If you don't follow me on Instagram (shameless plug @buyorbyebymaggie) you wouldn't know that every summer we stay in Manhattan Beach, California as a family. My dad has been coming here since he was in his 20's so by now we feel like locals. I am so beyond in love with this town in LA and can't wait to share it with you guys!
to eat:
-Rockin' Fish
~mysuggestion~ the artichoke appetizer is TO. DIE. FOR.
-Fonz's
~my suggestion~ the filet medallions are unreal
-Nick's
~my suggestion~ my sister is addicted to the buttermilk fried chicken
-Strand House
~my suggestion~ the French fries (dipped in the garlic aioli) & the donuts for dessert!!
-Mama D's
~mysuggestion~ I'm all about the stuffed shells
-True Food Kitchen
~my suggestion~ the teriyaki bowl (with chicken)
-Manhattan Beach Creamery
~mysuggestion~ I stick to the classic cookie dough
-Hennessey's
~my suggestion~ the ahi tuna poke all the way
-In n Out
–not a MB essential… but a Cali essential for sure
to do:
–beachin' it
– how could you resist going to the beach everyday with the LA weather!
-the pier aquarium
-the cutest thing about Manhattan Beach is the aquarium at the end of the pier… YOU GET TO HOLD STARFISH!!!!
-Manhattan Beach Open (in August)
-usually our annual trip falls in mid/late August and we get to be there for the MBOpen which is a huge volleyball tournament
-if you're there in July take a trip to the town over, Hermosa Beach, and catch the Hermosa Open for some serious free samples (and overall an awesome experience)
-Farmers Market
-every Tuesday there is a farmers market in the Metlox Plaza (by Beehive and Lemonade) and its my favorite thing ever
-my essential vendors are the plums (samples, mostly) and the balsamic vinegar station (so so good)
-surf
-if you already know how: you can rent boards at Nikau Kai for $15 an hour
-if you are clueless (like me) Craig's List has a bunch of cheaper instructors that can come to MB and teach you or Nikau Kai offers lessons as well
-pizza on the beach
-this is one of our favorite things to do as a family… we bundle up in sweatshirts, stop at the pizza place on the way down to the beach, then we eat and play football/volleyball together
to shop:
Manhattan Beach has some of the best local shops…
swim
-Diane's Swimwear
-Seafolly
retail chains
-LF
-Spyder
-Free People
-Aviator Nation 
boutiques (MB merch)
-Katwalk
-Udderly Perfect
-The Beehive
-Gum Tree
to wear:
It is super chill and laid-back here so I'm usually in a tank and denim cutoffs over my bikini and I'm good to go! It's hot during the day but at night its pretty chilly- I'm usually in some sort of jeans for dinner if I'm not wearing a dress (with a sweater/jacket). 
✰ Maggie
buyorbyebymaggie.com 