This once-quiet residential beach enclave has become a vibrant neighborhood that is constantly buzzing with new construction, and an influx of increasingly wealthy inhabitants. The rolling hills mere blocks from the beach are graced with quaint homes and mini-mansions of such luminaries as Tiger Woods.

The mellow beach atmosphere is still prevalent—it is not unusual to spot groups of surfers walking down the street, or sandy families shopping in the local markets. The main zone of activity is Manhattan Beach Boulevard and the Pier, which is crammed with trendy nightclubs, surf shops, and restaurants from sushi bars to Mexican dives. Along the strand, in-line skaters, beach volleyball players, bikers, and dog lovers make for an active pickup scene.