A Day in the Life of a Mom in Los Angeles’s Beach Neighborhoods

I’m Carly Feingold and have lived in Manhattan Beach, CA for over three years.  Prior to that, I lived in West Hollywood for over 10 years, grew up in Kansas City and went to college in Austin, TX.  My husband and I are parents to a three year-old boy and a one year-old girl.  Manhattan Beach is beyond family friendly and has the best hometown events scattered throughout the year (Pumpkin races, Pier Lighting, Hometown Fair, Chili Cook Off etc.), so if you’re fortunate to be here on one of those Saturdays, lucky you!  When not spending time with my family, I work as a producer for various types of content and enjoy hiking, wine and playing poker.  Here is a perfect Saturday in the Beach Cities…

MORNING

7am Wake Up

8am Walk the dog and kids to Two Guns Espresso (350 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266) for coffee and breakfast sandwich (The Stan-wich Pretzel bun with house-made pesto, tomato, arugula, fried egg, add cheese, bacon or ham).

10am After dropping the dog at home, hop in the car and drive to Wilderness Park (1102 Cam Real, Redondo Beach, CA 90277) in Redondo Beach.  Let the kids run around and explore.  Strollers are tricky here, so put the baby in a wearable carrier to take their 1st nap. A two year-old could “hike” the entire park.

LUNCH

11:30am Lunch. If we’re in the mood for Mexican, then Riviera Mexican Grill (1615 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277). Otherwise, for something for everyone and healthy options, Wildflower Cafe is amazing (600 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277).

1:30pm Return home for naptime

AFTERNOON/EVENING

3:30pm Pack a few snacks, a blanket/sheet and drive down to the beach. We tend to hang out either in El Porto (North Manhattan) or around 2nd Street and The Strand (close to where Hermosa Beach begins).  Either location, you’ll find plenty of beach space. If you opt to go close to the pier, there is an awesome small aquarium at the end of the pier that the kids will love. If it’s winter time, you get the extra bonus of catching an amazing sunset.

5:30pm Walk from the beach to an early low key, kid-friendly dinner. In El Porto, FishBar (3801 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266) is wonderful. In Downtown Manhattan Beach, Rice (820 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266) is great for sushi and they have yummy plates for kids. There is an Izaka-ya By Katsu-ya (1133 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266) as well, but it will most likely have a wait if you don’t have a reservation. If you can get in for their 3-5pm happy hour, you’re in for a real treat. Don’t forget to add money to your meter on the walk over!

7:00pm  Before heading home to put the kids to bed, grab a delicious Cream’wich for dessert at the The Manhattan Beach Creamery (1120 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266).  You know, for the kids.

8:00pm If you had time to stop at Barsha Wines (917 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266), pull that cork now. 🙂