Excercise and Fun at Sand Dune Park in Manhattan Beach

Who would have thought that in a town with a seemingly endless beautiful sand beach, one of the best places to go get some exercise would be on a hill….or more precisely a big sand dune. As there is some structure or another on just about every part of Manhattan Beach, most people are unaware that the hills we see and live on along the coast are really just big sand dunes. One great place to find this out is a small park just North of Rosecrans known as Sand Dune Park. The park is certainly aptly named as the main feature of the park is a big 100 foot high sand dune. As if running through sand isn’t difficult enough….try it on a big slope! The dune isn’t all that long but it sure feels that way about half way up the slop. It’s a fantastic way to get some quick exercise while enjoying the weather outdoors. It’s better than any stairmaster and certainly much better for the knees.

In addition to being a great workout for you, it’s a great place to bring the kids. There is a great little playground for the kids with swings and slides, and the city has designated the left side of the hill to be an area for kids to run and play.

Parking can sometimes be a challenge after work hours and during the weekend….and watch out for the streetsweeping signs. The park is located at 33rd and Bell in the Manhattan Tree Section and the park hours are 8:00AM – 7:00PM during daylight savings, and open till 8:00PM the rest of the year. The streets leading to the park and the park itself are nestled in a quiet neighborhood, so please be courteous.

Sand Dune Reservation System (from the city of Manhattan Beach website)

The implementation of the reservation system is expected to help keep the use of the Sand Dune at a sustainable level for the neighborhood and reduce maintenance costs. The next time you visit the Sand Dune, you may also notice some fencing along the north edge that is in place to protect a vegetative colony of a native, but very rare, flower called the Orcutt’s Yellow Pincushion. The Manhattan Beach Sand Dune Park is a treasure for many people and purposes and we hope that you will use and enjoy it respectfully! Sand Dune reservations cannot be made over the phone or in person, they must be made online, including payment.

Sand Dune Fees:
Manhattan Beach Residents: $1.05
Non-Manhattan Beach Residents: $3.16

• Sand Dune Reservations

• Reservation Rules
  • Making a reservation will ensure a full hour of dune usage if patron arrives on time.
  • Patron must be present within the first 10 minutes of the reservation time with their picture ID.
  • If patron has not arrived within 10 minutes of the reservation, the reservation slot will be released to older adults (age 55+), Sand Dune Membership holders, active public safety officials, or military personnel (both active and retired).
  • Personal training of any kind is strictly prohibited. M.B.M.C 12.48.054
• Patrons 13 and over
  
  • All patrons age 13 and over must have a reservation to use the dune. M.B.M.C.12.48.100.
  • Reservation times are for one hour only, per day, per patron.
• Children 12 and under
  
  • The dune and dune family play area are open seven (7) days a week from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM for all children 12 and under only; no reservation required.
  • All children five (5) and under require full-time adult supervision in the family play area. M.B.M.C.12.48.054
  • The use of any substance or device other than standard cardboard for sliding down the dune by children only is prohibited. M.B.M.C.12.48.053.
  • No more than 20 children allowed on the dune at a time. M.B.M.C. 12.48.054
• Walk-Up Hours
  • Older Adults (55+), Active Public Safety officials, or Military Personnel (both active and retired) may use the dune on a walk up basis, no reservation needed.
  • In order to ensure online reservations are honored, walk-up participants will be allowed on the dune 10 minutes after each reservation time slots if it has not reached its capacity of 20 people.
  • A picture ID with date of birth must be presented and will be checked to verify age/employment status (if military or public safety).
  • Walk up hours entitle participants to 50 minutes of dune usage
• Sand Dune Membership
  Beginning January 2015, monthly memberships for use of the Sand Dune will be available year-round for purchase. Monthly memberships can be purchased one month at a time, or all at once for the year. Previous rules regarding usage of the Sand Dune still apply:
  • A monthly Sand Dune membership will be sold for those interested in using the dune multiple times
  • In order to ensure online reservations are honored, Sand Dune Members will be allowed on the dune 10 minutes after each reservation time slot if it has not reached its capacity of 20 people
  • A picture ID must be presented and will be checked