Late Summer Staycation: Manhattan Beach

While most of the country is easing its way into fall, summer in LA has only really just begun. This is the time of year which begins the bitterness of our East Coast counterparts, as our Facebook statuses boast of 80 + degree temperatures as far into the winter as February. We can only imagine that these unhappy folks read our gloating updates, close their eyes, and start to visualize a place of beautiful people, dopey-sounding (but, smoking hot) surfers, and the rough-and-tumble big city kid come who’s come to live with an innocent, beach-bred, comic book-loving high school student known as Seth Cohen.  The place they’re imagining exists, more or less, as Manhattan Beach (where ‘The OC’ was actually filmed), though there’s slightly more to this little city-adjacent gem than blonde highlights and the ghost of Mischa Barton.  Take advantage of LA’s late-to-bloom (but now seemingly endless) summer with a BGG day out in the M.B., which was just voted by Money Magazine as the best city in the nation for meeting rich singles. Just sayin'. 

Where to Eat: Uncle Bill’s Pancake House for tasty brunch and ocean views.  For dinner, try Italian restaurant Mangiamo’s happy hour (M-F 5-6:30 p.m.) for tuna tartar and goat cheese bruschetta, or newbie Manhattan Beach Post for small plates, killer drinks, and a vibe not unlike that of Gjelina in Venice -- the Post can get pricey; it helps if you skip the expensive valet out front and bring in friends to split the bill.

Where to Wine: Cupcakes Couture hosts monthly tastings that combine two of our favorite things: cupcakes and wine.  Make sure to RSVP at 310-372-9200.

Best Bars in Town: Side Door is a living room-sized lounge that has a full menu, music, and well-priced drinks at happy hour (M-F 5:30-7 p.m.). If you’re in the mood for something trendier, hit up Sashi, a sushi and sake lounge where happy hour is 5-10 p.m. during the week and all night on weekends. 

Where to Shop: Mandarine (329 Manhattan Beach Blvd.) and its sister store across the street, Klementine (324 Manhattan Beach Blvd.), are both cute and cheap.  Or, visit a dinosaur -- {Pages}: a Bookstore’ -- before it goes the way of the rest of its herd (indie bookstores) and becomes extinct. 

Where to Sun & Surf:  We recommend anywhere south of the Pier.  If you’re brave (read: crazy) enough to face the cold H2O, suit up and hit the water. Otherwise, throw around a volleyball or just lay out and gawk at the cute lifeguards. 

Where to Find Local Culture: The annual Hometown Fair, October 1-2, for music, crafts, fish tacos, and a glass or two in The Wine Garden. Also, check the Chamber of Commerce calendar for info on the Sunday-night ‘Concerts in the Park’ series.

Non-Cheesy Must-Do: Rent a beachcruiser from Funbunns (1116 Manhattan Ave.) for $7.

Where to Rest:  Try The Tea Exchange for a refreshing Iced Island Breeze Tea after an afternoon of exhausting relaxation. 

Where to Eat Late at Night: The Kettle, a 24-hour diner, is great for pancakes or burgers in a cozy booth after a long night out.

What to Pack:  Even though we’re really excited to start buying for fall, this is the perfect time of year to get discounts on stuff you’ll likely still be wearing well into ‘winter.’  Here are a few suggestions:

1. River Island Crochet Mini Beach Dress Cover Up, $49.38
2. Topshop Oversize Hexagon Sunglasses, $50
3. Melissa Odabash Antigua Printed Halterneck Bikini, $71.75
4. Skinny Classic Flip-Flops, $7.99
5. Wilson Volleyball, $9.99
6. Floppy Summer Hat, $38
7. Sesame Street Friends Denim Woven Cotton Tote, $16
8. 1969 Mid-Weight Legging Jeans, $69.95
9. DV by Dolce Vita Rocco, $69
10. Madewell Twist-Back Tank, $24.99
11. Striped Boy Cardigan, $54.99

written by Gina Segall.