The iconic symbol of Manhattan Beach is its 928-foot long Manhattan Beach Pier, one of many California public piers. The pier, located at the western end of Manhattan Beach Boulevard, is owned by the State of California and maintained and operated by the City of Manhattan Beach.

Manhattan State Beach Pier is known for its red domed rooftop covering the building at the end of the pier. This building has undergone significant restoration since its original construction in 1920 and is commonly referred to as the "Roundhouse." The west side of the Roundhouse is occupied by a marine studies lab and the east side has operated as a food concession for more than 10 years. The 190-square foot cafe features an outdoor, walk-up counter where hungry tourists and locals can buy sodas, sandwiches and snacks. Several outdoor tables provide places to sit and eat while watching the fantastic scenery.

Although two wooden piers were built in 1901 (one at Center Street and one at Marine Avenue,) the Center Street Pier is gone and the present pier built on the same site by Engineer A.L. Harris was dedicated on July 5, 1920. He developed the concept of the circular shape at the end of the pier to minimize exposure and damage to the pilings from waves.

The 928-foot long cement pier has been reinforced and rebuilt since it first appeared around 1920, and although four or five California piers are double the length, Manhattan pier makes for easy, fast strolls--important to know when your meter is ticking. If you can find the time, be sure to visit the free admission Roundhouse Marine Aquarium which includes display tanks with fish and sea life indigenous to this Pacific Ocean region. roundhouseaquarium.org.

In addition to the aquarium and cafe, the pier celebrates the winter holidays with a tree lighting ceremony each year. Of course the main draw in Manhattan Beach is the beach...so give yourself some extra time if you can to go down on the sand, wander the shoreline, and get your feet wet! Manhattan Beach is approx. 5 miles south and 13 minutes by car from Los Angeles Airport.

Special events you can see from the pier include annual volleyball and surfing tournaments.