Sepulveda Dam
20 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers
The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks.
Outdoors
Picnic spots near Manhattan Beach
Day-use and picnic areas near Manhattan Beach on public land, from quick drives to full-day outings.
16picnic areas
20 mito the closest
7within 30 miles
Year-roundbest months
Good to know: Group picnic sites can often be reserved; fire rules change with the season, so check before bringing a grill.
Closest picks
Whittier Narrows Dam
22 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.
Hansen Dam
26 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers
The City of Los Angeles manages the extensive day-use facilities, including golf and riding stables, are available at this site in the San Fernando Valley.
Map of all 16 places
Map of 16 places loads as you scroll.
Within 30 miles (7)
Sepulveda Dam
The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks.
- Biking
- Boating
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Whittier Narrows Dam
This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.
- Biking
- Boating
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Hansen Dam
The City of Los Angeles manages the extensive day-use facilities, including golf and riding stables, are available at this site in the San Fernando Valley.
- Boating
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Angeles National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
Brea Dam
The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
Santa Fe Dam
Facilities at Santa Fe are operated by Los Angeles County Parks. Swimming, fishing, non-power boating, hiking and picnicking are available. Of interest are the five distinct biological communities within the area.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Fullerton Dam
Managed by Orange County, CA, there are facilities fishing, picnics, nature exhibits, handball and field sports. No permanent pool.
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
30 to 75 miles (7)
Carbon Canyon Dam
Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Coldbrook Campground
Coldbrook Campground offers 22 shaded campsites* at the intersection of Coldbrook and Soldier Creeks that are open year round.
- Camping
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
Prado Dam
This San Bernardino County Parks managed area is an oasis within one of the fastest growing areas of Southern California. Riverside County and the City of Corona also provide recreation facilities.
- Boating
- Camping
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Santa Barbara Island
Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the steep trail from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views.
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Guided Interpretive Walks
- Hiking
- Information Site
- Photography
Southfork Campground
At a Glance: 4,500-foot elevation 21 sites RV's up to 16' No water Vault toilets Campsites are first-come, first-served What to Expect South Fork Campground on the backside of the San Gabriel Mountains is a hidden gem in the Mojave Desert.
- Camping
- Picnicking
Lake Casitas
Lake Casitas is formed by Casitas Dam , which is a feature of the Ventura Project . Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers one of the nations best bass fishing areas.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Ranger programs
75 miles and farther (2)
Los Padres National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Hiking
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Water sports
Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources.
- Boating
- Camping
- Diving
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Paddling
- Picnicking
- Snorkeling
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Manhattan Beach. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
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More outdoors near Manhattan Beach
- Hiking near Manhattan Beach
- Camping near Manhattan Beach
- Fishing near Manhattan Beach
- Boating and kayaking near Manhattan Beach
- Biking and mountain biking near Manhattan Beach
- Horseback riding near Manhattan Beach
- Wildlife viewing and birding near Manhattan Beach
- Swimming holes and lakes near Manhattan Beach
- Off-roading and OHV areas near Manhattan Beach
- Parks in Manhattan Beach
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for picnic spots near Manhattan Beach?
Sepulveda Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 20 miles north of Manhattan Beach as the crow flies. Next are Whittier Narrows Dam (22 mi) and Hansen Dam (26 mi).
When is the best time for picnic spots near Manhattan Beach?
Based on Manhattan Beach’s average highs, all year. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.