LA County Fair 2025: Your Complete Guide from Manhattan Beach

The vibrant Los Angeles County Fair returned to Pomona on Friday, May 2, bringing its colorful attractions, delicious food, and exciting entertainment to Southern California through Memorial Day. This year's theme, "Art Unleashed," promises a creative celebration alongside traditional fair favorites. If you're planning a visit from Manhattan Beach, here's everything you need to know to make the most of your fair experience.

When to Visit

Dates: Friday, May 2 - Monday, May 26, 2025

Hours:

Getting There from Manhattan Beach

The journey from Manhattan Beach to the Fairplex in Pomona is approximately 45-50 miles and typically takes 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

By Car:

Admission and Parking Information

Must-See Attractions

For Art Enthusiasts

This year's "Art Unleashed" theme takes center stage at the Millard Sheets Art Center in the Downtown District. Don't miss the opportunity to try pottery throwing (for an additional fee) and admire the community art project—a beautiful crocheted awning providing shade for fairgoers.

For Animal Lovers

The Big Red Barn is home to adorable farm animals visitors can pet and learn about. It's a perfect attraction for families with children who want to get up close with baby barnyard animals and discover what it takes to raise award-winning livestock.

For Wine Connoisseurs

The Los Angeles International Wine Competition celebrates its 123rd year alongside the 90th annual Spirits Competition. Visit The Marketplace in The Hill district to sample award-winning wines, spirits, and olive oils by the glass or as tasting flights. New this year is a paint-and-sip class for those 21 and over.

For Outdoor Adventurers

Head to The Hill, where the U.S. Forestry Service offers demonstrations, shows, and workshops. You can meet wild burros and reptiles while learning how to identify different species.

For DIY and Craft Lovers

Expo Hall Five in the Downtown District showcases tablescape competitions and culinary masterpieces, such as award-winning cakes and pies. Visitors can also participate in live cooking demonstrations in the Kitchen with Chef Leslie Sassaman and other culinary experts.

What to Bring

Recommended Items:

Prohibited Items:

Fair Rules to Know

Money-Saving Tips

Best Times to Visit

The LA County Fair combines cherished traditions with new experiences each year. Whether you drive from Manhattan Beach for the creative art displays, adorable animals, thrilling rides, or to indulge in outrageous fair food, this annual celebration offers something for everyone. Plan your visit to make the most of this quintessential Southern California experience!

Image by Mariya Muschard from Pixabay

Go Dodgers!

The Ultimate Fan's Guide to Experiencing Dodger Stadium Like a VIP

From secret viewing spots to insider food tips—discover how to transform your next Dodgers game from ordinary to unforgettable.

With the boys of summer back in action, now’s the perfect time to plan your visit to Dodger Stadium from The Sea View Inn.

Tickets

Single game tickets are readily available at run from $42 to $ 299.00 https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/tickets 

Getting There

Dodger Stadium is approximately 25 miles from The Sea View Inn. You can also drive to the Dodger Stadium Express Shuttle lot on Rosencrans; parking is free, and the shuttle is complimentary.  Buses run every 30 minutes, starting 2.5 hours before game time, with the last bus departing from Harbor Gateway Transit Center at game time.

For more information, visit Dodger Stadium Express - LA Metro.

Parking

We recommend purchasing your parking pass in advance. No cash is accepted at lots. Note: Prices range from $35.00 at the general lot to a maximum of $60.00 at a preferred lot. The Los Angeles Dodgers offers a courtesy shuttle reserved for guests seeking mobility assistance. This shuttle operates between various parking lots and the areas near the entry gates. To arrange for this service after parking, please call the Dodger Hotline at (323) 224-2611 to have the shuttle dispatched to your location.

Backpacks/Bags/Purses

Bags, backpacks, beach bags, hard or soft coolers, large purses, and similar items are not permitted. Only adult diaper bags, diaper bags that accompany infants, clear plastic bags larger than 12” X12” X6”, and non-clear wristlets/clutches no larger than 5”x8”x2” are permitted and subject to search.

Other Key Info:

A comprehensive list of rules and regulations can be found here: https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/ballpark/information/guide.

Make Your Dodger Day Memorable

Whether you're a die-hard Dodgers fan or experiencing your first game, Dodger Stadium offers an iconic baseball experience that ranks among the best in the major leagues. From the panoramic views of the downtown skyline to the unmistakable taste of a Dodger Dog, every element creates a quintessential LA memory.

As you plan your visit from The Sea View Inn, remember that a bit of preparation goes a long way. Arrive early to explore the stadium's rich history in Monument Park, grab a photo with the Jackie Robinson statue, or soak in the pre-game atmosphere as players warm up. Consider splurging on field-level seats for at least one game in your lifetime—the perspective is unmatched and brings you incredibly close to the action.

Most importantly, embrace the traditions that make Dodger games special—join in the collective roar when the Boys in Blue take the field, sing along to "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh-inning stretch, and don't leave early (a classic LA faux pas, regardless of traffic concerns). With this guide in hand, you're not just attending a baseball game—you're experiencing a piece of Los Angeles culture that has united generations of fans. Go Dodgers!

Save Big on Your Next Stay:

Why Booking Direct Puts Money Back in Your Wallet

We get it: booking safely and securely can sometimes be a challenge. You type in “sea view inn” and the first result is hotelone.com/Manhattan-beach-hotels. You click the link, and it features our logo (or the old logo) along with the easy ability to check availability. But, here’s the rub: that is NOT our website. Worse, automatically, a “Tax Recovery Charges and Service Fee” is added to your bill.  This fee can climb as high as $75.00 per night!

Our website is: www.theseaviewinn.com

The Tangled Web of Hotel Room Reservations

The battle against fraudulent booking websites has been ongoing for years, with the hotel industry and the Federal Trade Commission fighting a seemingly endless game of whack-a-mole. Despite their efforts, lookalike sites continue to proliferate, luring even experienced travelers into their traps.

The root of this problem lies in the intricate and fragmented online ecosystem of hotel room bookings. Hotels like ours are caught in a delicate balancing act, simultaneously seeking to maintain direct booking channels while also maximizing their visibility in a highly competitive market. To reach the broadest possible audience, we also rely on intermediaries such as Expedia and other major travel sites to distribute our inventory. A simple principle drives this strategy: the more platforms displaying our rooms, the higher the likelihood of filling those rooms.

These large travel sites further complicate the landscape by redistributing hotel rooms to additional third-party platforms. The result is a complex web of sales channels where hotels often lose track of exactly where and how their rooms are being offered. This lack of transparency creates opportunities for questionable pricing practices and misleading booking sites, leaving both hotels and travelers vulnerable to potential fraud and unexpected fees.

Our Advice: Book Direct

Always double-check the URL for the hotel you are trying to book. If it’s a big chain (unlike ours), ensure that the web address starts with Marriott, Four Seasons, Westin, etc.

Always book directly with us for the best price and service.

No Car, No Problem: Experience Manhattan Beach Car-Free from the Sea View Inn

Are you planning a getaway to Manhattan Beach? Consider leaving the car behind and enjoying a car-free vacation at the Sea View Inn! Not only will you save money, but you'll also get to experience the natural beauty of this coastal gem more intimately.

Save Money, Reduce Stress

Since parking is $25 per night in our lot, you’ll immediately save dollars by skipping the rental car. Plus, you'll avoid the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads, searching for parking spots, and worrying about drinking and driving.

Avoid Car Rental Headaches

Car rental costs have skyrocketed in recent years, with economy cars often running $60-100 per day before adding insurance, taxes, and fees. Factor in the high cost of gas in California, and you're looking at a significant expense just to have a vehicle sitting in a parking spot most of your vacation.

Parking Woes? Not for You!

Manhattan Beach's popularity means street parking is extremely difficult to find, especially during weekends and summer months. Many spots have strict or resident-only time limits, leaving visitors circling blocks repeatedly.

When you do find parking at restaurants or shops, expect to pay premium rates for valet service, often $15-25 for just a few hours. These costs add up quickly during your stay!

Getting Here is Easier Than You Think

Despite LAX being the second busiest airport in the USA, reaching Sea View Inn is surprisingly simple. Located just 5 miles away and seemingly an ocean apart from the airport bustle, you'll get here without ever needing to navigate a freeway. What a relief!

The LAX-it Experience: Your Rideshare Gateway

Taking an Uber or Lyft is easy and affordable, typically costing about $20.00. Here's what you need to know:

Secret Scoop #1: You MUST meet your ride at the LAX-it station (pronounced "LA Exit"). This bright lime green designated area is just a short walk or shuttle ride away from baggage claim.

Super Secret #2: Your Uber/Lyft app will not work until you reach the LAX-it station. Once there, you can request your ride. Cars are lined up in clearly defined sections (for example, B21), so you know exactly where to meet your driver.

Embrace the Coastal Lifestyle

Without a car, you're free to immerse yourself in the Manhattan Beach experience fully:

Everything Within Reach

Sea View Inn's prime location means most of what you'll want to see and do is within walking distance. Rideshare services, bike rentals, and public transportation options are readily available for longer journeys.

Ready to experience Manhattan Beach the car-free way? Book your stay at Sea View Inn and embrace the relaxed coastal lifestyle today!

Yes, You Can Golf in Manhattan Beach: SoCal's Hidden Fairway Gem

When travelers think of Manhattan Beach, California, they typically think of pristine coastlines, beach volleyball, and oceanfront dining. Many visitors don't realize that this upscale coastal community also offers exceptional golfing experiences just minutes from the Pacific Ocean.

The Manhattan Beach WestDrift Golf Experience

The crown jewel of Manhattan Beach golf is undoubtedly the Manhattan Beach WestDrift’s 9-hole course (previously part of the Marriott group.) Despite its compact footprint, this expertly designed executive course provides a surprisingly challenging experience. The course features:

What makes the Marriott course particularly appealing is its accessibility for visitors. Club rentals are available, and the course welcomes players of all skill levels. After your round, the hotel's restaurant offers the perfect spot to discuss your game over drinks and coastal-inspired cuisine. https://www.westdrift.com/experience/golf/

Beyond the WestDrift: World-Class Golf Minutes Away

While the WestDrift course provides convenience, serious golfers will appreciate the proximity to several championship courses just a short drive from Manhattan Beach:

Los Verdes Golf Course (13 miles)

This stunning 18-hole public course in Rancho Palos Verdes offers breathtaking ocean views from nearly every hole. The reasonable green fees make it one of SoCal's best golf values. https://www.losverdesgc.com/

Trump National Golf Club (16 miles)

For those seeking a truly premium experience, this world-class course in Rancho Palos Verdes features dramatic ocean vistas, immaculate conditions, and unparalleled service. https://www.trumpnationallosangeles.com/

The Lakes at El Segundo (2 miles)

Recently redesigned by Tiger Woods's TGR Design, this 10-hole par-3 course offers a perfect quick round. It also features high-quality practice facilities and a vibrant Toptracer Range. And when the sun sets, they turn on the lights and keep the good times rolling. https://www.golfthelakes.com/

Planning Your Manhattan Beach Golf Getaway

The ideal golf vacation in Manhattan Beach combines ocean activities with tee times. Consider this perfect day:

  1. Morning tee time at the Marriott
  2. Afternoon relaxing on the beach
  3. Sunset drinks at one of the pier restaurants
  4. Repeat the next day at another nearby course!

With Southern California's legendary year-round sunshine, there's never a bad time to golf in Manhattan Beach. The coastal location ensures temperatures rarely exceed the mid-80s, creating perfect conditions even during summer.

So,  when packing for your Manhattan Beach getaway, don't forget your golf shoes! This coastal community offers the rare opportunity to experience world-class golf and beach activities in a single luxurious destination.

Celebrating Black Excellence: Must-Visit Black-Owned Businesses in Manhattan Beach

A Short History of Bruce’s Beach

Manhattan Beach has a complex history with Black Americans, most notably the historical injustice of Bruce's Beach. In 1912 and 1920, Willa Bruce purchased two lots of land in Manhattan Beach, California, where she and her husband Charles established Bruce's Lodge, a seaside resort welcoming Black beachgoers during the Great Migration era. The resort gained popularity among African Americans from Los Angeles and beyond, and other Black families began purchasing nearby plots, forming a small diverse community. However, facing hostility from white residents, in 1924, the Manhattan Beach City Council used eminent domain to seize Bruce's property, claiming they needed it for a park – though it was well documented that the real motivation was racial discrimination and a desire to shut down the successful Black business.

The Bruce family was forced to move out in 1927, and their resort was immediately demolished, though the land sat empty for decades until a park was finally built in 1956. Through various land transfers, Los Angeles County acquired the property in 1995. The park was renamed Bruce's Beach in 2007, and efforts have been made to rectify this historic injustice by returning the land to the Bruce family's descendants, from whom it should never have been taken in the first place. The site where the resort once stood now houses the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Administration Building, surrounded by private residences.

Today, the community is working to support diversity and inclusion, with several Black-owned businesses contributing to the city's vibrant culture. This Black History Month, consider supporting these local entrepreneurs during your visit.

Spicy Green Book—This directory is a great place to start your search for Black-owned businesses on the web or via the app.

Post & Beam—This upscale restaurant with roots in South LA has expanded to Manhattan Beach. It offers innovative California cuisine with Southern influences. Chef/Owner John Cleveland creates seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

Barsha Wine & Spirits—In addition to a carefully chosen wine collection, it features many spirits (including a great bourbon and scotch collection), beers, cheese, charcuterie, and gourmet food products.
The tasting room offers a unique selection of wine flights worldwide. To accompany the wine, the farmer's market-driven menu highlights California with a touch of Tunisia.

Kane The Dane - Sells luxury handmade goods for dogs.
613 N Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Supporting Black Business Year-Round

Many of these businesses participate in the summer annual Manhattan Beach Black Business Expo. For visitors interested in learning more about Manhattan Beach's Black history, guided tours of the Bruce's Beach memorial site are available through the Culture Club Heritage Tours.

Remember that this list isn't exhaustive - new Black-owned businesses continue to establish themselves in the community. Check with the Manhattan Beach Visitors Bureau for the most current information during your visit.

Manhattan Beach: A History of Century of Sun, Sand,  and South Bay Living

Nestled in Los Angeles County's South Bay, Manhattan Beach has transformed from humble beginnings as sand dunes and railroad tracks to one of Southern California's most coveted coastal communities. This charming beach city, with its iconic pier and small-town feel, holds fascinating stories in every grain of sand.

The Early Days: From Railroad Stop to Resort Town

In 1901, John Merrill and George Peck saw potential in the vast expanse of sand dunes that would become Manhattan Beach. The land was purchased for just $12 an acre - starkly contrasting today's multi-million dollar property values. The city gets its name from developer Stewart Merrill's New York roots, though local legend suggests it was part of a coin flip with neighboring Redondo Beach.

The arrival of the Pacific Electric Railway's Red Car line in 1912 transformed the sleepy settlement into a weekend destination for Los Angelenos seeking respite from the city heat. The iconic Manhattan Beach Pier, built in 1920, quickly became the city's defining landmark.

Quirky Facts & Hidden History

Real Estate & Rentals

The real estate market in Manhattan Beach has become one of the most expensive in Los Angeles County. As of early 2024:

Shopping & Dining Scene

Downtown Manhattan Beach, centered around Manhattan Beach Boulevard, offers a curated mix of upscale boutiques and local favorites:

Community Life

What sets Manhattan Beach apart is its strong sense of community. Despite its affluent status, the city maintains a laid-back beach town atmosphere. Annual events like:

Education

The city is known for its excellent public schools, with Manhattan Beach Unified School District consistently ranking among California's top districts. Mira Costa High School regularly sends graduates to prestigious universities nationwide.

Recreation & Lifestyle

The 2.1-mile-long beach remains the heart of community life. The Strand, a paved path along the coast, buzzes with joggers, cyclists, and strollers from dawn to dusk. Public courts and fields support active youth sports programs, while the beach hosts numerous volleyball courts used by everyone from casual players to Olympic athletes.

Looking Forward

As Manhattan Beach enters its second century, it faces modern challenges: balancing preservation with development, maintaining its community character amid increasing property values, and addressing climate change impacts on its coastline. Yet the city's commitment to environmental stewardship, seen in initiatives like the first-in-the-nation ban on single-use plastics, suggests a community ready to face these challenges while preserving its unique coastal charm.

Whether you're watching volleyball players spike and dig, surfers catching waves at El Porto, or the sun setting behind the pier, Manhattan Beach embodies the California dream - albeit at premium prices. It's a place where small-town charm meets coastal luxury and where the legacy of those early dunes lives in one of Los Angeles's most distinctive communities.

Image by JLC IMAGERY from Pixabay

Sustainability at The Sea View Inn:

Making Waves in Environmental Stewardship

At The Sea View Inn, we believe that every small action counts toward creating a more sustainable future. Our commitment to environmental responsibility is woven into our daily operations through thoughtful programs that engage our staff and guests in meaningful conservation efforts.

Greener Pastures: Giving Clothes a Second Life

One of our most impactful initiatives is our "Greener Pastures" program, which transforms the common traveler's dilemma of excess luggage into an opportunity for community support. Here's how it works:

This simple yet effective program creates a win-win situation: travelers can pack lighter for their return journey while knowing their unused items will benefit others in our community.

Water Conservation: Every Drop Counts

We've implemented a mindful towel reuse program that puts environmental choices in our guests' hands. This initiative:

How it works:

  1. Guests find a card in their bathroom explaining our environmental commitment
  2. Only towels placed on the floor will be replaced with fresh ones
  3. Towels hung on racks will be left for reuse
  4. This simple system allows guests to make environmentally conscious choices during their stay

The Impact of Our Efforts

Our sustainability initiatives have created meaningful results:

Looking Forward

We continue to explore new ways to reduce our environmental footprint while providing exceptional service to our guests. We're grateful to our visitors who participate in these programs and help us make a difference in our community and the planet.

Join Us in Making a Difference

During your stay at The Sea View Inn, we invite you to:

Together, we can make every stay at Sea View Inn comfortable, memorable, and environmentally responsible. Thank you for being part of our journey toward a more sustainable future.

Pickle Paradise: Your Guide to Playing Pickleball in Manhattan Beach

Pickleball—the fastest-growing sport in America—combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. This addictive paddle sport has taken Palm Springs by storm, with players of all ages flocking to courts year-round. The game's smaller court size and social nature make it perfect for active seniors and fitness enthusiasts.

Where to Play Pickleball in Manhattan Beach

Pickleball courts abound at the beach:

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toe into pickleball, Manhattan Beach serves up perfect playing conditions nearly year-round. Pack your paddle, grab some water, and hit the courts.

Image by Nils from Pixabay

48 Hours in Manhattan Beach: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Day 1: Friday Afternoon/Evening Arrival

Check-in at 3 pm and take a quick walk to the beach to get some sun and sand.

Evening Arrival Dinner

Best First Night Restaurants:

Day 1: Saturday Full Day Itinerary

Morning: Beach Activities

Sunrise Options:

Late Morning: Local Exploration

Must-Visit Spots:

Lunch Recommendations

Afternoon Activities

Evening

Dinner and Nightlife:

Day 2: Sunday Exploration

Morning

Breakfast:

Activity Options

Late Morning/Afternoon

Shopping and Exploring:

Located just 11 miles from The Sea View Inn, SoFi Stadium is a breeze to get to—hop in an Uber or Lyft. This cutting-edge sports and entertainment complex is the first indoor-outdoor stadium to be built and is home to the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Departure Lunch

Final Meal Recommendations:

Practical Travel Tips

Parking

Weather Considerations