Manhattan Beach is primarily a residential community with two miles of glorious beaches south of Los Angeles International Airport. The hilly topography reflects the original sand dunes that in many other locations were bulldozed. There is one relatively level street, Manhattan Avenue, which is great for window shopping.

It is not far from the shore, and runs parallel to it. The cross streets tend to get very steep as they drop down toward the ocean. The beach itself is a perfect stretch of golden sand with beach-level parking lots and several great wheelchair riding adventures.