North Manhattan Beach is pretty special. The neighborhood cafés, independent shops, familiar faces, and the cool beach vibes make it a great place to spend an afternoon. And with the holiday season approaching, it's the perfect time to rediscover some of the wonderful local businesses along Highland Avenue and throughout El Porto.
Whether you're shopping for unique gifts, meeting friends for lunch, booking a little holiday self-care, or getting a few things checked off your to-do list, there's plenty to discover in North Manhattan Beach.
Even better, you can make a day of it, with the ocean just a couple of blocks away.
Shop Local, Find Something Different
Holiday shopping doesn't have to mean crowded malls and big-box stores. Some of the best gifts are found right here in our neighborhood.
For the surfers and ocean lovers on your list, El Porto Surf Shop is a great place to start. This longtime neighborhood surf shop offers surfboards, wetsuits, beach essentials, and El Porto apparel. It's also a great place to arrange a surf lesson for someone who'd rather collect experiences than things.
Just down Highland Avenue, Nick & Son's Gourmet Market is a neighborhood favorite for specialty foods, gourmet groceries, coffee, fresh flowers, and wines. Pick up something delicious for your holiday gatherings, put together a thoughtful food gift, or stop in for a deli sandwich.
These are the kinds of independent businesses that make holiday shopping in North Manhattan Beach feel a little more personal.
Discover more local shops at Visit North Manhattan Beach.
Make a Day of It: Eat Local
One of the best things about holiday shopping in North Manhattan Beach is having so many great places to stop for coffee, breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Start your morning at Two Guns Espresso, enjoy breakfast at The Local Yolk, or meet friends for brunch at North End Caffe.
For lunch, try Café Wild, Sloopy's Beach Café, or Beach Pizza.
Staying for dinner? Head to Fishbar for seafood, Pancho's for Mexican food, Nawa Thai for Thai cuisine, or OB's Pub and Grill for a casual neighborhood bite to eat.
Whether you're taking a break from shopping or meeting friends for a holiday get-together, there's no shortage of local places to enjoy. Explore the full North Manhattan Beach Restaurant Directory for more places to eat and drink.
Stephanie and Kris Denton: Denton and Denton
Support the Local Businesses That Make North Manhattan Beach Special
Holiday shopping isn't just about buying gifts. It's also a great time to support the independent service businesses we rely on throughout the year.
Local businesses like Denton & Denton Group are part of the North Manhattan Beach community, helping residents navigate the local real estate market.
Have a pile of laundry you've been putting off? El Porto Laundry can help take one more thing off your holiday to-do list.
And before you replace that favorite pair of shoes, consider stopping by Salvatore's Shoe Repair. Sometimes the best holiday shopping decision is repairing something you already love.
From real estate professionals and cleaners to local service providers, these businesses are an important part of what makes the North Manhattan Beach neighborhood special.
Explore the North Manhattan Beach Services Directory to discover more.
A Little Holiday Self-Care
Between shopping, parties, family gatherings, and everything else on the calendar, don't forget to make time for yourself.
North Manhattan Beach has some wonderful places to relax, recharge, and get ready for the season.
Book a massage or facial at Sand Spa or make that overdue hair appointment at Salon Flourish.
You'll also find other local salons, beauty specialists, and wellness businesses offering plenty of ways to take a break from the holiday rush.
And if you're still looking for gift ideas, a gift certificate for a massage, facial, or beauty treatment is always a thoughtful option, especially for someone who rarely takes time for themselves.
Explore the North Manhattan Beach Self-Care Directory for more local options.
Karen Flowers - Founder of Salon Flourish | Master Stylist & Mentor
Why Shopping Local Matters
When you shop local, you're doing more than making a purchase.
You're supporting the people who open their doors early, remember your coffee order, employ local residents, sponsor community events, and help make North Manhattan Beach feel like home.
These are the businesses that give this neighborhood its personality.
And supporting them doesn't have to mean spending a fortune. Pick up a coffee, buy a holiday gift, book a service, leave a positive review, or recommend a favorite business to a friend.
Every little bit makes a difference.
Panchos Mexican Restaurant
Spend the Holidays in North Manhattan Beach
Grab a coffee, browse the independent shops along Highland Avenue, meet friends for lunch, and finish with a walk down to El Porto Beach to catch the sunset.
It's one of the nicest ways to enjoy the season, without the crowds or the rush.
And while we encourage everyone to shop local throughout the holidays, don't forget to mark your calendar for Small Business Saturday on November 28, 2026. It's a great opportunity to show some extra love to the independent businesses that make our neighborhood special.
Thank you for shopping small, dining local, and supporting the businesses that make North Manhattan Beach such a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.
This holiday season, shop small, support local, and enjoy a little North Manhattan Beach magic.
Discover more places to shop, dine, and explore at Visit North Manhattan Beach.
