Parks
9 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.
- Polliwog Park1.1 mi from downtown
- Marine Avenue Park1.3 mi from downtown
- Live Oak Park0.3 mi from downtown
On a budget
Free things to do in Manhattan Beach
4 kinds of free outings in and around Manhattan Beach.
Good days out in Manhattan Beach don’t have to cost anything. These ideas come from the city’s parks, libraries, historic landmarks and nearby public lands. For free concerts, markets and festivals this week, see the free events calendar.
Libraries
Borrow books, movies and museum passes, and join free programs.
- Manhattan Beach Library1320 Highland Ave.
Hiking
Trails on public land; some areas charge a parking or day-use fee.
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area25 mi northwest
- Hansen Dam26 mi north
- Angeles National Forest28 mi northeast
Wildlife viewing
Birding and nature watching on public land.
- Sepulveda Dam20 mi north
- Whittier Narrows Dam22 mi northeast
- Hansen Dam26 mi north
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Best Things to do in Manhattan Beach, CA
A local activity Short shared by My Fav Getaway.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Downtown Manhattan Beach | What’s Your Favorite Beach Town
A local activity Short shared by Going Places.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What are free things to do in Manhattan Beach?
Parks, Libraries, Hiking, Wildlife viewing. City parks and libraries are free; some outdoor areas on federal land charge a parking or day-use fee, noted on each listing.
Are there free events in Manhattan Beach this weekend?
Check the free events calendar, updated daily from local organizations, libraries and the city.
Do I need a library card to use the library?
No card is needed to visit or attend most programs; a free card from the local library lets you borrow books, movies and often museum passes.