Manhattan Beach is a coastal city located in southwestern Los Angeles County, California, within the United States. Situated on the Pacific coast, it lies south of El Segundo, west of Hawthorne, and north of Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach. Together with these neighboring communities, it forms the three Beach Cities within the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. The city occupies a total area of 3.9 square miles, featuring 2.1 miles of ocean frontage along the Pacific Ocean.

The area was likely inhabited by the Tongva tribe, with archaeological evidence dating back 7,100 years. In 1784, the Spanish Crown deeded Rancho San Pedro to Juan José Domínguez, encompassing the land. Sir Robert Burnett purchased Rancho Sausal Redondo in 1863, and Daniel Freeman later acquired it, informally naming the location Shore Acres. Around 1902, developer Stewart Merrill named the suburb Manhattan after New York City, with Beach added by the postmaster. The city incorporated on December 7, 1912.

The city features distinct neighborhoods such as the Strand, Sand Section, Hill Section, and Tree Section. The Strand includes expensive real estate along a bike path, while the Hill Section offers panoramic views from high-priced homes. Manhattan Beach Pier, measuring 928 feet long, houses the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium. The community also contains the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden within Polliwog Park and Sand Dune Park, which preserves exposed sand dunes resembling the original landscape.

Manhattan Beach hosts the Manhattan Beach Open volleyball tournament every August alongside the International Surf Festival. The city is known for its pedestrian-friendly downtown center along Manhattan Beach Boulevard, featuring Zagat-rated restaurants and specialty boutiques. The Metlox site has been redeveloped into a mixed-use center with luxury accommodations. The North Manhattan Beach business district near Rosecrans Avenue offers additional shopping and dining options for residents and visitors.

As of the 2020 census, the population was 35,506. The climate is moderate due to proximity to the ocean, with average year-round highs of 69.1 °F and lows of 56.4 °F. Accessible via Interstate 105 and the 405 freeway, the city is five miles from Los Angeles International Airport. The Metro K Line terminates at Marine Avenue Station, and the Marvin Braude Bike Trail runs through the area, connecting various beach communities along the coast.