01
Best all-around beach
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach Pier District • Classic South Bay Pier Scene • Best Overall Pick
A polished, walkable beach with a wide strand, iconic pier, and plenty of spots to grab food before or after the sand.
From Hawthorne, Manhattan Beach is the go-to when you want the full postcard version of the South Bay without driving far. The strand is clean, the surf is consistent, and volleyball courts line the sand. Stroll the pier for ocean views, then duck into the compact downtown for coffee, tacos, or a sit-down seafood meal.
02
Top bonfire spot
Dockweiler State Beach
Playa Del Rey / Lax-Adjacent • Wide, No-Frills Shoreline With Fire Pits • Best For Bonfires And Big Groups
A long, flat stretch of sand known for its fire rings, easy access, and planes flying low on takeoff.
Dockweiler is the beach Hawthorne locals pick for sunset hangouts, birthday cookouts, and casual group gatherings. Arrive early on weekends if you want to claim a fire pit, especially in summer. The bike path runs right behind the sand, so you can ride in from the South Bay or just wander for a quieter spot away from the main lots.
03
Go-to social beach
Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach Downtown • Lively Strand With Bars And Volleyball • Best For People-Watching And Nightlife
A compact, energetic beach where the sand, volleyball courts, and a bar-and-restaurant-lined plaza all meet.
Hermosa draws a younger, social crowd, especially around Pier Plaza, where you can step off the strand and straight onto a patio for a drink. The bike path and volleyball nets keep the daytime active, while evenings often spill from the restaurants toward the water. It is not the quietest option, but it is ideal when you want a beach day that naturally rolls into a night out.
04
Family day standby
Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach And King Harbor • Harbor-Adjacent Family Beach • Best For Families And Mellow Days
A gentler stretch of sand backed by a mix of playgrounds, bike path, and the busy Redondo Beach Pier and harbor area.
Redondo works well for mixed groups who want options beyond just laying out a towel. The sand near the pier is broad, the waves can be tamer than at more exposed breaks, and there are bathrooms and snack stands close at hand. When everyone is sun-tired, you can wander the pier for casual seafood, sweets, or just to watch the harbor activity.
05
Closest uncrowded feel
El Segundo Beach
El Segundo Shoreline • Under-The-Radar Local Surf Spot • Best Quick Escape From The Office Parks
A quieter stretch between Dockweiler and Manhattan Beach that offers solid surf and fewer crowds on weekdays.
El Segundo Beach sees fewer tourists, so it can feel like a break from the busier South Bay scene while still being minutes from Hawthorne. Parking is straightforward, the sand is wide, and the bike path makes it easy to combine a ride with a quick dip. Expect basic amenities rather than a built-up pier, which is part of its appeal for locals.