Travel. Wellness. Cultural Insight. Lived Experience.
LOS ANGELES BEACH CITIES
When most people think of Los Angeles, they picture Santa Monica, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or the Hollywood Sign. The beach cities in the South Bay—Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach—offer a completely different version of LA.
This is where daily life is built around the ocean. The coastline is clean, wide, and walkable, connected by The Strand, a continuous path that runs along the water. You’ll see people walking, biking, playing volleyball, and yes—surfing, often in wetsuits because the Pacific here stays cold year-round.
Each city brings something slightly different. Manhattan Beach feels more polished, with strong restaurants and a structured downtown. Hermosa Beach is more active, with volleyball courts, bars, and a younger crowd near the pier. Redondo Beach gives you more space—longer stretches of coastline, a working harbor, and a quieter, more residential feel further south.
This part of Los Angeles is easy to get to from LAX and easy to spend time in. If you want to understand what everyday coastal life in LA actually looks like, this is where you go.
Manhattan Beach: A Practical Travel Guide
Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles, CA
Hermosa Beach: A Practical Travel Guide
Visit Hermosa Beach in Los Angeles, CA
Redondo Beach: A Practical Travel Guide
Visit Redondo Beach in Los Angeles, CA
What to Know: Weather, Wellness & Culture
Temperature
Summer: 65–75°F / 18–24°C (marine layer mornings, clearer afternoons)
Winter: 50–65°F / 10–18°C (mild, with consistent sun)
Wellness
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The Strand — a continuous oceanfront path connecting Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach for walking, biking, and everyday movement
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Cold Pacific swims — the water stays brisk year-round; wetsuits are common for surfing and longer dips
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Outdoor living — beach workouts, yoga on the sand, and casual movement built into daily routines
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Sunset as routine — evenings on the beach!
Culture
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BeachLife Festival — held along the waterfront in Redondo Beach, this is the South Bay’s most recognizable cultural event, bringing in established artists and drawing a mix of locals and visitors without losing its coastal, laid-back feel
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The Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach is a long-standing institution, known for high-quality stand-up (often including surprise appearances by major comedians).
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Community traditions that draw real crowds — events like the Skechers Manhattan Beach Fireworks and seasonal traditions like pumpkin races in Manhattan Beach feel local-first.
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The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center and the Hermosa Beach Community Center regularly host concerts, touring productions, and well-known speakers