About Manhattan Village Shopping Center
Manhattan Village is an upscale open-air shopping center in Manhattan Beach, California (at Sepulveda Blvd & 30th St) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). It spans roughly 44 acres and features over 80 stores and restaurants (www.ticketfairy.com ). Built in 1980, the center’s two wings are anchored by Macy’s department stores at each end (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). In its early days it was anchored by Buffums and Bullock’s (www.ticketfairy.com ). Today Manhattan Village’s high-profile tenants include an Apple Store (the first in the South Bay) as well as Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Sephora and a Ralphs supermarket (www.ticketfairy.com ) (sbhistoryblog.wordpress.com ). A major $180–250 million renovation (2019–2021) turned Manhattan Village into a sleek “coastal-chic” center (www.ticketfairy.com ). The redesign added landscaped plazas, skylights and public seating, giving the mall a relaxed “village” feel near the beach (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Its blend of indoor/outdoor spaces and beach-town atmosphere makes it a unique destination in the South Bay.
Events and Programming
Manhattan Village is known as a community hub and hosts year-round events for families. Every summer the mall runs a free outdoor concert series in the central plaza (www.ticketfairy.com ). These concerts (usually on Thursday evenings in June–August, 6–8pm) feature local bands, DJs and dance groups under the stars (www.ticketfairy.com ). Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or low-profile lawn chairs and enjoy al fresco dining from the center’s restaurants during the show (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.thembnews.com ). (Blankets, folding beach chairs and snacks from nearby merchants are allowed; outside alcohol or picnic coolers are typically not permitted during performances (www.thembnews.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).)
In cooler months Manhattan Village stages Evening Movie Nights in the Plaza. These “Movie Under the Stars” events invite guests to bring a chair or blanket for outdoor screenings (for example, the romantic comedy “10 Things I Hate About You” in Feb 2024 and “Mean Girls” in a 2025 movie night) (www.thembnews.com ) (www.thembnews.com ). The mall provides popcorn and heaters, and attendees can order food from village restaurants (outside food/alcohol is not allowed (www.thembnews.com ) (www.thembnews.com )). The scheduled movie usually starts at 6:30pm, and age ratings vary (the 2024 show was PG-13).
Seasonal celebrations draw large crowds. Late October brings a Halloween Trick-or-Treat event: children in costume can trick-or-treat at participating shops, enjoy live music and games throughout the mall (www.ticketfairy.com ). Each holiday season Manhattan Village hosts a Santa’s Grand Arrival and Tree Lighting ceremony. In late November (typically the Friday after Thanksgiving), families gather as Santa arrives on his famous Manhattan Beach Sleigh for a parade in the plaza. Ho! Jingle bands perform live as attendees participate in the countdown and a magical snowfall, illuminating a 40+ foot Christmas tree (www.thembnews.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). (The event often includes children’s crafts, letters to Santa and a donation drive.)
Another marquee event is the Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival each fall. This is a ticketed, two-night gourmet festival where the mall’s plaza transforms into a tasting village with dozens of top chefs, wineries, breweries and cocktail bars (www.ticketfairy.com ). Guests pay entrance fees in advance (usually through the festival’s own website); the mall itself does not sell tickets. In summary, most holiday activities (concerts, trick-or-treat, tree lighting) are free community events, while special festivals like the Food & Wine weekend require pre-purchased tickets (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Visiting Manhattan Village requires no tickets or advance bookings. There is no box office or cover charge to walk around – the center is open daily for public shopping (www.ticketfairy.com ). (Typical retail hours are roughly 10am–9pm Monday–Saturday and somewhat shorter on Sunday.) Walk-in entry to the mall and plaza is free at all times. Similarly, the summer concert series, Halloween event, Santa parade and most on-site activities are free for attendees (www.ticketfairy.com ). The only “cost” is anything you buy at shops, food trucks or restaurants; parking for customers is also free (www.ticketfairy.com ).
For ticketed special events (for example, the Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival), visitors must buy tickets in advance from the event organizers’ websites – tickets are not sold at the mall (www.ticketfairy.com ). Likewise, there is no ticket or reservation needed to just come to Manhattan Village: you can stroll in anytime during open hours without buying anything. If you plan to dine at one of the center’s higher-end restaurants (like BOA Steakhouse or Sushi Roku), it’s wise to reserve a table on busy weekend nights, as those venues can fill up (www.ticketfairy.com ). Otherwise, most stores and food outlets welcome walk-ins without prior booking.
Seating and Layout
Unlike a theater, Manhattan Village has an open, streetscape layout rather than fixed seating. The shopping center consists of two long wings of shops that meet at a wide central outdoor plaza (www.ticketfairy.com ). Each wing of stores is anchored by a Macy’s, with a mix of boutiques and national retailers lining the corridors (www.ticketfairy.com ). Following the recent renovation, most of the shops are open to the sky or covered by glass skylights – only the historic Macy’s buildings and a few interior corridors remain fully enclosed (www.ticketfairy.com ). The overall effect is a spacious village-style layout with landscaped courtyards and pedestrian walkways instead of a multi-level indoor mall.
The centerpiece is the Manhattan Village Plaza : a landscaped square with lawn area, benches, streetlights, a clock tower and a large fountain feature (www.ticketfairy.com ). This plaza becomes the event stage when concerts or festivals are held (www.ticketfairy.com ). There are no permanent auditorium seats; during performances, patrons are expected to sit on the grassy lawn or bring their own low chairs or blankets (www.ticketfairy.com ). (In fact, event notices often encourage blankets and beach chairs (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).) Sightlines at the plaza are wide-open and flat, so attendees can see the stage from almost anywhere. For music events, the best views are up front or under the metal shade awnings around the plaza edges. Overall, Manhattan Village offers casual “general admission” viewing: no assigned seats or VIP sections, just first-come positioning on the lawn (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Getting There and Parking
Location: Manhattan Village is at 3200 North Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach (corner of Sepulveda & 30th Street) (www.ticketfairy.com ). It is easily reached via local freeways (near the 405 and close to LAX) and is also prominently signed from Sepulveda. For rideshare or taxi drop-off, the main mall entrance on Sepulveda is typically used.
Parking: The center provides abundant free parking in surface lots and multi-level garages (www.ticketfairy.com ). For example, the North Parking Garage (at 3200 N. Sepulveda) alone offers about 650 spaces (en.parkopedia.com ), and a connected garage behind Macy’s has ~390 spots (en.parkopedia.com ). All customer parking is complimentary (typically free for at least the first 2–3 hours) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Additional street parking is scarce, so the lot spaces are the main option. If things fill up, visitors sometimes use the adjacent Manhattan Beach Marriott’s parking – the hotel is right next door on Parkview Ave (www.ticketfairy.com ). The Marriott provides free guest parking and even has its own valet (for a fee) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). On very busy nights, paid city public lots or the Marriott valet can serve as overflow.
Public Transit: Several local bus lines stop near Manhattan Village. Metro Transit Routes 125, 232 and 109 all stop on Sepulveda Boulevard by 30th Street (steps from the mall) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Beach Cities Transit also shares route 109. The nearest shelters are on Sepulveda at 30th and on Village Drive at Parkview (a couple blocks from the entrances) (www.ticketfairy.com ). There is no direct subway or rail; the closest Metro Green Line station is in El Segundo or Redondo Beach (about a 2–3 mile ride north), so most visitors rely on buses or driving.
Inside the Venue
Manhattan Village has a friendly, beach-town atmosphere. Its pedestrian walkways are wide and flat, with palm trees, planters and public benches. Mall security and on-site staff patrol the premises; a concierge desk (near the main entrance or inside Ralphs) can provide information and even hand out complimentary hand-sanitizer or masks during events (www.thembnews.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The center is generally safe and family-friendly (www.ticketfairy.com ), with plenty of space for children to play on the grassy plaza during festivals.
Retail & Dining: Manhattan Village combines major retailers with restaurants and entertainment. The two Macy’s store buildings (having absorbed the old Bullock’s and Buffums locations) serve as anchor department stores. Other anchor tenants include a Ralphs grocery market and an Apple Store. In total the center hosts clothing, lifestyle and gift stores (for example, Lululemon, Tommy Bahama, Williams-Sonoma, Sephora) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Dining options range from quick-serve to sit-down. Quick bites include Smashburger (gourmet burgers), Sidecar Doughnuts (pastries), SunLife Organics (smoothies and acai bowls), Handel’s Ice Cream and the Ralphs deli (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Full-service restaurants include BOA Steakhouse (steak and sushi), Sushi Roku, Cocinas y Calaveras (Mercado’s Mexican kitchen), Joey Manhattan Beach (American), and Café Bristol (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Coffee stands and snack kiosks are interspersed along the malls. Many eateries have outdoor patio seating.
Restrooms & ATMs: Standard amenities are provided. Public restrooms (including family restrooms with changing tables) are located inside the larger stores: you’ll find accessible, wider-restroom stalls on each floor of Macy’s and inside Ralphs (www.ticketfairy.com ). At least one ATM is available in Macy’s, and another in Ralphs for customer use (www.ticketfairy.com ). There is also an information kiosk and small shop directory near the Ralphs entrance.
Services & Accessibility: The center is fully ADA-compliant (www.ticketfairy.com ). All walkways, entrances and the central plaza are ramped or level (no stairs required to navigate the property). Sidewalk cuts are provided at curbs and crosswalks. Mall security and concierge staff assist visitors with any special needs (www.ticketfairy.com ). Motorized scooters (foldable models) and wheelchairs can be used on the paths (www.ticketfairy.com ). Strollers are welcome everywhere (the grassy areas are easy to roll on) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Elevators inside Macy’s connect its levels, and reserved handicap parking spots are right up front.
Connectivity: There is no centralized public Wi-Fi network across Manhattan Village (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Some individual shops, restaurants or the Mercado food hall may offer Wi-Fi for customers, but it’s not guaranteed. Mobile phone reception is generally good throughout the outdoor complex. If you need internet, most people rely on cellular data or find a restaurant with wi-fi. Outlets for charging phones are mostly inside stores, so it’s wise to carry a charger on an all-day visit (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Pets: Service animals are welcome inside all stores and restaurants by law. Other pets (dogs or cats) are usually allowed in outdoor areas on a short leash. During public events (concerts, movies, etc.), organizers may request that pet owners leave animals at home, so it’s best to check event rules. The grassy plaza is a common play area, so many visitors do come with dogs in non-event times.
Nearby Amenities
Just outside Manhattan Village there are several dining and entertainment options. Along Sepulveda and the intersecting “Manhattan Beach Blvd” stretch you’ll find local eateries: The Kettle (a 24/7 classic diner), Elephant Walk (French-Vietnamese cuisine) and other casual restaurants (www.ticketfairy.com ). The The Point shopping complex, located across Sepulveda at Rosecrans just a block away, offers additional cafes, fast food (like The Habit burger), boutiques and services. If you’re willing to go a bit farther, downtown Manhattan Beach (just 2–3 miles to the west along Manhattan Beach Blvd) has famous beachfront dining and nightlife. Popular spots include The Strand House ocean-view restaurant, Rockefeller’s oyster bar, and the rooftop lounge at the Shade Hotel (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Hotels: The Manhattan Beach Marriott stands immediately adjacent to the mall on Parkview Avenue (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s very convenient for visitors – guests can easily walk to the mall or even park there in an emergency. The Marriott also has restaurants and valet parking available. Other nearby hotels (just a short drive or free trolley ride away) include the upscale Shade Hotel (at the pier), BeachView Inn, Embassy Suites and several boutique inns in downtown Manhattan Beach (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Transportation: If you stay late, taxi and rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available in Manhattan Beach and will drop you back at Manhattan Village. Long-term city parking is scarce, so if you plan a concert, consider leaving a car at your hotel (many offer free guest parking (www.ticketfairy.com )) or take the free city shuttle if available. If you arrive early or want a pre-show meal, you can easily walk or bike from nearby neighborhoods using the pedestrian-friendly sidewalks along Sepulveda and Parkview.
What Makes This Venue Special
Manhattan Village stands out as a coastal lifestyle center rather than a typical mall. Its open-air, village-like design – with plazas, fountains and palm trees – feels more like a beachside town square than a shopping mall (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The center’s modern architecture emphasizes natural light (skylit corridors and outdoor courtyards) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Visitors often remark on its “Main Street” vibe – anchored by local favorites yet still upscale and clean (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Historically, Manhattan Village has deep roots in the community. It was built on a former Standard Oil (Chevron) tank farm and farmland, transforming an industrial site into a shopping destination (sbhistoryblog.wordpress.com ) (sbhistoryblog.wordpress.com ). In the 1980s it was one of the first major malls in the area. Over decades it has reinvented itself (especially with the recent 2020-era renovation) while keeping a sense of place in Manhattan Beach. It’s notable for having the only Apple Store in the South Bay (sbhistoryblog.wordpress.com ), which has drawn tech-savvy shoppers from around the region. The mall’s mix of specialty shops (beachwear, home goods, tech, etc.) and restaurants makes it a unique blend of “city” retail and beach-town leisure.
Culturally, Manhattan Village doubles as Manhattan Beach’s community center. It hosts beloved annual traditions – from Halloween festivities and holiday tree lightings to summer concerts – that have become part of the local fabric (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The redevelopment in 2019–21 was intentionally framed as a way to “keep tax dollars home,” bringing high-quality dining and shopping so residents don’t have to drive farther afield (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). As a result, the mall’s ambiance, events and tenant mix make it not just a place to buy stuff, but a gathering place where Manhattan Beach’s community feel is on full display.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Manhattan Village is very wheelchair- and stroller-friendly (www.ticketfairy.com ). All paths are level or ramped, and curb cuts allow easy access to each courtyard. Restrooms (inside Macy’s and Ralphs) have ADA-accessible stalls, and there are family restrooms (with changing tables) on every floor of Macy’s (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you have any special needs, mall security or concierge can assist with directions or help you find exactly what you need (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What to Bring: If attending a concert or movie, bring a blanket or low beach chair (no high folding chairs) and dress in layers! Summer evenings at the plaza can get breezy after sunset. You can also pick up snacks and water from the Ralphs market or food stands. Outlets are mostly inside shops, so carrying a power bank is wise if you plan to stay all day. Also bring sun protection (hats, sunscreen) for summer daytime visits. Most events encourage photo-taking, but always be respectful when pointing cameras at performers or families.
What Not to Bring: Outside food, coolers or picnic baskets are fine while casually walking around the mall, but large coolers and alcohol are usually not allowed during special events (to avoid crowd congestion) (www.thembnews.com ). Pets (other than service animals) should be left at home on busy event nights for safety. There is no formal dress code – beach casual attire is perfectly acceptable, but some upscale restaurants may not allow flip-flops or hats at dinner.
Parking and Arrival: There is no fee to park, but spaces are first-come. To guarantee an easy spot at concert events, arrive early (many families come 15–20 minutes before the show). If lots look full, the Manhattan Beach Marriott’s parking garage (adjacent to the mall) often has free overflow space (www.ticketfairy.com ). On especially busy nights, using the Marriott’s valet service or nearby paid lots is an option (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Children and Families: The mall is very kid-friendly (www.ticketfairy.com ). Many stores welcome children and the grassy plaza provides a place for little ones to play between shops. During weekend concerts or holiday events, you’ll see many families with strollers, and activities are typically aimed at all ages. Restrooms in Macy’s have baby-changing tables, and the Pharmacy/Restroom inside Ralphs also has spacious facilities for families.
Connectivity: Manhattan Village does not offer a public Wi-Fi network. Cellular and data coverage is good (most providers work fine), and restaurant/café Wi-Fi may be used if you purchase something. Cell phones should suffice for checking messages or directions, but download anything you need beforehand. The mall has charging stations inside Macy’s and near Ralphs if you’re running low.
Safety and Etiquette: The center is generally very safe and well-lit after dark. Common sense applies – keep personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. Security patrols the parking lots at night, and mall monitors can address any concerns. If attending an event, keep aisles clear and follow any staff directions (e.g. fire exits, smoking areas). Always respect performance rules: e.g. for concerts and movies no flash photography or disruptive behavior.
Pets and Animals: Service animals are permitted everywhere. Normal pets (dogs/cats) on leash are usually allowed in outdoor common areas. However, some individual shops or restaurants may not admit pets (check the door sticker). During limited-capacity events, it’s safest to leave dogs at home to avoid startling them with loud music or crowds.
Do I need to buy tickets to enter Manhattan Village?
No – Manhattan Village is a standard open shopping center with free entry. You can walk around and shop at any time during business hours without any admission ticket or cover charge. (The shops operate like any mall, and you pay only for items or meals you purchase.)
Are concerts and events at Manhattan Village free?
Yes. The regular events organized by Manhattan Village – such as the summer concert series, Halloween trick-or-treat, Santa parade and Christmas tree lighting – are all free for the public. You do not pay any fee or need a ticket to attend those community events. Only some special festivals (like the annual Food & Wine Weekend) are ticketed, and those tickets are sold separately by the event organizer.
How can I get to Manhattan Village using public transit?
Several bus routes serve Manhattan Village. Metro bus lines 125, 232 and 109 stop on Sepulveda Boulevard near 30th Street, just outside the center. (Beach Cities Transit also runs route 109 through this area.) These bus stops are a short walk from the mall entrances. There is no direct subway or train service here. If using rideshare (Uber/Lyft), you can request drop-off at the main Sepulveda entrance.
Is parking available and is there a charge?
Yes, Manhattan Village has ample parking in its lots and garages. In fact, parking is free for shoppers (typically free for at least the first few hours). The North Garage alone holds about 650 cars, plus there are additional nearby garages (including a Macy’s garage) and surface lots. Plan to park on-site; if those fill up, you can also use the adjacent Marriott hotel’s lot or valet for a fee.
Are seats provided during concerts or movies?
No permanent seats are provided for outdoor events. Concerts and movies are on the open-air plaza lawn, so attendees typically bring their own seating (blankets or low beach chairs are recommended). There are also some benches and ledges near the back, but front-row lawn space is first-come. The mall does not offer reserved or VIP seats – everyone sits together on the grass, so arriving early helps secure a good spot.
What are the hours of Manhattan Village?
Manhattan Village itself is a public shopping center and is effectively open whenever its shops are open. Most stores operate roughly 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday, with shorter hours (often 11 AM–7 PM) on Sunday. Individual restaurant or market hours may vary, so it’s best to check specific store listings if you need exact times. There are no “closing hours” for the plaza beyond the stores’ schedules, but after about 10 PM the mall is mostly empty and gated.
Is Manhattan Village indoors or outdoors?
It is mostly outdoors. Manhattan Village is designed as an open-air “lifestyle center.” Its walkways between shops are open to the sky (with transom skylights in some covered corridors), and it feels more like a pedestrian street or plaza than an indoor mall. Only the anchor stores (Macy’s and Ralphs) and a few interior sections are fully enclosed. Otherwise, you’ll be in the open air under the California sky while shopping here.
Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
Yes, Manhattan Village is fully ADA-compliant and family-friendly (www.ticketfairy.com ). All paths and plazas are level or ramped, and elevators are available in the department stores. The center provides wheelchair-accessible restrooms inside Macy’s and Ralphs (www.ticketfairy.com ). Sidewalks and curb cuts connect the parking with the entrances so strollers, scooters and wheelchairs can move easily. If you need extra assistance, the concierges or security team are happy to help with directions or information (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Are outside food and drinks allowed at events?
You may bring your own snacks, water and non-alcoholic drinks into the plaza in general, but policies change for events. For concerts and movie nights, outside food and alcohol are usually prohibited (www.thembnews.com ). The mall prefers attendees to purchase refreshments from the on-site vendors. (In everyday shopping, visitors can carry coffees or snacks between stores with no issue.)
What dining options are available inside Manhattan Village?
A wide variety of food is available on-site. Quick-service options include a Smashburger, Sidecar Doughnuts, SunLife (healthy bowls and juices) and an ice cream stand; Ralphs market has a deli and snack bar. There are also sit-down restaurants for full meals: BOA Steakhouse (steak/sushi), Sushi Roku, Sidewalk Café & Bar, Joey Burger, Cocinas y Calaveras and more. In total, the center has over a dozen eateries ranging from grab-and-go counters to upscale cafes (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Many have outdoor patio seating and bar menus.
Are there Wi-Fi and ATMs at Manhattan Village?
There is no general free Wi-Fi network at the mall (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Cellular coverage is strong, though, so you can use your own data. Some individual stores or restaurants offer their own Wi-Fi to patrons. For ATMs, you’ll find machines inside the Macy’s stores and inside Ralphs for customer convenience (www.ticketfairy.com ). There is also a small information booth (with mall maps) inside Ralphs.
What nearby attractions and hotels are within walking distance?
Aside from the mall itself, several popular destinations are nearby. The Manhattan Beach Pier and downtown area (full of restaurants and shops) is just 2–3 miles west. Right next door is the Manhattan Beach Marriott hotel (4000 Parkview Ave) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Other oceanfront hotels like the Shade Hotel and BeachView Inn are only a short drive away. Street-side dining along Manhattan Beach Blvd includes The Kettle (a 24-hour diner) and the Elephant Walk restaurant (www.ticketfairy.com ). Across Sepulveda Street is The Point shopping plaza with more cafes and boutiques. In short, you’ll find plenty of food and lodging options a block or two from the mall.
Are dogs or pets allowed at Manhattan Village?
Service animals are welcome everywhere by law. Other pets (such as dogs in carriers or on a short leash) are usually allowed in the outdoor common areas of the mall. However, outside shops and during peak events (concerts or movie nights), bringing pets is generally discouraged. If you do bring a pet, keep it on a short leash at all times and be mindful of other visitors. (No pets are allowed inside the supermarkets or restaurants unless they are service animals (www.ticketfairy.com ).)
