Grassy stroll in beach town

Everyone goes to Manhattan Beach to swim, surf or walk on the Strand to look at the ocean. But here’s a long, grassy walk you can do without getting sand in your shoes.

1 Begin near Herondo Street and Valley Drive, at the southernmost point of Veterans Parkway. This wide, 3.5-milelong green belt runs from Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach without a break. Start under pine tree shade, and head north.

2 One of the pleasures of this walk is the easy access to refreshments. There’s a Jamba Juice and a Starbucks near the intersection with Pier Avenue.

3 Inside Valley Park, at the corner of Gould Avenue, is a shady spot with picnic tables. It’s also the closest point on this walk to the beach, if you want a quick trip to the sand.

4 Turn left at Manhattan Beach Boulevard to visit the pier or to visit Peet’s, Lemonade or any one of a dozen more spots to eat and drink. Nearby Uncle Bill’s Pancake House is a classic breakfast joint.

5 At its terminus, the Veterans Parkway slides under the Sepulveda Boulevard overpass and spills out into a parking lot behind the Manhattan Village shopping mall. You can hit the Macy’s, Kiehl’s or Fry’s here, or

grab a snack at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or California Pizza Kitchen.

6 Make the return journey on foot for a double-walk, or take bus 232 down Sepulveda to Herondo, a block from your starting point.

Fleming is the author of “Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles” and “Secret Walks: A Walking Guide to the Hidden Trails of Los Angeles.” charles.fleming@latimes.com

Photographs by Glenn Koenig Los Angeles Times THERE’S PLENTY of shade, plus greenery, along the Veterans Parkway’s 3.5-mile-long trail.

THE WALK cuts through Valley Park, which features picnic areas and is also the closest point to the beach of this stretch.