Why visit
The pier blends history, ocean views, and an easygoing beach-town vibe with a free little aquarium at its tip, all backed by a charming walkable downtown. It is a quintessential South Bay sunset spot that costs nothing to enjoy and pairs perfectly with a meal or a coastal bike ride.
Stretching out over the surf at the foot of downtown Manhattan Beach, this historic pier is anchored by a Mediterranean-style octagonal building that houses the small Roundhouse Aquarium at its end. The pier and its surrounding strand draw surfers, joggers, anglers, and beachgoers, while the adjacent walkable downtown offers shops and restaurants just steps from the sand.
The wide beach here is a hub for volleyball, cycling along The Strand bike path, and classic Southern California sunset watching. With its tidy upscale setting and sweeping coastal views, the Manhattan Beach Pier rewards a relaxed stroll, a session at the free aquarium, and lingering photos as the sun drops over the Pacific.
History
The Manhattan Beach Pier dates to the early 20th century, with the current reinforced-concrete structure and its distinctive octagonal Roundhouse building completed in 1920. Recognized for its enduring design, the pier was later listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Roundhouse now operates as a small marine education center and aquarium maintained for the public.
Insider Tips
- ✦Come for sunset, then wander into downtown for dinner.
- ✦Rent a bike to ride The Strand path connecting nearby beach towns.
- ✦Pack quarters or a parking app for the metered spots.
Photo Tips
- 📸Frame the octagonal Roundhouse at the pier's end against the sunset.
- 📸Shoot down the pier railing toward the horizon for leading lines.
- 📸Capture surfers and silhouettes in the golden-hour backlight.
Before You Go
- ✓Arrive early on weekends to find parking near the pier.
- ✓Check the Roundhouse Aquarium's limited hours before counting on a visit.
- ✓Bring layers, as ocean breezes can turn cool around sunset.
Visiting with family
The free Roundhouse Aquarium and gentle beach make this a relaxed family outing, and the flat pier is easy for strollers.
Where to Eat Nearby
Want this turned into a day-by-day plan?
Tell our free AI planner you want to visit Manhattan Beach Pier and it will build the rest of your day around it.
Manhattan Beach Pier FAQ
Is the Manhattan Beach Pier free?
Yes, walking the pier and the beach is free, and the Roundhouse Aquarium at the end is donation-based.
What is the building at the end of the pier?
It is the historic octagonal Roundhouse, home to a small marine education center and aquarium open to the public on a limited schedule.
Where do you park?
Use metered street parking or paid lots near the pier and downtown; spaces fill quickly on warm weekends, so arrive early.
Nearby Neighborhoods
South BayHermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach is the most carefree of the South Bay beach cities, a compact town where the pier, the sand, and a buzzing nightlife strip all sit within a few blocks. It's known for surfing, beach volleyball, live music, and an easygoing party energy. Pier Avenue is the lively heart of it all.
South BayEl Segundo
El Segundo is a compact South Bay city wedged between LAX, the Chevron refinery, and the Pacific. It blends a walkable small-town downtown with a booming aerospace and tech corridor, plus quiet beaches just south of the airport.
More Beaches in LA
BeachesVenice Beach Boardwalk
The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a vibrant, eccentric oceanfront promenade famous for street performers, artists, and the open-air Muscle Beach gym. It's a free, free-spirited slice of LA culture where the beach, the skate park, and the carnival of vendors all blend together.
BeachesMalibu Pier
Malibu Pier is a historic wooden pier reaching into the Pacific beside the world-famous Surfrider Beach, offering ocean views, fishing, dining, and easy beach access. It is a relaxed gateway to Malibu's surf culture and coastline.
BeachesEl Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is a dramatic, secluded Malibu cove famous for its towering sea stacks, sea caves, and arches carved into the cliffs. Reached by a steep trail and stairs, it rewards visitors with one of the most photogenic stretches of coastline in Southern California.
BeachesZuma Beach
Zuma Beach is one of Malibu's largest and most popular sandy beaches, beloved for its wide shoreline, clean water, and reliable surf. With ample parking, lifeguards, and full facilities, it is a go-to spot for swimming, sunbathing, and a classic SoCal beach day.
Helpful Guides
BeachesThe Best Beaches in Los Angeles
From the family-friendly South Bay piers to Malibu's cliff-backed coves, here is how to pick the right stretch of LA sand for your day.
PhotographyThe Best Sunset Spots in Los Angeles
Where to be when the LA sky turns gold and pink, from the Griffith Observatory terraces to Malibu's sea-cave coves.