Beach access and accessibility paths in Manhattan Beach to Hermosa beach can be an integral part of your time spent in these beautiful cities. It’s an easier way to get to the sand for elderly, disabled, strollers, and all overall making the beach available to all if they need it. When these popped up, I said “It’s about time.” and “This is the best idea!”. So, if you’re looking for accessible paths, parking, and amenities in Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach, this guide has you covered. From beach access Mobi-mats to nearby accessible restaurants, here’s everything you need to know on how to get from point A to B in the safest and easiest way whether it be on wheels or at a pace that you can take your time.
Accessible Features in Hermosa Beach
Beach Access
- MOBI-MATS Blue Accessible Paths: Hermosa Beach offers blue mobility mats at key locations, allowing wheelchairs and strollers easy access to the sand.
- Pier Avenue Access / before 11th Street: (left of Pier) A blue Mobi-mat is available for easy sand entry here. This is exactly right next to the Hermosa Beach Pier and close to everything, bathrooms, food, drinks, shops, and parking. Come early if you wish to park close by or else that gets harder to find. The landscape is pretty flat here, better for wheels and avoiding inclines.
- 22nd Street Access: (right of Pier) This is usually available during Summer AND CURRENTLY THERE AS OF NOW. During Winter it’s windy and they remove this mat so you will have to wait till the warm weather to use this Mobi-Mat. There are bathrooms and a shower here. It’s also right at Martha’s Cafe and Green Market Shop for quick bites, snacks, and refreshments.
- Wheelchair Rentals: Hermosa Beach provides free manual beach wheelchairs at the Lifeguard Headquarters (near the pier) on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead to check availability. For more information call (310) 372-2166.
Parking
Parking can be tricky in Hermosa Beach. My best advice, come early. Otherwise, especially during Summer, the lots are packed. Plan to walk if you can’t snag a spot early enough.
Also, you may wonder if parking is free in Hermosa Beach. It’s not except during the Christmas season, otherwise, the meters accept credit cards and it’s about $2-2.50 per hour.
Almost all meters accept credit card so it’s very easy to use. DO put enough money to park and read the signs twice, or else you’ll get a ticket.
Ps: You might also be ticketed for expired tags and parking too far away from the curb, just fyi.
The best advice here is just arrive early and come on off-peak times if that is available. Knowing where the lots are, but arriving late in the day is a surefire way to not find parking close to The Strand.
- Accessible Parking Lots:
- Hermosa Beach Pier Parking Structure: Located at 13th Street and Hermosa Avenue, this structure includes several ADA-designated spots with elevator access to street level.
- Parking Lot A / Left of Pier Ave: Located by turning left onto Hermosa Ave from Pier Ave. This parking is right behind the Hermosa Beach Plaza, behind Sharkeez and the other venues. The spaces are limited but it is the best spot for beach access. You have to arrive early on on weekends, otherwise it’s tough to find a spot here. Metered parking.
- 13th Street: There is a small lot on the right of Hermosa Plaza with very few spots. If you can get there early enough, this parking in Hermosa has perfect beach access.
- Street Parking: Metered street parking along Hermosa Avenue offers ADA spaces near beach access points.
The Best Parking Spot in Hermosa Beach?
Well, I pondered gatekeeping this one…but there is only ONE spot. For me, that’s the spot next to Noble Park on 14th Street and Hermosa Ave. It’s front and center of The Strand. (If You Know You Know) Literally just a feet away. It certainly is nice for easy access.
It’s like striking gold haha! There is only one spot like this. I have been lucky to snag it more than once! Have you parked there?? Let me know in the comments.
Restrooms
- Accessible Restrooms:
- Hermosa Pier Public Restrooms: Equipped with wide stalls, grab bars, and accessible sinks. Also, located near the beach access mat.
Restaurants
- Accessible Dining:
- Many restaurants on Pier Avenue and Hermosa Avenue offer ADA-compliant entrances and seating. Look for wide doorways and ramps.
- The Pier Plaza venues are especially nice because the area is open, has big patios, and is next to the parking and The Strand.
Accessible Features in Manhattan Beach
Beach Access
- Blue Accessible Paths:
- El Porto Access: A Mobi-Mat is available in the El Porto area, ideal for those accessing the northernmost end of Manhattan Beach. Take 45th Street down to the beach and into the parking lot.
- Manhattan Beach Pier: While the lots near the MB Pier are very small and 100% get packed during peak season and busy hours of the day, The Strand goes right by the MB Pier and allows access to the gorgeous stretch that extends across the ocean.
- The MB Pier has benches and is a comfortable walk. Up from the Pier is a steep hill to get to the shops, so keep in mind that MB has a lot of hills as opposed to the Hermosa Beach Pier area.
- Wheelchair Rentals: Manhattan Beach also offers free beach wheelchairs through the Lifeguard Headquarters near the pier. Call to reserve one in advance.
- Location: Manhattan Beach Beach Wheelchair Locker: 4250 The Strand, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
- Contact: (310) 372-2162
- Availability: Beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Cost: Free
- Requirements: A valid driver’s license or ID is required to check out a beach wheelchair, along with a completed Liability Release Form.
Parking
- Accessible Parking Lots:
- Metlox Plaza Parking Structure: Located at 13th Street and Morningside Drive, this structure has elevator access and ADA spots near the pier. This parking structure is at the higher point of Manhattan Beach Ave and a semi-steep decline to get to the Pier or The Strand.
- Lot 3: Found near Rosecrans Avenue and Highland, this lot is somewhat close to the El Porto blue path, but still a walk and includes a quite steep decline to reach The Strand. The street is very busy here. I do love that is a right across from FishBar Restaurant, Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant, and a few more yummy venues.
- El Porto Beach Parking and Bruce Beach Parking are in the northside of Manhattan Beach. El Porto parking is at the absolute very end of The Strand, off 45th Street, and can get busy during peak-season.
- Street Parking: ADA-designated spaces are available along Manhattan Avenue and Highland Avenue, close to key attractions.
- Manhattan Beach Blvd: There is parking on MB Blvd all the way down to the Pier. You’ve got to be early to find this kind of metered street parking. There are even lots right down at the the Pier, off of MB Blvd.
Restrooms
- Accessible Restrooms:
- Manhattan Beach Pier Restrooms: Located at the base of the pier, fully equipped with ADA features.
- It’s recommended to use these restrooms before a long walk on The Strand because they are the easiest ones to use.
Tips for Navigating Hermosa and Manhattan Beach with Accessibility in Mind
- Best Routes: The Strand is a flat, paved path stretching between Hermosa and Manhattan Beach, offering scenic ocean views and easy navigation for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Timing: Visit during off-peak hours (weekday mornings or non-Summer months) for easier parking and less crowded pathways.
- Ride Services: Both areas are well-served by rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, which can drop you off close to access points.
- City Resources: Check city websites for updates on accessibility improvements and special events.
Whether you’re enjoying the blue paths to the sand, dining at accessible restaurants, or strolling The Strand, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach provide numerous options for a relaxing and inclusive beach experience.
Did you notice something that would be great for helping those that need easier beach access? Please write your comments below and please share this with someone that may benefit from it. Thank you!
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