Contrast this with Hermosa Beach, where homes and businesses are closer to the ocean, and with Redondo Beach, which has a marina, a busy boating and sportfishing center and commercial piers. People in Manhattan are friendly, unless you offend them by blocking a driveway. Be careful where you park. In the early morning you may see people padding out in bathrobes and barefoot, holding a cup of coffee, to move their car before the street sweeper arrives. Inland you will find quaint spots like the Daily Bread and Bagel, Hungry Mind and Bodacious Buns, a tiny sidewalk cafe, to name a few.
Beach volleyball is big here, especially for the hordes of amateur players.
There are 24 tournament courts just south of the city pier, and many others on the north side. At the end of the pier is an oceanographic teaching station with aquariums, run by volunteers. Residents of Manhattan actually attend events at their beach. The Manhattan Pier features several fairly consistent peaks on the north and south side. Along with El Porto, it is usually one of the first spots to set up sandbars.