Nicknamed for its abundant magnificent coastal scenery, the Beach Cities area comprises the enviable beach towns of El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. Beautiful piers and a year-round outdoor lifestyle are just the starts of the appealing facets of Beach Cities, whose population is as diverse as the area’s recreation.
Nestled in the south end of the Santa Monica Bay, the beach cities are north of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and less than an hour southwest of Los Angeles. Lauded for their stunning stretches of golden, sandy beaches and luxury atmosphere, the communities within the Beach Cities area have long been a magnet for the elite.
The residential real estate of Beach Cities is highly coveted and with good reason. Multimillion-dollar oceanfront estates promise unparalleled panoramic vistas, accompanied by the latest in luxury accouterments. Varying greatly in age and architectural styles, these properties are beacons for the mega-wealthy and anyone who loves the finer things of life. From the opulent new-builds designed by world-famous contemporary architects to mid-century marvels bragging floor-to-ceiling glass walls for endless views, the homes within the Beach Cities area are nothing short of spectacular.
Despite its wealthy enclaves and multimillion-dollar homes, Beach Cities is also a community steeped in the laid-back beach personality associated with SoCal’s sandy shores. Beachgoers, swimmers, surfers, bodyboarders, cyclists, runners, and skaters can all find their niche in Beach Cities, side-by-side with the foodies and the artists. It’s a place for both indoor and outdoor living, where the only thing better than the views are the people.
The premier destination for shopping within the Beach Cities area is the Manhattan Village Shopping Center, located within the community of Manhattan Beach. Open-air shopping is enhanced by the salt-scented breezes wafting in from the Pacific Ocean and mingling with the enticing aromas of many on-site restaurants.
Here, retail enthusiasts are able to browse upscale, national brands and all visitors can take advantage of the plentiful lifestyle services including spas, salons, and fitness studios. Also located in Manhattan Beach, The Strand House is a standout fine dining institution that’s perfected the art of a seasonal, chef-driven menu. Another alluring feature of The Strand House is its position just steps from the Manhattan Beach Pier and the white-capped waves of the beach itself.
In Hermosa Beach along Pier Avenue, Watermans delights its diners with a beachy menu brimming with classic SoCal dishes and approachable fare. Options can range from the succulent, blackened Mahi Mahi to a savory quinoa burger or Indonesian-inspired salads. Pier Avenue itself is a hotspot for dining and houses eateries ranging from Irish pubs to Brazilian fine dining, hip breweries, and even the occasional dessert shop.
The main attraction in Beach Cities is, of course, the number of remarkable beaches and picture-perfect municipal piers. Redondo Beach Pier, for instance, is a historical site known as the “endless pier,” and is surrounded by a multitude of incredible options for entertainment — both commercial and recreational.
Similarly, the Hermosa Beach Pier is loaded with nearby restaurants and local shops, and visitors love spending time strolling its idyllic length to watch the waves come in. The oldest concrete pier on the West Coast, the Manhattan Beach Pier is a truly photographic gem loved, too, for the teal and rust-colored aquatic education center perched at its end.
The South Bay Bicycle Trail is located near Redondo Beach and spans nearly 24 miles along scenic swaths of the coast. All of the communities within the Beach Cities area are absolutely saturated with options for outdoor adventures. For example, Manhattan Beach alone offers whale watching, surfing, expansive hiking trails, beach sports, and large, kid-friendly parks.
The Beach Cities area is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
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