact us today for reservations! 

It's that wonderful time of year when you can look forward to Manhattan Beach Concerts every Sunday, from July 1 through September 2 at Polliwog Park, and this year is even more special because it's the 40th anniversary of this wonderful concert series. And it's only a :10 minute drive from your Manhattan Beach hotel, The Sea View Inn!

The festivities kick off with a Salute to the Troops Picnic and Concert on July 1, where the highly respected 45-member Navy Band Southwest will treat you to an evening of music honoring the sacrifice and service of South Bay military men and women. Considered "one of the finest and oldest continuing musical organizations, the Navy Band Southwest has supported the San Diego community for over 80 years.

Among the many highly talented singers and groups you'll see are The PettyBreakers, the country's top "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers" tribute group. Relive the sights, sounds and overall experience of a Tom Petty concert on July 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The PettyBreakers' performances are so identical to Petty's, they were asked to perform on AXS TV's "The World's Greatest Tribute Bands".

For a total change of pace, on July 29 you'll be swept up in the Afro/Latin Funk sounds of Jungle Fire, a 10-piece TropiFunk band with musical influences from such greats as James Brown, Fela Kuti and many others. Performing both original music and covers, their energized blend of Afro-Caribbean and West African rhythms are a reflection of Los Angeles' multicultural landscape.

Bringing Rockabilly into the 21st century on August 5 is Aileen Quinn and the Leapin' Lizards, whose updated classics from the '50s and '60s coupled with their own original tunes will have you dancing in the park. Aileen Quinn may sound familiar - she was twice nominated for a Golden Globe for her title role in the 1982 film Annie, and the soundtrack she recorded from the film went multi-platinum. 

This is just a small taste of the wide range of musical entertainment waiting for you on summer Sundays. At each concert, an opening band performs from 3:45 to 4:30, then the main band takes the stage from 5 to 7. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and food for a truly fulfilling evening!

Why not extend your musical journey into a true getaway? Book a stay at The Sea View Inn, and enjoy living like a local in our intimate seaside hotel. Remember we're the closest hotel to the beach in Manhattan Beach!  Contact us to get your Manhattan Beach experience off to a great start!

Make your hotel reservations now for this year's Int'l Surf Festival, presented by the Chambers of Commerce and Cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles County Fire Department and Department of Beaches and Harbors.

The 2016 host city for the 55th International Surf Festival is the City of Hermosa Beach. The event promotes the four South Bay beach cities, the world’s best lifeguard service, and physical fitness for thousands of participants.  Participants range in age from 8 years old to the late 80’s.  The three signature events for the festival are the Judge Taplin Lifeguard Medley Relay, the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim, and the Charley Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament.  

Other great events include:

• Charlie Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament
• Velzy-Stevens Paddle
  Paddleboard racing has been one of the fastest growing sports. The demand for races and the increased number of participants make this paddle one of the more popular events of the International Surf Festival. This years event will be presented by the South Bay Boardriders Club.
• The course will be a water start which begins off the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier. Paddlers then paddle south parallel to shore, round the end of the Hermosa Beach Pier and finish on the beach just south of the pier.
• R10 Paddleboard Race
• Dick Fitzgerald Beach Run
  The Dick Fitzgerald 2-Mile Beach Run will be held on Saturday August 6, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. The race starts and finishes at the Hermosa Beach Pier. Runners will run north behind the lifeguard towers past the Longfellow tower around the turn-around marker and then proceed back to the pier along the hard packed sand by the water.
  
  This fun race is very challenging because of the soft sand on the first half of the race and the hard pack run on the return trip. The gentle sea breeze is a welcome relief to the runners . This is a great way to get some excercise and participate in one of the first events of the Surf Festsival.
• Bodysurfing Championships
  The International Body Surfing Championship will be held on the north side of the Manhattan Beach Pier. The event will consist of 8 men and womens divisions. Some age groups will be determined immediately before the contest begins and will be approximately equal in size.
• Surfing Championships
• Bud Stevenson Intracrew Relay
• Judge Taplin Medley Relay
  The Lifeguard Taplin relay consists of four swimmers, four paddlers, and four 2-man dory teams. This annual lifeguard event is the most prestigious lifeguard event in the United States. The Taplin relay has been held every year since 1936 with the exception of 1942 thru 1945, when the event was suspended during World War II. The race is held at night under the spot lights which allows lifeguards to safeguard the beaches during the day and race at night.
• Paul Matthies Dory Race
  The 3-Lap Dory Race will be held at the Hermosa Beach Pier. Competitors drop off your equipment at the beach entrance at 11th Street Hermosa.
• Youth Swims and Paddles
  The youth events for the International Surf Festival will be held on the north side of the Hermosa Beach Pier. What would a Surf Festival be without swimming and paddling events for the youth of the South Bay. There will be a boys and girls division for each event.
• Sandcastle Contest
  Contestants can use tools such as buckets, cans or small shovels to construct their sculpture and envi- ronmentally safe objects such as beads, shells, feathers, play cars or pebbles to decorate the castles. No bottles, glass or large shovels are allowed. No water may be hosed from outlets at the Pier. You may not use supports for your sculpture, it must be self standing. Contestants will be given a flag to be placed next to their sculpture in the allowed space.

For more information, surffestival.org!