2 nights in LA

Question

Hello,

arriving from Italy, before starting our trip to the National parks, we'll spend 2 night in Manhattan Beach area. Is it a good location for chilling around in LA?

Thanks

Answer

Manhattan Beach is an excellent choice if you are looking for a laid-back, relaxing start to your California trip. It’s a coastal city in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, known for its wide sandy beach, scenic pier, and walkable downtown area with cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. This makes it perfect for unwinding after a long international flight from Italy.

Advantages of staying in Manhattan Beach for 2 nights:

Beautiful beach and pier area – great for morning or evening strolls and casual people-watching.
Walkable downtown – plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique shopping for leisurely exploration.
Less hectic than central LA – you’ll avoid the dense traffic and crowds of areas like Hollywood or Downtown.
Close to other South Bay beach towns like Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach if you want a short drive for variety.

Things to keep in mind:

It’s not close to typical “tourist attractions” like Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, or Santa Monica – expect 30-60 minutes driving depending on traffic.
If you want nightlife or major sightseeing, you may need to drive, but for a chill beach vibe, it’s ideal.
Parking is generally easier than central LA, though weekends can be busy on the beach.

Overall, for 2 nights before heading into National Parks, Manhattan Beach offers a relaxing, scenic, and low-stress way to start your California adventure while enjoying the quintessential Southern California beach experience.

2 nights in LA

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions