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Manhattan Beach

History of Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach was originally settled by Native Americans who supported themselves through fishing. When the Spanish moved in during the 1780, it was called Rancho Sausal Redondo which means "Round Clump of Willows."

In 1901, John Merrill bought the southern portion of the beach. After a coin flip in 1902 with developer George Peck, Merrill won the right to name the entire area after his hometown, Manhattan.

Merrill built the first building downtown in 1901. It would soon become city hall. That same year two wooden piers were built. One incorporated an electric generator powered by wave energy that kept the street lights lit along the strand.

The current octagonal pier was built in 1920. It’s a fishing pier but also hosts an aquarium at the end that displays local marine life. It can be visited for just $2 admission.

The city’s population started to climb after World War II when many servicemen who served in the Pacific Theater decided to settle in the area, attracted by the broad beach and surf.

Manhattan Beach Studios opened in the 1990s. It has proven to be very popular with the Hollywood film and television production community. It is currently the home of the CBS crime dramas "CSI: Miami" and "Medium."

Description of Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach is 19 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles and 3 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport. The land area is just under 4 square miles. The city is on the coast south of El Segundo, and north of Hermosa Beach. To the east are the cities of Hawthorne and Redondo Beach

Residents of Manhattan Beach

There are 37,000 residents with a median household income of $133,000. The city is 85% white, 6% Asian, 5% Latino, and less than 1% Black. 67% of the residents 25 and older have a four year degree. The Median age is 38.

Rentals in Manhattan Beach

The Hill Section features panoramic ocean views from steep hills. The Sand Section includes quiet neighborhoods near the beach and denser development featuring condominiums and apartment buildings. One bedroom apartments begin around $1600

Fun Things to do Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach is popular for volleyball, surfing and swimming. The Association of Volleyball Professionals competes in Manhattan Beach annually

The beach bike bath runs south to Redondo Beach and north to El Segundo, Marina del Rey, Venice and Santa Monica. It’s used by skaters, cyclists and skateboarders.

Downtown Manhattan Beach runs along Manhattan Beach Boulevard and includes many restaurants and shops.

The Manhattan Beach Country Club, the Marriott Hotel and Golf Course, restaurants, retail stores, supermarkets, and shopping centers are along the Rosecrans strip.

The Manhattan Village Mall is located on the corner of Sepulveda Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue.