Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach is a city located in southwestern Los Angeles County, California, situated on the Pacific Coast Highway and bordered by El Segundo to the north, Hawthorne to the east, Redondo Beach to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The city is part of the South Bay (Los Angeles County), which also includes Torrance, Gardena, and Lawndale. Manhattan Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Santa Monica Bay, and its vibrant downtown area, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including the Manhattan Beach Pier, a popular spot for surfing and fishing. The city is also home to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and is near the Los Angeles International Airport.

Geography

Manhattan Beach is situated on the coast of California, approximately 20 miles south of Downtown Los Angeles and 5 miles north of Palos Verdes Estates. The city has a total area of 4.9 square miles, with 2.1 square miles of land and 2.8 square miles of water, according to the United States Census Bureau. The city's coastline features several beaches, including Manhattan State Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach State Park. Manhattan Beach is also near the Ballona Wetlands, a protected area that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and mammals. The city is bordered by the Marine Stadium, a popular spot for sailing and rowing, and is near the Port of Los Angeles, one of the busiest ports in the world.

History

The area now known as Manhattan Beach was originally inhabited by the Tongva people, who lived in the region for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. In the late 19th century, the area was developed as a resort town by Stewart Merrill, a real estate developer from New York City. The city was officially incorporated in 1912 and was named after Manhattan, a borough of New York City. During World War II, Manhattan Beach played an important role in the war effort, with the United States Army and United States Navy operating facilities in the area, including the Fort MacArthur and the Los Angeles Air Force Base. The city is also near the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a leading center for space exploration and research.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Manhattan Beach was approximately 35,000 people, with a diverse range of ethnic groups, including White Americans, Asian Americans, African Americans, and Hispanic and Latino Americans. The city has a high median household income, with many residents working in industries such as technology, finance, and entertainment, including companies like Google, Facebook, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Manhattan Beach is also home to a number of educational institutions, including the Manhattan Beach Unified School District and the El Camino College. The city is near the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, two of the top universities in the country.

Economy

The economy of Manhattan Beach is driven by a variety of industries, including tourism, retail, and technology. The city's downtown area features a range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including the Manhattan Beach Pier, which attracts millions of visitors each year. Manhattan Beach is also home to a number of major companies, including Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and Raytheon Technologies, which operate in the aerospace and defense industries. The city is near the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which provides public transportation services to the region, including the Metro Rail and Metro Bus systems.

Education

Manhattan Beach is served by the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, which operates several public schools in the area, including Mira Costa High School and Manhattan Beach Middle School. The city is also home to a number of private schools, including the American Martyrs School and the Manhattan Beach Catholic School. Manhattan Beach is near several top-ranked universities, including the University of California, Los Angeles, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology, which offer a range of academic programs in fields such as engineering, business, and medicine. The city is also near the Los Angeles Public Library, which provides access to a wide range of books, journals, and other resources.

Culture

Manhattan Beach has a vibrant cultural scene, with a range of arts and entertainment venues, including the Manhattan Beach Pier, which hosts several events throughout the year, including the Manhattan Beach Open volleyball tournament and the Manhattan Beach Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. The city is also home to the Manhattan Beach Arts Center, which features a range of exhibits and performances throughout the year, including music, theater, and dance productions. Manhattan Beach is near several major cultural institutions, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Getty Center, and the Hollywood Bowl, which offer a range of cultural events and exhibits throughout the year. The city is also near the Griffith Observatory, which provides stunning views of Los Angeles and offers a range of educational programs and exhibits on astronomy and space exploration. Category:Beaches of California