The South Bay is a little-known gem gaining attention for its laid-back beach vibe, wide soft sand beaches, and excellent surf. I find it’s the ideal place to relax and enjoy an outdoor adventure or two. With our warm weather and light ocean breeze, there is plenty of things to do all year. Whether you are ready for some downtime at the beach or heart-pacing adrenaline, the South Bay has plenty of things to do.
Where is the South Bay?
The South Bay is in the County of Los Angeles and includes several cities along the Pacific Ocean just a couple of miles south of the Los Angeles International Airport. Some of the cities that are part of the South Bay include:
· El Segundo · Redondo Beach · Carson | · Rancho Palos Verdes | · Hermosa Beach · Gardena · Hawthorne |
The Top Things to Do in the South Bay
With warm weather most of the year, the South Bay is the perfect place to enjoy a day of sunbathing, strolling along the Strand, or playing a game of volleyball with a few friends. Even though there are things to do in the South Bay off the beach too, here is a sneak peek of a day on the beach!
Spend the Day at a South Bay Beach
Without question, the South Bay has some of the best beaches in California. There is a significant amount of space between the Strand and the Pacific Ocean, perfect for enjoying a day of sunbathing or splashing in the ocean.
Even in the winter months it’s not uncommon to see people working on their tans. Some of the best beaches in the South Bay are as follows:
· El Porto Beach · Manhattan Beach | · Hermosa Beach · Redondo Beach |
Having a good beach setup is key to having a good time at the beach. Beachonista offers beach setup packages that include beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, a table, and Instagram-worthy floaties for a fun day in the sun! Just think, how great it would be to just show up at the beach without having to lug all your beach gear. In addition, to the beach setup above, Beachonista also provides several different beach experiences such as an upscale beach dining set up and a float party.
- Pro Tip
The areas right next to Manhattan Beach pier and near the parking lots tend to get a little crowded in the middle of summer. If you head a couple of blocks north or down to Hermosa or Redondo Beaches, you will be able to avoid the small crowds. You might also be able to find parking in the residential areas where the beaches are wide open.
Surfing in the South Bay
Surfing and now standup paddleboarding are extremely popular in the South Bay. My husband surfs in the early morning hours at least a couple of times a week. When the waves are thumping, you’ll often see more people in the water than on the beach. The South Bay beaches face west, northwest and tend to get a significant winter swell.
I, on the other hand, am a beginner, and on occasion, will try surfing in the summer when the waves are smaller and the water is warmer.
I don’t always catch waves though. Sometimes, I have days like the one below.
There are many great surf breaks in the South Bay, such as El Porto (aka “El Slamo”), North Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Beach Pier, and the Cove in Palos Verdes. Surfline is an excellent resource for checking the wave forecast.
- Pro Tip
The wind tends to pick up in the afternoon, and therefore, the morning is usually the best time to surf in the South Bay. Unfortunately, this means you may need to get up early to catch some of the best waves.
Where Can I Rent a Surfboard in the South Bay?
It is easy to rent a board if you don’t want to travel with your own board. Here are a few shops in the South Bay where you can rent surfboards.
Where Can I Take Surf Lessons in the South Bay?
Juliano Uzuelli (Pro Surfer) – I have taken surf lessons from Juliano. He is a great guy and has the patience and skill to teach all levels. I was standing up by the end of my surf session! You can reach Juliano through his Instagram page.
A couple of other popular surf schools and instructors in town include:
CampSurf – CampSurf has been in business for over 20 years offering group and private lessons as well as a surf camp. Several of the surf instructors were students at one time showing just how much students love CampSurf.
Aqua Surf School – Aqua Surf School teaches all levels and matches your instructor to your skillset. They encourage siblings, friends, and family to take lessons together! Lessons are offered every day from sunrise to sunset.
One Wave Surf School – One Wave Surf School offers a surf experience for beginners designed to balance instruction with fun in the water. For more serious structure and training check out the Learn 2 Surf 4 Real package.
Chris Wells – Chris has been a surf instructor for over 15 years. He teaches all levels and even offers coaching services to help develop your technique and take your surfing to the next level. You can reach Chris Wells through his Instagram page.
Go for a Bike Ride on the Strand Through the South Bay
A bike ride through the South Bay is a must-do activity while visiting. The South Bay is home to a 22-mile bike path along the beach that runs from Santa Monica to Palos Verdes. The bike path is an excellent way to see the South Bay and even get some exercise.
You can rent a bike from Hermosa Cyclery (1/2 block northeast from the Hermosa Pier in Hermosa Beach), which is extremely popular for bike rentals. You can also rent an e-bike from Manhattan Beach E-Bike Rentals and take one of their self-guided tours. Check to see where you can ride an e-bike before you leave the shop. The Metro Bike Share stand in Playa Del Rey (just north of the South Bay) is also popular.
- Pro Tip
I recommend you take a bike ride out for a couple of hours and stop along the way in Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo Beaches for lunch, dinner, or an afternoon drink. While you’re out and about, check out the local shops too!
Drive a Porsche at the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles
If you need a break from the sun or you love cars, I have the perfect activity for you. Head over to the Porsche Experience Center in Carson (just off the 110 freeway) for an exhilarating afternoon. I had the best afternoon driving a white Porsche Taycan Turbo S (picture above) on the track. With eight different modules, such as the acceleration straight, wet and slick circuits, the perfectly banked Karussell Curve, and many others, you are in for the time of your life.
What is Launch Control?
During my visit, I even tried launch control! Yes, there is launch control, where you can travel 0-60 in 2.6 seconds. With g-force speed, my heart was pounding out of my chest. I could not wait to do it again! Plus, I learned several driving skills from my instructor. Even though I am not a car enthusiast, I found this experience to be amazing and one I highly recommend. My complete guide to the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles, can be viewed here.
What if I Don’t Want to Drive a Car on the Track?
If you are not quite ready to hit the track just yet, give the Simulator Lab a try. You can choose from several different world-renowned racetracks or test your skills on the Los Angeles driver development track.
- Pro Tip
Ladies, make sure you wear flats. Leave your heels at home!
Go for a Walk Along the Ocean in the South Bay
When asked what you like to do, it’s often seen as a bit cliché to say, “I like long walks along the beach.” However, in the South Bay, there is nothing cliché about it. A walk with your toes in the sand or on the walking path is, at least for me, relaxing and rejuvenating. All the cares in the world seem to melt away. With beautiful scenery all around you, it is easy to get distracted as you daydream of owning one of the mansions along the Strand.
Invite Some Friends for a Game of Beach Volleyball
One of the most popular things to do in the South Bay is to play a game of beach volleyball. In fact, Manhattan Beach has been a stop on the AVP professional beach volleyball circuit for years. Several Olympic athletes even train in the South Bay. You might get a glimpse of their training practice while out for a walk or bike ride.
But, you don’t have to be a professional athlete to join the fun. There are courts in Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo Beach that are first-come, first-serve. Except for holiday weekends like the Fourth of July, it is easy to get a court. If you are visiting in August, you must stop by the Charlie Saikley 6-Man (or Woman) Volleyball Tournament, where the team members dress in costume. Don’t let the costumes fool you. These teams come ready to play, and the competition is fierce. The 6-Man tournament is a local favorite!
Go for a Hike or Mountain Bike Ride in Palos Verdes
Even though I live in the South Bay and love to hike, it sadly took me over ten years before I went for my first hike in Palos Verdes. I know, I feel bad, don’t judge.
After my first hike at the Portuguese Bend Reserve, I quickly realized I had been missing out on great local hiking trails. There are five reserves in Palos Verdes that connect through a series of trails. Many of the trails have unobstructed views of the ocean and are great for hiking, mountain biking, and even riding horses. A hike in Palos Verdes is a fun thing to do in the South Bay.
Parking can be challenging. Most people park near the Del Cerro Park sign and walk towards the gates at the end of the block. If you park near Del Cerro you will be at the top of the hike.
- Pro Tip
I prefer to hike up first and then down. So, I suggest parking at the Ladera Linda Community Center near the Forrestal Reserve. Once in the reserve, walk towards Peppertree Trail where you will cross over into Portuguese Bend Reserve. From there, you can head toward the Filiorum Reserve or loop back through the Portuguese Bend Reserve. Either way, it’s a beautiful place to hike.
- Pro Tip
Take a picture of each map as you enter the reserves so you can keep track of where you are and how you can get back to your car. You can also use AllTrails.
Catch a Gorgeous Sunset or Two
A top activity in the South Bay is watching the sunset. You will see people on the Strand, including locals, like me, stop to catch a glimpse of the sunset and maybe even the green flash. (I saw the green flash just a couple of weeks ago! Although, it’s also possible that my eyes got a little blurry after staring at the sun).
To enhance your sunset experience, consider hiring Ready Set Party to make your sunset beach picnic one to remember! Sunset is a beautiful time of day at the beach and why not enhance your experience with a luxury beach setup. Let Ready Set Party take care of all the details for you so you can enjoy the sunset!
Kayaking/Standup Paddle Boarding
There is no shortage of ocean activities in the South Bay. Any day of the week, you might see someone paddling a kayak or riding a standup paddleboard. In truth, standups are becoming just as popular as surfboards. However, many people, like me, look for calmer waters to kayak or standup paddleboarding.
There are two popular places for kayaking and standup paddleboarding. You can rent both at Dive N’Surf or Redondo Beach Kayak SUP and Pedal Boat Rentals and paddle around the King Harbor, which is always fun. If you are more adventurous, you can head out of King Harbor into the ocean. I prefer the marina’s calmer waters, and it’s fun to check out all of the boats. You can also check out the tide pools near Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove in Palos Verdes.
If you are in Palos Verdes, head to Terranea for a drink and dinner and watch the sunset.
Stroll through the South Coast Botanic Gardens
Spend the afternoon wandering through the South Coast Botanic Garden and explore this urban oasis. With over 200,000 plants, there is much to do see. With nature’s beauty all around, you would never know that the area was a sanitary landfill before it was converted into a blooming botanic garden.
- Pro Tip
There are several “hidden” areas to check out too. For instance, enjoy the view from the top of the Agave Collection or the Hidden Meadow.
Also, tickets are currently available online.
Shopping in the South Bay
Steps from the beach are so many great shops. The local boutiques offer a unique shopping experience you won’t find anyplace else. Think about heading to stores like GumTree for gifts and jewelry, or Marine Layer, Manhattan Beach Demin, or Wright’s for men and women’s clothes, or the local bookstore, {Pages} for the perfect beach read.
Go Bar Hopping and Visit the Local Watering Holes
The South Bay offers many watering holes that run the spectrum, from local dive bars to upscale bars with handcrafted cocktails.
Manhattan Beach
Grab a drink and watch the sunset at bars like The StrandBar (an upscale bar with fantastic views and cocktails) and Shellback Tavern (a local favorite dive bar), both in Manhattan Beach steps from the pier. If you prefer live music or karaoke to go with your cocktail, then Panchos in North Manhattan Beach has a seat in the bar area waiting for you. Order a skinny margarita, and you’ll be in for a good night.
Hermosa Beach
When in Hermosa Beach, head to Pier Avenue, where there are several bars for you to choose from to enjoy a cocktail. If you are looking for a local dive bar, check out Barnacles just down the street, and if you are looking for something more upscale, head to Zane’s or Palmilla Cocina y Tequila.
Redondo Beach
In Redondo Beach, Sea Level at Shade is an excellent place for a drink. It’s on the marina, so you can feel the sea air as you sip your cocktail. There are outdoor fire pits to keep you warm too. If you want a very low-key no-frills local hangout in the marina (beer only, no cocktails), then Naja’s is calling your name.
Visit the Roundhouse, A local Aquarium!
In the South Bay, many of the top activities are focused on the ocean. So, we must take care of our marine life. To learn about what lies beneath, stop by the Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of Manhattan Beach Pier. The Roundhouse Aquarium is a small aquarium great for young kids and the young at heart.
Grab a Bite to Eat in the South Bay
The South Bay has become a foodie’s dream. The level of chef talent in our neck of the woods is incredible. There are so many delicious restaurants in the South Bay that you will run out of vacation days before you have had a chance to try them all. If you are interested in dining in Manhattan Beach, check out my guide to the best restaurants for dinner.
Get Some Exercise
In addition to going for a bike ride, run, or walk along the Strand, there are plenty of other ways locals like to get in a workout. Veterans Parkway, a defunct railroad track, has been converted into a peaceful 3.5-mile woodchip running path that runs (pun intended) from Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach. In Manhattan Beach, head over to Sand Dune park and test your endurance while climbing the sand dune or the stairs. If you prefer an ocean view for your workout, check out the workout station at 26th Street and the Strand in Manhattan Beach.
You can even try tennis on a court or on the beach! Beach tennis is gaining some traction in Hermosa Beach. When you’re in town, try something new and take a lesson.
Play a Round of Golf
The South Bay offers golfers several options, and some courses even have ocean views.
The Links at Terranea – nine-hole, public par-three oceanfront golf course.
Los Verdes Golf Course – eighteen-hole ocean view public golf course in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Westdrift Golf – a par three course in Manhattan Beach.
Top Golf in El Segundo is also popular.
Charter a Boat for an Afternoon Cruise
Another exciting way to see the South Bay is by boat. Sunset from the water is a special experience and one I highly recommend, that is of course, unless you are prone to seasickness. We use Marina Sailing for our sailing adventures. If you do not know how to sail, you can hire a captain or take a lesson!
Go Whale Watching
Marine life is plentiful in the South Bay. During the whale watching season (January through April), you can often see gray whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and sea lions in the South Bay. The whales migrate through the South Bay down south toward Mexico for warmer waters. In addition, there are often large pods of dolphins you can see between the South Bay and Catalina Island.
Build a Bonfire at Dockweiler Beach
There are a few places in Southern California where you can build a bond fire on the beach. Dockweiler Beach, just west of the Los Angeles International Airport, is one of those places. Although not technically in the South Bay, it’s so close that I am throwing it on the list as a bonus activity. In the summer months, bonfires are extremely popular. You will see lines of cars to get into the parking lot. There are about 60-80 fire pits and are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Pro Tip
Go early to secure your spot, and don’t forget a s’mores kit.
Go Hang Gliding on the Beach
Windsports offers beginners the ability to get their feet in the air and go hang gliding right on the beach! Where else can you ride your bike down the Strand and stop for an afternoon flying adventure? I have not had a chance to go hang gliding with Windsports, but it’s on my list of things to try in the South Bay.
Attend Community Events
I highly recommend you check out some of the community events, especially in the summer. The summer concert series is held on the beach (Hermosa Beach), at local parks (Manhattan Beach), and on the pier (Redondo Beach). To find out about the local events, log onto each city’s website and head to the calendar section. Join the thousands of locals that enjoy these concerts every summer.
- Pro Tip
Grab a bottle of wine and a picnic and head out to one of these local events. You can also pick up dinner from local restaurants.
- Pro Tip
Bring a chair. Over the years, I have learned it’s much more comfortable to sit in a chair than on the ground. If you stay at the Beach House at Hermosa Beach, beach chairs are available for guests.
I hope you enjoyed my list of the best things to do in the South Bay! If you visiting the South Bay, don’t forget to check out the best places to stay and try the best places for dinner.
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Hang gliding on the beach!!! I am heading to the South Bay next week and I am doing some last-minute itinerary changes. My uncle owns a condo in the South Bay and said that I could use it for the weekend if I deep-clean it before coming home. Part of me wonders if that means hours of cleanup, or if he It is already super clean and he is just being nice. I guess I will find out next week. AHHH I can’t wait.
Tons of great information! Thanks for the wonderful guide, can’t wait to go!
I am so happy you found this guide informative. I hope you get to visit soon.
There is so much to do and it all looks so fun!! I love your pro tips! Can’t wait for a visit!
Thank you! There are countless things to do in the South Bay that are so much fun!
Oh wow! I am from Quebec and I will do a roadtrip to this place someday for sure! Thank you!
Great! I hope you can make it to the South Bay soon!
OK you made me want to book a trip. I’m sure hubby would totally go for it. We love California especially LA (I know, I know lol) but this definitely looks like our style. Kev would love to kayak. He would want to go in the ocean, me I’ll stay in the marina ha
Yay! So happy my post is inspiring you to book a trip to the South Bay. I’m totally with you, I prefer the marina, but my husband would head for the ocean.
What an awesome guide! I’d love to try kayaking next time I’m in the area. 🙂
Thanks so much, Nikki!