Manhattan Beach Pier

The Manhattan Beach pier is what makes this beach such a great place to take kids in my opinion. Not only can you get great views of the shoreline and beachfront properties, but you can fish, get an ice cream cone (although I'm partial to the fries) and then pet a sea star for free. Well, the sea star petting is free, you'll have to pay for the ice cream.

It isn't a crazy carnival like the Santa Monica Pier, it is actually pretty empty and much smaller and low key. Just one restaurant at the end of it, fishing and of course the Roundhouse Marine Studies Aquarium...which is free!

We love the aquarium and usually head up there after a swim before heading home. Doesn't matter if you are all wet and sandy - everyone is. In fact, most people wear swim suits and are barefoot in there. It is truly a beachy place. It is open from 3pm to sunset on weekdays and 11am to sunset on weekends.

They have a few low tanks with sea stars (aka - "starfish" for those of you who haven't had the "that is not what we call them anymore" talk at one of these places) and shark eggs (they are crazy spiral shaped!) and all kinds of other goodies that little ones can touch.

They also have eels and shark tanks and many other tanks to look at. It is small, mind you, think small two story house sized but there is plenty to see and learn about. They also offer clases for kids of all ages and day summer camps too.

Please, pretty please, give a few bucks donation when you visit, if you can. It is such a cool thing that they offer it free to the public, it is a non-profit and they educate people about the ocean and life within it. This place is crucial to Manhattan Beach. It just wouldn't be the same without them.

Here is the Roundhouse Aquarium official website for more about them.