Hollywood may have the fame, but South Bay has the real energy. Tucked below Los Angeles, this coastal stretch is packed with stunning beaches, incredible food, and a nightlife scene that puts overpriced Hollywood clubs to shame. Forget the tourist traps and endless traffic because South Bay delivers the best of LA without the chaos. From hidden surf spots to buzzing local hangouts, these 19 reasons prove this area is way more exciting than Hollywood.
Local Things To Do In South Bay LA
1. Watch planes take off at Dockweiler Beach
Dockweiler Beach is a state beach park that’s home to almost 4 miles of sandy beach. It’s hardly ever crowded and is just west of LAX meaning you’ll be able to plane spot for days!
There is also an adjacent RV park meaning you can drive your travel trailer to your own personal spot on the beach and wake up to the beautiful sounds of the ocean. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen – there is the Beach Side Market in case you forget staples.
2. Light a fire at Dockweiler Beach
Many people flock here in the evening time to enjoy a lovely bonfire on the beach – it’s one of the few beaches in the LA area where you can actually do this!
If this is something you want to do, make sure you bring lots of firewood with you as the parking lot is strictly no ins and outs. Also, be sure to come early to make sure you get a spot!
3. Take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane for some authentic Californian holiday spirit
This neighborhood in Torrance is well known to locals for having a stunning light display every holiday season.
The residents here REALLY go all out with tons of massive light displays, music, and even small carts selling hot chocolate and snacks! Parking is residential – to get here, navigate to Robert Road and Doris Way in Torrance.
4. [Pro Tip] Grab a delectable ice cream at Handel’s Ice Cream
It’s just a few blocks down the road before or after! We highly recommend the chocolate chocolate chip cheesecake chunk or the pineapple upside-down cake, but you really can’t go wrong here.
5. Watch the sunset at Bluff Cove
This is hands down our favorite place to watch the sunset in Southern California. We usually bring a small picnic, hike the short path down to the cove, and watch the sea birds and surfers enjoying the last rays of the day.
Wear decent shoes as there is a bit of an incline, and bring a jacket as it can get a little chilly, especially in winter months! To get here, plug “Bluff Cove Lookout” into your GPS.
6. Have a lazy morning at Coffee Cartel
This used to be our go-to coffee and brunch spot when we lived in the South Bay. Not only are the coffee drinks and breakfast sandwiches absolutely amazing, but there are also tons of books and games to play while you linger over your espresso.
We loved playing a long game of chess while enjoying their salmon lox bagel and chai tea latte.
7. Or get a breakfast burrito at Phanny’s
If you prefer something a little more substantial and hand-held for breakfast, then head down the street to Phanny’s.
This is a well-known local hidden gem for breakfast burritos – be prepared to stand in a line. It does go fast and it is worth every second!
Be sure to check the schedule before you visit because they are not open every day, and usually close by 2 pm.
8. Dine at this 5-star resort
Have some fancy snacks and drinks at Terranea Resort. This luxury 5-star hotel is perched on the cliffs of Palos Verdes and has multiple delicious dining options, several of which overlook the Pacific.
Make sure to spend some time wandering down the Terranea trail for some truly jaw-dropping bluff views.
9. Take a walk up and down the Redondo Beach Pier
The vibe is a vintage laid back surf city with lots of possibilities for fun in the sun. There are a plethora of fish restaurants to choose from on Fisherman’s Wharf. There’s even a vintage indoor arcade full of fun coin-operated games!
10. Enjoy panoramic views while dining at the Strand House
This beautiful restaurant offers floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass windows showcasing the jewel of the Pacific ocean.
We find it’s more worthwhile to enjoy the view during the late afternoon/early evening while the sun is still sinking in the sky. The food is great here but we often stop by to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail before heading to Sugar Fish!
11. Learn about Manhattan Beach’s history
Admire the local art at the Manhattan Beach Art Center, then cross the street to the Manhattan Beach Historical Society and Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden.
These three attractions are nicely located within a ten-minute walk from each other and will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the history of Manhattan Beach as well as the current culture.
12. Spend the afternoon in the South Coast Botanic Garden
This is a really beautiful and diverse area to enjoy nature, especially considering it used to be a landfill!
These gardens periodically host art exhibits from local artists, and there is also a spectacular holiday lights display that is seasonal if you happen to be visiting during winter time.
13. Check out some historic aircrafts
Visit the Western Museum of Flight. This low-key museum is located in the Zamperini Air Field in Torrance. It is a non-profit museum that showcases various aircrafts that have been pivotal in American history and it’s really interesting to visit.
14. Grab a coffee at this quirky shop
Bluestone Lane Manhattan Beach Café brings Aussie café culture to the USA with its relaxed, laid-back vibe and some of the best flat whites you’ll find. Known for its ethically-sourced and sustainably-packaged coffee, every cup is expertly roasted for a perfect brew. It makes a great place to either start your day or refuel mid-way through.
15. Eat tasty sushi at Sugar Fish
This is a must-do for any sushi lover or even any sushi liker. Think warm delicate rice topped with delicious melt-in-your-mouth fish paired with creative and delicious sauces that leave you wanting to come back the next day and the next!
Sugar Fish is a chain, but our favorite in the LA area is actually the one in Manhattan Beach just off the strand.
16. Stroll around Sartori Avenue in Old Town Torrance
This street is home to several antique stores, art supply shops, and many delicious restaurants and watering houses.
We love grabbing Mexican food at Madre, which is a delicious Oaxacan place that has a beautiful patio and live music on lots of Fridays and Sundays!
You also won’t want to miss Chado Tea Room for a delicious afternoon cuppa, or Red Car Brewery if you’re in the mood for something stronger.
17. Trains, trains, trains
If museums are your thing, then you won’t want to miss the Lomita Railroad Museum in Lomita.
You can check out carriages from the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific train lines and learn more about how the steam engine shaped Californian (and American) history.
18. Purchase some plant babies at Torrance Wholesale Nursery
This spectacular (and massive) plant nursery is truly a hidden gem in the South Bay. There are tons of amazing finds and even if you don’t know if you want to buy anything, it’s a great place to wander around and take in the plant life! It’s very well priced and the employees are super helpful and nice.
19. Hit the beach
By far the top thing to do in the South Bay of Los Angeles is to spend some quality beach time. You are spoiled for choice in this neck of the woods. Our favorite is Redondo Beach because it’s quiet and off the main tourist pathway.
Plenty of others flock to Hermosa for beach volleyball, or to Manhattan for its trendy nightlife and shopping. There are always tons of surfers out too – check the surf forecast and hit the waves!
You literally cannot go wrong with any of the beaches in this area, and if the weather is good (chances are it will be) pack up your beach towel, your sunscreen, and a good book and head to the ocean.
Where To Stay In South Bay, Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a variety of accommodations: hotels, resorts, campgrounds and more. We recommend these 3 options in and near South Bay:
Budget-Friendly Option: Residence Inn Los Angeles LAX/Manhattan Beach
Mid-Priced Option: Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach
Lux Option: Terranea Resort
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Bay considered Los Angeles?
South Bay is a part of greater Los Angeles and is located in Los Angeles county.
What is considered the South Bay in Los Angeles?
There are around 20 cities in the South Bay including
- Manhattan Beach
- Hermosa Beach
- Rancho Palos Verdes (one of the safest cities in Southern California)
- Redondo Beach
- Torrance
- Inglewood
- Palos Verdes Estates
- El Segundo
- Carson
- Gardena
- Lawndale
- Hawthorne
- Lomita
- Westchester
- Rolling Hills
- Rolling Hills Estates
- Some LA cities including San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City, and Harbor Gateway
How many people live in South Bay Los Angeles?
There are 137,449 people living in the South Bay of Los Angeles.
Where is the South Bay of Los Angeles?
South Bay is located in the southwest of Los Angeles. It’s bordered by Santa Monica Bay and the Pacific Ocean to the West, and inland Los Angeles to the East.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a local or just visiting the South Bay, it’s always nice to get tips from locals on the best places to visit. The list we’ve compiled here is full of options and has something for everyone.
No matter if you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors, shop, eat great food, try some new sports, have fun with your family or friends, or just relax and have a good time—there’s certainly no shortage of things to do in South Bay, Los Angeles.
This post was written by Dev & Yas from That Cool Travel Couple with additional insights from Shreeyeh Rajan from Bae Area and Beyond.
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
54 Things To Do in Los Angeles That Will Change How You See the City
1 Day Manhattan Beach Itinerary
23 Free Things To Do In Manhattan Beach – Insider Tips
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