Manhattan beach blvd (Santa Monica, Redondo Beach: real estate, house, live) - Los Angeles - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

Joop175 · 07-31-2011, 04:42 AM

I'm visiting LA next month from uk and want to check out a new beach area. I normally like going to Santa Monica and Venice beaches where I like the bustling area of Venice even though I acknowledge it's not the best of areas. I'm Now looking at manhattan beach and just wanted to know how bustling it is and whether the manhattan blvd area is nice for a stroll with a family? I'm basically looking for a nice busy beach boardwalk type of location but a bit more upmarket than Venice. Any help would be appreciated.

Caladium · 07-31-2011, 04:54 AM

The Manhattan Beach strand is excellent for a stroll with the family. The pier is attractive (and used to have a free aquarium at the end that has a touch tank for kids--I haven't been there is a few years so check to see if it's still there). There are lots of surfers to watch and volleyball players right there at the pier. The stores are fun to browse, and north of the MB pier you might even see a dolphin or two. Also, you'll find a nice selection of places to eat.

Hennesey's is a favorite burger place for families. There's a Hennesey's in MB and one in Hermosa as well. If you walk all the way down to Hermosa the Hennesey's down there has a nice deck that overlooks the ocean.

Vascodagama · 07-31-2011, 09:55 AM

MB is nicer and safer than Venice or SM but its also much smaller beach community. If your looking for safe family walks than its the place.

nick2006 · 07-31-2011, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don9

MB is nicer and safer than Venice or SM but its also much smaller beach community. If your looking for safe family walks than its the place.

I think you're right, but in terms of real estate costs, I've noticed SM is more expensive than MB generally. So some may argue on the "nicer" of the two.

Caladium · 07-31-2011, 01:32 PM

By the way, for a fun family stroll on a pier, I'd check out the Redondo Beach pier. It's got lots of fun stores and restaurants. You may even be able to do things like go kayaking right there at the pier. The strand connects, so you can walk down the beach or up to a little fish store I love just north of the pier called Captain Kidd's.

Beth56 · 08-01-2011, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick2006

I think you're right, but in terms of real estate costs, I've noticed SM is more expensive than MB generally. So some may argue on the "nicer" of the two.

Santa Monica is a nightmare to drive through during the week. Parking is horrible. I have family that lives and works there. I personally can't see the appeal at all. It always looks dirty to me except for a few residential areas.

greggd1 · 08-01-2011, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beth56

Santa Monica is a nightmare to drive through during the week. Parking is horrible. I have family that lives and works there. I personally can't see the appeal at all. It always looks dirty to me except for a few residential areas.

dirty? where do they live? by the 10 frwy?

Santa Monica has huge public parking lots. I always find parking with ease. The congestion is usually on weekdays at 4:30-5:30 when everyone is leaving work. On weekends, it can get pretty busy on main arterys around downtown, but there are other streets to take.

nick2006 · 08-01-2011, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beth56

Santa Monica is a nightmare to drive through during the week. Parking is horrible. I have family that lives and works there. I personally can't see the appeal at all. It always looks dirty to me except for a few residential areas.

i lived on the westside for 10 years +...there is strong demand for this area...I have a friend that yearns to move from MB to SM with her husband, and they finally decided against it because their house in MB was about ~850K and they won't find anything comparable in SM. I never understood the appeal for the westside, but its definitely there.