Manhattan Beach

Many first-timers choose Santa Monica or Venice when they want to hit the beaches in Los Angeles. Manhattan Beach, on the other hand, is the ideal coastal hideaway for people seeking a more laid-back atmosphere.

Manhattan Beach is conveniently located near LAX in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, and the beach is, of course, its main attraction. The sight occasionally resembles a scene from a modernized Baywatch because the sand and surf here are the real deal. The annual Manhattan Beach Open, a professional beach volleyball summer event, is held on the incredibly flat sand, which is permanently peppered with volleyball nets. Of course, surfing is popular there. Another significant lure to MB (as the locals refer to it) is the International Surf Festival.

Gorgeous Living would undoubtedly be the name of the magazine if the impossibly lovely Manhattan Beach had one. It may have become fashionable, but that salty-dog heart still beats in this bastion of surf music and the cradle of beach volleyball. Bikinis, friendly waves, and smiles as big as those sunglasses are all part of the seaside fun in this hip town.

For Manhattan Beach's broad stretch of golden sand, remove your shoes. There are sand bottom surf breaks, pick-up volleyball courts, and a pier with stunning ocean views.

• Location: southwestern Los Angeles County, California