01
Best overall pick
Hermosa City Beach
Hermosa Beach Pier District • Classic Socal Strand • Local Favorite
If you only have time for one beach in the South Bay, make it the wide, lively stretch right in front of Hermosa’s pier.
Hermosa City Beach is where volleyball courts, bike and skate traffic on The Strand, and an all-day crowd of locals and visitors all overlap. You can walk straight from the sand to cafes, bars, and ice cream spots around Pier Plaza without ever getting in your car. It’s busy but rarely overwhelming, and there’s always something to watch, from sunset surf sessions to pickup volleyball tournaments.
02
Best for a polished beach day
Manhattan Beach
Downtown Manhattan Beach • Upscale Surf Town Beach • Great For Strolling And Dining
A short hop north of Hermosa, Manhattan Beach pairs postcard views with some of the best shopping and dining on the coast.
This stretch of sand is backed by steep streets lined with beach houses and restaurants, giving the whole area a polished, small-town feel. Walk the pier to the roundhouse aquarium, watch the advanced surfers work the breaks, then climb back up for a drink or dinner with a view. It’s a strong pick if you want a full day that mixes beach time with people-watching and a more refined nightlife scene.
03
Best for families and casual fun
Redondo Beach at the Pier and King Harbor
Redondo King Harbor & Pier • Harbor-Adjacent Family Beach • Best For Families
Gentler waves, easy parking, and a quirky working harbor make Redondo a relaxed alternative just south of Hermosa.
Here you get a wide beach plus the bonus of the horseshoe-shaped pier, seafood stands, and harbor views. Kids can split time between playing in the shallower shore break, checking out the marina, and grabbing churros or shaved ice on the pier. It’s less about sleek aesthetics and more about simple, low-pressure fun with plenty of places to duck into if the wind picks up.
04
Best for a quieter day on the sand
Torrance Beach
Torrance / Rivera Village • Wide, Mellow Neighborhood Beach • Great For Uncrowded Vibes
Torrance Beach feels like a locals’ secret at the south end of the bike path, with big views and fewer crowds.
Sitting between the South Bay strand towns and the cliffs of Palos Verdes, Torrance Beach tends to be calmer than Hermosa and Manhattan. You still have The Strand-style bike path, but the atmosphere is slower, and it’s easier to find space to spread out a towel. After the beach, head up to nearby Riviera Village for a coffee, casual meal, or a slow wander through independent shops.
05
Best for early-morning surfers
El Porto Beach
El Porto / North Manhattan • High-Energy Surf Break With Jetty • Best For Surf Sessions
North of central Manhattan, El Porto draws a dedicated surf crowd chasing more powerful, consistent waves.
With its breakwater, sandbars, and slightly wilder feel, El Porto is where you’ll see dawn patrol surfers jockeying for position even on chilly mornings. The beach itself is narrower and more functional than pretty, but the energy is great if you like an active lineup and don’t mind a bit of grit. Grab a post-session breakfast burrito or coffee from the small cluster of spots just up from the parking lots and watch the next set roll in.