01
Best overall pick
Redondo County Beach
Redondo Pier & Harbor • Classic South Bay Strand • Local Favorite
The main stretch of Redondo sand delivers a bit of everything without feeling overwhelming.
This is the beach most people picture when they think of Redondo: wide sand, steady surf, and the pier and harbor just steps away. You can post up near the pier for people-watching and easy access to snacks, or walk south for a quieter blanket spot. The paved Strand path behind the sand makes it easy to bike or stroll between neighboring beach cities.
02
Best for laid-back days
Torrance County Beach
South Of Redondo In Torrance • Wide, Mellow Neighborhood Beach • Best For Relaxed Days
Just south of Redondo, Torrance Beach feels like a softer, slower version of the busier South Bay strands.
Set below the bluffs at the southern end of the bay, Torrance Beach often feels less crowded than its neighbors. The gradual slope and consistent small-to-moderate waves make it welcoming for casual swimmers and beginner surfers. Stay through sunset and you’ll see why locals love this stretch for golden-hour walks along the waterline.
03
Best for social energy
Hermosa Beach
Just North In Hermosa Beach • Lively Pier-Side Beach • Best For People-Watching
Hermosa Beach pairs a wide sandy shoreline with a compact, walkable pier district packed with energy.
A quick ride up The Strand lands you in Hermosa, where volleyball courts line the sand and the scene skews young and active. It’s a great choice if you want to pair beach time with brunch, bars, or live music around Pier Plaza. Expect more of a buzz here, especially on weekends and sunny afternoons.
04
Best for active beachgoers
Manhattan Beach
Up The Coast In Manhattan Beach • Upscale Surf And Volleyball Beach • Great For Surf And Play
Manhattan Beach brings polished South Bay vibes, steady surf, and some of the area’s most competitive volleyball courts.
The sand here feels a bit more polished to match the boutiques and cafes in the blocks above the shore. Surfers gravitate to the pier area for consistent peaks, while volleyball players fill the courts most of the year. If you like to mix a workout on the Strand stairs or a long run with a post-beach coffee, this is your spot.
05
Best for young kids
Seaside Lagoon
Redondo Harbor Waterfront • Protected Saltwater Swim Beach • Best For Kids And Non-Swimmers
This enclosed saltwater lagoon offers a sandy, lifeguarded alternative to ocean waves right by the harbor.
Though it sits just off the harbor instead of directly on the open ocean, Seaside Lagoon scratches the beach itch for families with small children. The calm, shallow water and defined swim area make it far less intimidating than the surf, and there’s usually room to spread out on the surrounding sand and grass. It’s an easy choice when wind, waves, or chilly water make the main beach feel like too much.