About Manhattan Village
Manhattan Village is an open-air lifestyle shopping center in Manhattan Beach, California. Located at the corner of Sepulveda Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue (en-academic.com ), it spans roughly 44 acres (labusinessjournal.com ) and hosts over 80 stores and dining spots (www.gigtown.com ). The center is anchored by major retailers (currently Macy’s at both ends) and includes high-profile shops such as Apple, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn (and Kids), Sephora and Tommy Bahama (labusinessjournal.com ), as well as a Ralphs supermarket for groceries. Originally built in the early 1980s, Manhattan Village once featured department store anchors Bullock’s and Buffums (en-academic.com ). After those anchors closed in the 1990s, the mall underwent extensive renovations in the late 1990s–2000s. In 2019–2021 a $180–250 million redevelopment transformed it into a sleek coastal-chic center (labusinessjournal.com ) (www.weoneil.com ). Today Manhattan Village’s modern design includes landscaped plazas, skylit corridors, and public seating areas, giving it a true “village” feel near the beach (www.weoneil.com ) (labusinessjournal.com ).
Events and Programming
Manhattan Village isn’t just for shops – it’s also a community gathering spot with year-round events. Every summer it hosts a free outdoor concert series in the newly built central plaza (www.thembnews.com ). Typically held Thursday evenings from June through August (around 6–8PM), these family-friendly shows feature local bands, DJs and dancers. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or low chairs and enjoy al fresco dining from nearby restaurants while listening to live music (www.thembnews.com ) (localanchor.com ). In the fall, Manhattan Village holds festive celebrations: late October brings a mall-wide Halloween trick-or-treat event (with costumed characters, live music and giveaways (www.thembnews.com )) and the Friday after Thanksgiving sees Manhattan Beach’s famous Santa Sleigh arrive for a parade and tree-lighting ceremony on the plaza (www.thembnews.com ). Another highlight is the annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival each September, which turns the mall into a tasting village with dozens of top chefs, wineries and bars (www.porterhousela.com ). (Special events like Food & Wine usually require advance tickets, whereas most concerts and holiday gatherings at Manhattan Village are free community events.)
Tickets and Booking
Shopping and strolling through Manhattan Village: no tickets or reservations are needed to visit the mall itself. The center is open to the public daily (store hours vary, but many shops run roughly 10AM–9PM). Concerts and community events held in the plaza are generally free admission, first-come basis. The only cost would be parking (which is free here) or event extras like food and drinks you purchase. For ticketed festivals (for example, the Food & Wine weekend in September) you would buy tickets in advance from the official event organizers, not at a mall box office. Similarly, upscale restaurants in the Village (like BOA Steakhouse or Sushi Roku) may take reservations – it can be wise to book a table on weekend evenings through their phone or online booking system. Otherwise, most stores and eateries allow walk-ins without prior booking.
Seating and Layout
Manhattan Village’s layout is essentially two wings of shops joined by a center plaza. Macy’s department store anchors each end, with a mix of boutiques and lifestyle shops lining the corridors in between. After the recent renovation, most shopping areas were opened up to the sky or connected by glass walkways – only Macy’s and a few interiors remain enclosed. The heart of the mall is the outdoor plaza: a landscaped square with seating areas, accent lighting, a clock tower feature and a large water fountain (labusinessjournal.com ) (www.weoneil.com ). When events happen, this plaza becomes the stage area (with portable sound and lighting rigs). There are no fixed theatre seats – guests for concerts simply spread out on lawns or bring their own beach chairs (footwear is useful on the grassy slopes). Sightlines are good everywhere because it’s flat and open, but for the best view stay close to the stage or under the shaded awnings. The only “VIP” seating is whatever space you claim on a first-come basis – the mall does sometimes give blankets or prizes to the first attendees at special concerts (localanchor.com ). Otherwise, all visitors have general admission access around the mall. (Inside Macy’s and some shops you’ll find typical fixed seating, dressing rooms, etc., but these are retail-related, not event seating.)
Getting There and Parking
Manhattan Village sits at 3200 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach (in East Manhattan Beach near the Los Angeles border). It occupies the southeast corner of Sepulveda and Rosecrans (en-academic.com ). Drivers can reach it easily from nearby highways. Take the 405 Freeway to Rosecrans Avenue (exit east) and proceed a few blocks to Sepulveda, or use the 105/I-110 and exit Rosecrans/Manhattan‐Hill. Free parking is plentiful: the mall offers multiple surface lots and a new multi-level parking structure with no charge (www.tripadvisor.com ). Rideshare or taxi drop-offs can be done at the main Sepulveda entrance by the plaza (look for the driveway nearest Macy’s). For cyclists, bike racks are provided near storefronts. At peak hours (weekend evenings or event nights) the lots can fill, so arriving a bit early can help find a close spot. Note that city shuttle service ended in 2024, so double-check any remaining seasonal shuttles or rely on personal transit.
Inside the Venue
Entering Manhattan Village feels open and airy. There are no tickets to show or metal detectors – just broad walking paths landscaped with planters, date palms and benches. The mall has a friendly, beachy atmosphere (ocean breezes on a nice day). Store fronts are well-lit and modern; many doors face the plaza so you can wander in and out easily. The center offers basic visitor amenities: clean restrooms inside department stores (Macy’s hosts main restrooms on each level) and near the Ralphs supermarket. There are a few benches and picnic tables for eating or resting. Security personnel patrol the area regularly for safety. You’ll also find useful services: an information kiosk during special events, free shopping directories at entrances, and public Wi-Fi in common areas. When it comes to food and drink, Manhattan Village has everything from coffee or smoothie stands to full restaurants. Quick options include SunLife Organics (healthy bowls/juices) and Smashburger (gourmet burgers). Sit-down spots include Cocinas y Calaveras (Mercado) for Mexican cuisine and cocktails, Sushi Roku for sushi, BOA Steakhouse for upscale steak, and Joey Manhattan Beach for American fare (www.presspassla.com ). Dessert and snacks range from Sidecar Doughnuts to Handel’s Ice Cream (www.presspassla.com ). Good bars on site include Mercado’s outdoor cocktail “Garden” and the lounges inside upscale restaurants. Finally, the mall is ADA-compliant: ramps and curb cuts lead everywhere, all paths are wheelchair-friendly, and accessible restrooms are provided. Electric scooters (foldable) may use the pathways too. With so much variety under (and over) the sky, visitors often spend entire afternoons or evenings enjoying the shops, food halls and open spaces.
Nearby Amenities
Just outside Manhattan Village, there are plenty of convenient amenities. For dining beyond the mall’s own restaurants, the adjacent “Manhattan Beach Blvd” stretch offers casual spots like The Kettle (a classic 24/7 diner) and upscale casuals (Elephant Walk, etc.). The Point shopping center across the street has additional cafes and boutiques. Beachside restaurants and bars in downtown Manhattan Beach are only 2–3 miles away (the Strand House, Rockefeller’s, Shade Hotel’s lounge are popular). For lodging, the Manhattan Beach Marriott Hotel stands just next door to the mall (4000 block Parkview Ave), providing guest parking and restaurants; other Manhattan Beach hotels (e.g. Shade Hotel, BeachView, Embassy Suites) are a short drive toward the pier. Late-night transportation is easy via taxi or ride-share between these hotels and the mall whenever you wrap up your visit. If you arrive early for an event, consider dining at Manhattan Village’s restaurants – many offer pre-show specials and outdoor patio seating. The Ralphs grocery and a small pharmacy in the mall are great for last-minute snacks or forgetting-necessaries. On busy nights, you can also use the Shade Hotel valet or nearby public lots (with a fee) as overflow parking if the mall lots fill up.
What Makes This Venue Special
Manhattan Village stands out as the major shopping and community hub for Manhattan Beach. Its recent transformation has made it one of Southern California’s more attractive lifestyle centers, combining upscale retail with a true coastal vibe. The new design – featuring a signature clock tower, long fountain and even grassy mounds in the plaza – creates a uniquely “open-village” atmosphere (www.weoneil.com ) (labusinessjournal.com ). It's one of the only large outdoor malls in the South Bay, so locals often meet up here. The center’s history is also notable: an original 1980s indoor mall reborn into an outdoor village, it reflects how the area blends laid-back beach culture with a touch of Westside sophistication (www.weoneil.com ) (labusinessjournal.com ). In terms of community impact, Manhattan Village is where Manhattan Beach families gather – from weekly summer band nights to Santa’s holiday parade finale – making it a cultural focal point. Because the redevelopment drew high-end retailers and a destination restaurant lineup, it has also boosted local economy and kept tax dollars home. In short, Manhattan Village matters not just as a mall, but as a central meeting place: a “Main Street” of Manhattan Beach offering sun, surf and style all in one spot (www.weoneil.com ) (labusinessjournal.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The center is fully wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. All entrances and paths are level or ramped. Accessible restrooms are available (for example inside Ralphs and Macy’s). If you need help, security staff can provide assistance and every store is obligated to accommodate ADA needs.What to bring: For evening concerts or events in the plaza, bring a low chair or beach blanket and the basics (sunscreen, hat or light jacket). The sun can be strong before sunset and later it may get cool. Comfy shoes are wise for the walking distances. Unlike beach visits, you won’t need towels or swimsuits (but you might want water bottles – you can carry them, or buy drinks at on-site cafes).Prohibited items: General mall policy follows CA law: you may not carry unattended bags, weapons, or open alcohol. For events, organizers often ban outside food and beverages (www.thembnews.com ) and large coolers (check signage). Pets are allowed on leash in outdoor and open-air areas, but stores may ask service animals only. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor sections, if at all (many locals simply smoke nearby sidewalks).Arrive early: Popular events (summer concerts, holiday tree lighting) draw crowds. To claim a good spot or get free handouts (some concerts give the first 100 guests a branded blanket or sunscreen kit (localanchor.com )), plan to arrive 15-30 minutes before start time. During peak season or weekend afternoons, parking can fill; if so, try the east-side lots first or park at the Marriott next door (always with free parking despite being a hotel).Dining: If you plan to eat on-site, consider making dinner reservations for sit-down restaurants on busy nights (especially weekends). Casual and quick spots (Ralphs deli, Smashburger, Sidecar Doughnuts, etc.) do not take reservations. Outside food is allowed in general mall common areas, but remember concert restrictions on bringing picnics during shows (www.thembnews.com ).Family-friendly: Manhattan Village is very kid-friendly. Strollers are easy to push, many shops are welcoming to children, and events like Halloween trick-or-treat and free concerts are designed for families. The grass areas are great for kids to sit or play. Note: events like concerts may get loud, so littler ears might need blockers.Connectivity: Cell phone service is reliable throughout the mall. Some stores and the food hall may offer free Wi-Fi, but there’s no formally advertised mall-wide network. If you need internet, most coffee shops allow customers to use their Wi-Fi by purchase. Also, bring a portable charger if you plan all-day shopping, since outlets are mostly inside stores.Shopping tips: Plan to spend a couple hours if you want to see most of the complex. The mall is larger than it appears, and many visitors combine shopping with dining or a movie (though note the on-site theater closed years ago). Store hours vary by retailer, but most open around 10AM (11AM Sundays) and close by 9PM. Give yourself time – a real advantage of Manhattan Village is its relaxed, uncrowded beach-town vibe where you won’t feel rushed.Residence safety: The area is generally very safe and well-patrolled, but use common sense at night. The mall is well-lit after dark and busy during events, and security roams on golf carts. Lost-and-found or mall information can be requested from security patrol or concierge booths during big events.
What are Manhattan Village’s location and hours of operation?
Manhattan Village is located at 3200 North Sepulveda Boulevard (corner of Sepulveda & 30th Street) in Manhattan Beach, CA. The open-air shopping center is generally open daily with retail stores roughly 10am–9pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and shorter hours on Sunday (often 11am–7pm). Specific store hours can vary (some stores open later or close earlier on Sunday), so it’s best to check individual shop hours if you plan a late visit.
Is parking available at Manhattan Village and are there any fees?
Yes, Manhattan Village has extensive free parking. The mall offers large surface lots and a multi-level parking garage right on site, with no fee or time limit (www.tripadvisor.com ). Motorcycle and bicycle parking are also provided. On busy weekends or during events parking fills up quickly, so arriving early is recommended. If the mall lots are full, an overflow option is to use the Manhattan Beach Marriott’s valet (for a fee) or other nearby paid lots outside the mall.
How can I get to Manhattan Village via public transportation?
Manhattan Village is served by several Metro and Beach Cities Transit bus lines. Specifically, Metro bus routes 125, 232, and 109 stop near the mall (moovitapp.com ). The closest bus stops are on Sepulveda Boulevard around 30th Street and on Village Drive at Parkview Avenue (each a few minutes’ walk) (moovitapp.com ). If you’re coming from LAX or the Redondo Beach Metro (C Line) station, you can transfer to these buses. There is no direct train, but rideshare, taxi or a short Metro ride to Redondo and then a bus will work.
What major stores and anchors are in Manhattan Village?
Manhattan Village features a mix of department stores and specialty shops. The anchors are two Macy’s department stores on each end of the mall, and there is also a Ralphs grocery market on site. Other well-known retailers include an Apple store, Pottery Barn (and Pottery Barn Kids), Williams-Sonoma, Sephora, Tommy Bahama, Kiehl’s, Old Navy, Vans, and Athleta, among others (labusinessjournal.com ). In total there are roughly 80 stores, ranging from fashion boutiques to home décor, fitness studios, and service-oriented shops.
What dining options are available at Manhattan Village?
Manhattan Village has over a dozen restaurants and cafes. Quick dining includes Smashburger (gourmet burgers), Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream (dessert), SunLife Organics (smoothie bowls), Sidecar Doughnuts (pastries), and Ralphs market for snacks. For sit-down meals, options include BOA Steakhouse (steak and sushi), Sushi Roku, Jo\u00eby Manhattan Beach (American/Asian fusion), Cocinas y Calaveras (Mercado, for Mexican cuisine and cocktails), and Dan Modern Chinese. There’s also a Sweetgreen (salads) and various coffee stands and fast-food outlets. The food hall vibe and outdoor patio seating make it a broader dining destination (www.presspassla.com ).
Does Manhattan Village host concerts and events?
Yes – besides regular shopping, Manhattan Village runs community events year-round. Each summer it offers a free outdoor concert series on Thursday evenings in its open-air plaza (www.thembnews.com ). Holiday events include an annual Halloween trick-or-treat and a late-November Santa parade and tree-lighting ceremony (www.thembnews.com ) (www.thembnews.com ). They also host special festivals like the Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival each fall. Most of these events are free to attend (except where noted) and often family-friendly, with live music, giveaways, and themed entertainment scheduled throughout the day.
Are Manhattan Village events free, and do I need tickets?
Most Manhattan Village events are open to the public at no cost. The weekly summer concerts, holiday parades, and mall-wide celebrations do not require tickets or advance registration – just show up to enjoy them. However, some large festivals (like the Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival held at the mall) require paid tickets. For those ticketed events, you would purchase tickets online through the official festival website or organizers well ahead of time. In general, mall-wide or city-sponsored events at Manhattan Village are free community events.
Is Manhattan Village open-air or indoor, and how is it laid out?
After its 2020 renovation, Manhattan Village became primarily an open-air center. The shops and restaurants are arranged around outdoor courtyards and walkways, with most storefronts accessible directly from the plaza or surrounding patios. The only fully enclosed buildings are the anchor Macy’s stores and the Ralphs market. A new multi-level parking structure connects to Macy’s via a pedestrian bridge. Overall, expect a mix of open-air “streets” and plazas with plenty of sun exposure – umbrellas and shade feature in common areas, but there are no indoor malls to traverse except for Macy’s and a few covered corridors.
Can families and children enjoy Manhattan Village?
Absolutely. Manhattan Village is family-friendly and very accessible for children and strollers. There are no age restrictions for entry (unless a specific evening event is 21+ which is rare). The sidewalks and plaza are flat and stroller-friendly, and many shops carry children's merchandise. During special events (like Halloween trick-or-treat and summer concerts), kids are especially welcome. Restrooms with baby changing tables are available in department stores (Macy’s has family restrooms), and the grassy plaza area provides a comfortable place for families to sit together. Just note that concerts and events can get crowded, so keep an eye on little ones in large crowds.
Is Manhattan Village wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entire shopping center is fully ADA-compliant. All pedestrian paths are smooth and ramped for wheelchairs, including entrances to each store level. Elevators are available inside Macy’s and at Ralphs. Designated handicap parking spaces are provided near all main entrances in the parking garages and surface lots. Accessible (wider) restrooms are located inside the Ralphs and Macy’s. Mall security staff and concierge teams can assist with directions or any special needs to make the visit comfortable.
Are pets allowed at Manhattan Village?
Yes, well-behaved pets (on a leash) are generally allowed in the outdoor areas of Manhattan Village. It’s a pet-friendly atmosphere and many visitors bring dogs for a stroll – especially around the outskirts of the outdoor plaza and parking areas. However, individual store policies may vary (for example, only service animals are permitted inside restaurants or grocery stores by law). Always have your pet on a short leash, carry waste bags, and be mindful of other shoppers. Events typically focus on families, so pets are usually welcome outside, but organizers may request pets be left at home for certain crowded shows or if there are animal-related characters on duty.
Are outside food and drinks allowed at Manhattan Village and its events?
For general shopping at Manhattan Village, you may bring snacks or drinks into the outdoor common areas – there’s no restriction on casual outdoor picnicking. However, special events have their own rules. During concerts and festivals in the plaza, the organizers typically prohibit outside food, alcohol, or coolers (www.thembnews.com ). If there’s a concert, plan to dine at one of the restaurants or at home before coming. In any case, beverages for personal use (like water bottles) are usually fine. Basically, regular mall areas have no seat-forgotten food limits, but adhere to posted rules during official events.
What amenities (restrooms, ATMs, Wi-Fi) are available at Manhattan Village?
Manhattan Village provides standard mall amenities. Restrooms are located inside the larger stores – mainly inside Macy’s on each floor and inside the Ralphs supermarket – rather than scattered outdoors. There are ATMs within Macy’s and Ralphs for convenience. You can also find baby changing stations in family restrooms. Many visitors note there isn’t a publicly announced free Wi-Fi network across the mall, though some restaurants and cafes offer Wi-Fi to their customers. Your cell phone should have good reception throughout the center. There is a small information kiosk inside the Ralphs near the front, and mall security can assist with directions if needed.
Is there a hotel near Manhattan Village?
Yes – the Manhattan Beach Marriott is immediately adjacent to the Manhattan Village parking structure (at 1400 Parkview Avenue). Guests often park or walk between the hotel and mall. Other nearby options include the Residence Inn (next door to the Marriott) and several downtown Manhattan Beach hotels a few miles southwest (the Shade Hotel, BeachView, or small inns near the pier). These are a 5–10 minute drive away. Using ride-share or car is convenient if you’ll be staying in Manhattan Beach and visiting Manhattan Village at night.
What happened to the movie theater that used to be at Manhattan Village?
Manhattan Village once had a commercial movie theater, but it closed several years ago. The cinema was removed as part of the mall’s renovation and has not reopened. Currently there is no operational theater at Manhattan Village. (Nearby, however, you can find other cinemas such as the AMC at the nearby Westfield Mall in Culver City or Arclight in the Westside). The former theater space in Manhattan Village has been repurposed or is awaiting future retail tenants.
