The Strand is a paved beachfront path that runs the length of Manhattan Beach and connects to similar paths in Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, forming a continuous coastal route that stretches some 22 miles in total. It is the social spine of the South Bay — busy with joggers, cyclists, roller skaters, dog walkers, and people pushing strollers from first light to late evening.
On the Manhattan Beach stretch, the path runs directly behind the beach, with beach volleyball courts on the sand side and the back gardens of million-dollar houses on the other. The volleyball culture here is serious — this is where professional beach volleyball has its roots, and the courts on the sand below the pier are used by serious players. If you are just passing through, the Strand gives you the full flavor of this particular slice of Los Angeles without the parking nightmare of Venice or Santa Monica.