101 Things To Do In The South Bay
Why People Love the South Bay
The South Bay is one of the most livable, most active, and most genuinely beautiful communities in all of Southern California. Fourteen miles of coastline. Year-round sunshine. A calendar full of local events, farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and festivals. World-class restaurants. Hiking trails with views of Catalina Island. And a community that actually knows its neighbors.
Whether you live here, work here, or are visiting for the first time, there is always something worth doing in the South Bay. This list covers 101 of them, across Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, El Segundo, Lawndale, and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
We keep this guide updated year-round. Subscribe to our newsletter for the week’s best events every Thursday.
About this guide: Local Anchor is a South Bay community media platform covering local events, restaurants, and things to do since 2017. We update this list regularly based on firsthand experience and community input.
Explore More of the South Bay
This list is your starting point. Local Anchor covers the South Bay in depth: events, restaurants, city guides, and community stories, all in one place.
Events: Local Events Calendar | Monthly Events Guide
Dining: Restaurant Guides | South Bay Restaurant Week | Family-Friendly Restaurants
By city:
Fun Things To Do With Kids In Manhattan Beach
Fun Things to do with Kids in Torrance
Fun Things to do with Kids in Redondo Beach
Fun Things with Kids in Carson
Fun Things to do with Kids in Long Beach
Note to our readers, we try to keep things as up to date as possible, but things change all the time. Please contact the venue directly before visiting.
Table of Contents
Outdoor Activities In The South Bay
Related: Best Botanical Gardens In Southern California | Kid-Friendly Farms Near Los Angeles
The South Bay’s outdoor scene goes far beyond the beach. From the wetlands of Madrona Marsh in Torrance to the dramatic bluffs of Palos Verdes, the region offers nature experiences that most people, even longtime locals, haven’t fully explored. These are the best outdoor activities to add to your list.
South Coast Botanic Garden (Palos Verdes)
Marvel at 70+ acres of lush gardens, seasonal blooms, and nature trails.
Wilderness Park (Redondo Beach)
Stroll through peaceful woodlands and spot wildlife along scenic trails.
Valmonte Farm & Garden (Palos Verdes Estates)
Pick fruits, feed animals, and learn about sustainable farming.
Madrona Marsh Preserve (Torrance)
Explore wetlands filled with native plants and birds on easy walking paths.
Malaga Cove Tide Pools (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Discover starfish, crabs, and sea anemones in natural tide pools.
Point Vicente Interpretive Center (Palos Verdes Estates)
Learn about local marine life, geology, and migrating whales.
Beaches, Parks & Piers In The South Bay
Related: South Bay Wilderness Parks and Easy Trails | Best Parks & Playgrounds in the South Bay
The South Bay’s three piers, miles of coastal trail, and dozens of parks give this community more green and blue space per square mile than almost anywhere in LA. The Strand, running from Redondo Beach through Hermosa to Manhattan Beach, is one of the best places in Southern California to spend a weekend morning. Here’s where to go.
Redondo Beach Pier
Spot sea lions, or grab a treat by the ocean.
Hermosa Beach Pier
Walk the pier and enjoy ocean views and beachfront dining.
Manhattan Beach Pier
Fish, surf, or visit the Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the pier.
Polliwog Park (Manhattan Beach)
Feed the ducks, explore the playground, and picnic in open spaces.
Bruce’s Beach (Manhattan Beach)
Relax at a historic park with great views and grassy hills.
South Park (Hermosa Beach)
Scootering paths and a large playground make it a favorite for families.
The Strand (Manhattan, Hermosa, Redondo)
Bike, skate, or scoot along this scenic coastal trail.
Greenbelt Trail (Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach)
A shady wood-chip trail perfect for walking and tree climbing.
Averill Park (San Pedro)
Explore a waterfall, ponds, rolling hills and city views.
Anderson Park (Redondo Beach)
Spacious fields, tennis courts, and play areas for active kids.
Rocketship Park (Torrance)
Slide down the rocket and enjoy panoramic city views.
Clutter’s Park (El Segundo)
Watch planes take off and land from LAX’s runways.
Terranea Bluff Trail (Palos Verdes)
Enjoy ocean views, wildlife sightings, and a small beach cove on this family-friendly, well-kept trail with dirt and paved sections.
Manhattan Beach Sand Dunes
Named for its 100-foot sand dune, this park features kid-friendly trails, native plants, and panoramic city views from the top.
Harbor Cruises (Redondo Beach)
Take a family-friendly boat tour of the marina.
Fly Kites (Various Parks and Beaches)
Bring a kite and take advantage of the South Bay’s breezy days.
Horse Trail Riding (Palos Verdes)
Enjoy a guided ride through scenic equestrian trails.
South Bay Archery Club (Torrance)
Kids can learn the basics of archery with expert guidance.
South Bay Sailing (Redondo Beach)
Take a sailing lesson or ride along the calm harbor waters.
Go Whale Watching (Redondo Beach)
Catch a glimpse of migrating whales from a boat or shore.
Entertainment & Indoor Activities In The South Bay
Related: Best Memberships for Families in Los Angeles | Best Indoor Play Spaces in the South Bay
When the beach isn’t calling, or when you want something completely different, the South Bay has a strong indoor entertainment scene. From go-karts and art studios to tea rooms and immersive play spaces, these are the spots worth knowing about.
Southern California Live Steamers: Miniature Train Rides in Torrance Park
Southern California Live Steamers offers free miniature train rides in Torrance Park, fun for kids and train fans alike!
K1 Speed (Torrance)
Indoor electric go-karts for kids (and grown-ups) ready to race.
South Bay Galleria – World of Dinosaurs (Redondo Beach)
Explore lifelike dino displays inside the mall.
Olivia’s Dollhouse Tea Room (Torrance)
Dress up and enjoy a princess tea party experience.
The Art Zone (Redondo Beach)
Let kids get messy and creative with open-ended art play.
Dig It (Torrance)
A hands-on indoor play space with construction-themed fun.
Splash Pads & Pools In The South Bay
Related: The Coolest Splash Pads And Pools Around LA
The South Bay may be on the ocean, but on the hottest summer days, a splash pad or pool is often the better call, especially for smaller kids or anyone who wants a more contained water experience. Here are the best options in the area, from free splash pads to public pools and harbor kayaking.
Seaside Lagoon (Redondo Beach)
A seasonal saltwater lagoon with slides and a sandy beach.
Splash Pad at Alondra Aquatic Center (Lawndale)
Cool off with water features perfect for young kids.
Splash Pad at Wilson Park (Torrance)
Seasonal splash fun in one of the largest local parks.
Splash Pad at Promenade on the Peninsula (Rolling Hills Estates)
Combine shopping and splashing for the perfect summer stop.
Hawthorne Pool (Hawthorne)
An affordable public pool with swim programs and open swim.
Victor E. Benstead Plunge (Torrance)
Indoor heated pool for lessons and family swim.
Begg Pool (Manhattan Beach)
Neighborhood pool with lap swim and kids’ swim classes.
Kayaking & Pedal Boating (Redondo Beach Pier)
Rent a kayak or pedal boat and cruise the calm waters.
Aquariums, Museums & Educational Spots In The South Bay
Related: Best Children’s Museums in Los Angeles & Orange County | Guide to Southern California Zoos & Aquariums
The South Bay and nearby San Pedro are home to a remarkable concentration of museums, historic sites, and educational attractions, many of them underrated and uncrowded compared to their LA counterparts. The Battleship Iowa alone is worth a full afternoon. Here’s the complete list.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (San Pedro)
Interactive exhibits and touch tanks introduce kids to ocean life.
Battleship USS Iowa Museum (San Pedro)
Walk the deck of a real battleship and learn naval history.
Roundhouse Aquarium (Manhattan Beach Pier)
Small but mighty—touch tanks and ocean education for all ages.
Marine Mammal Care Center (San Pedro)
Learn how sea lions and seals are rescued and rehabilitated.
Korean Friendship Bell (San Pedro)
A stunning landmark with ocean views and cultural history.
Point Vicente Lighthouse (Palos Verdes)
See this historic lighthouse and spot migrating whales.
Western Museum of Flight (Torrance)
Explore vintage planes and aviation exhibits.
Lomita Train Museum (Lomita)
Ride miniature trains and explore model railroads.
International Printing Museum (Carson)
Discover how printing shaped the world with hands-on exhibits.
Automobile Driving Museum (El Segundo)
Climb into classic cars and enjoy ice cream Sundays.
LA Fire Department Museum (San Pedro)
View antique fire engines and firefighting tools.
Unique South Bay Experiences
Related: South Bay Indoor Activities Guide | Extraordinary Immersive Experiences in the South Bay and LA
Some of the best things about the South Bay can’t be categorized neatly. This is the section for the local experiences that make the region genuinely distinct: the things you can only do here, or the spots most visitors completely miss. From watching planes land at LAX up close to riding a semi-submersible submarine, these are the South Bay originals.
Picnic under the planes as they fly over head from LAX (Westchester)
Southern California Live Steamers (Torrance)
Ride miniature trains around a park loop for free (select Sundays).
Rainforest Flora (Torrance)
Feed koi and turtles in this indoor tropical plant nursery.
Go Kart World (Carson)
Race a variety of tracks for all age levels.
Looking Glass Submarine (Redondo Beach)
Take a semi-submersible tour and explore sea life up close.
Dignity Health Sports Park (Carson)
Catch an LA Galaxy game or local sports tournament.
Go See the Goodyear Blimp (Carson)
Spot this iconic airship as it launches or lands nearby.
Ice Skating at LA Kings Ice (Palos Verdes + El Segundo)
Cool down and glide on the rink at Promenade on the Peninsula.
Visit a Local Library (Multiple Cities)
Join storytime, grab a book, or attend a kids’ activity.
Malaga Cove Library (Palos Verdes Estates)
A charming spot for books, storytime, and quiet reading.
Stay Connected With Local Anchor
We cover the South Bay every week: the events worth showing up for, the restaurants worth the wait, and the community stories worth knowing. Here’s how to stay in the loop.
- 📧 Weekly Newsletter: The week’s best South Bay events and things to do → Subscribe
- 💬 WhatsApp Channel: Last-minute picks and weekend alerts → Join
- 📸 Instagram: @WeAreLocalAnchor
- 🎵 TikTok: @WeAreLocalAnchor
- ▶️ YouTube: Local Anchor on YouTube
- 👥 Facebook Groups: What’s Happening in the South Bay | South Bay Local
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in the South Bay of Los Angeles? The South Bay offers an exceptional range of activities year-round. Top options include exploring the beaches and piers of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach; hiking the bluff trails in Palos Verdes; visiting the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium or Battleship Iowa in San Pedro; attending local events like South Bay Restaurant Week or outdoor concerts; and exploring parks like South Coast Botanic Garden and Madrona Marsh. Local Anchor maintains a continuously updated events calendar at localanchor.com/local-events.
What is there to do in the South Bay this weekend? The best way to find out what’s happening in the South Bay this weekend is to check Local Anchor’s events calendar at localanchor.com/local-events, or subscribe to the weekly newsletter at localanchor.com/join. The calendar is updated continuously with festivals, farmers markets, outdoor concerts, community events, and local happenings across Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, El Segundo, and Palos Verdes.
What neighborhoods make up the South Bay of Los Angeles? The South Bay encompasses Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, El Segundo, Lawndale, Hawthorne, Gardena, Carson, and the Palos Verdes Peninsula (including Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, and Rolling Hills Estates). The area runs from El Segundo in the north to San Pedro and the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the south, along the Pacific coast southwest of Los Angeles.
What are the best free things to do in the South Bay? The South Bay has a wealth of free activities including walking or biking The Strand (the coastal path from Redondo to Manhattan Beach), visiting Bruce’s Beach or Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach, exploring Madrona Marsh Preserve in Torrance, watching planes land at Clutter’s Park in El Segundo, attending free events at local farmers markets, and joining community events. Local Anchor rounds up free events regularly on the events calendar.
What are the best beaches in the South Bay? The South Bay’s most popular beaches include Manhattan Beach (known for volleyball, surf, and the pier), Hermosa Beach (beach boardwalk, pier, and lively atmosphere), Redondo Beach (marina, pier, and Seaside Lagoon), and the more secluded Malaga Cove in Palos Verdes (great tide pools). The Strand connects all three main beach cities and is ideal for cycling and walking.
What are the best restaurants in the South Bay? The South Bay has a thriving restaurant scene across all price points. Local Anchor covers it in detail at localanchor.com/category/local-restaurants, including neighborhood guides, new openings, and the annual South Bay Restaurant Week. Standout dining areas include downtown Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach’s Pier Avenue strip, the Redondo Beach marina, and Old Torrance.
Is the South Bay good for outdoor activities? Yes. The South Bay is exceptional for outdoor activities. Options include surfing, beach volleyball, cycling The Strand, hiking bluff trails in Palos Verdes, kayaking and paddleboarding in Redondo Beach harbor, birdwatching at Madrona Marsh, visiting South Coast Botanic Garden, exploring tide pools at Malaga Cove, and whale watching offshore. The region’s Mediterranean climate means outdoor activities are possible year-round.
What are the best family-friendly activities in the South Bay? The South Bay is extremely family-friendly. Top picks include Polliwog Park and the Manhattan Beach Pier, Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach, splash pads at Wilson Park (Torrance) and the Promenade on the Peninsula, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Dig It play space in Torrance, miniature train rides with Southern California Live Steamers, and South Coast Botanic Garden. Local Anchor also hosts family-focused community events throughout the year.
What is there to do in Palos Verdes? Palos Verdes is best known for its dramatic coastal scenery and outdoor activities. Key spots include the Terranea Bluff Trail, Malaga Cove Tide Pools, Point Vicente Interpretive Center and Lighthouse, South Coast Botanic Garden, Valmonte Farm & Garden, and equestrian trail rides. The area is also home to the Promenade on the Peninsula, which has a splash pad, ice skating rink, shopping, and dining.
What is there to do in Torrance, CA? Torrance offers a mix of parks, dining, and unique local experiences. Highlights include Madrona Marsh Preserve, Wilson Park (with splash pad and farmers market), Rocketship Park, K1 Speed go-karts, Dig It indoor play space, Rainforest Flora nursery (with koi and turtles), Victor E. Benstead Plunge, and the South Bay Galleria. Torrance also has a thriving Old Town dining scene and is home to numerous local breweries and restaurants.
When is South Bay Restaurant Week? South Bay Restaurant Week is an annual event organized by Local Anchor, featuring special prix-fixe menus from the best local restaurants. Dates vary each year. Check localanchor.com/taste-of-south-bay for the current year’s dates and participating restaurants.
How do I find out about events in the South Bay? The best resources for South Bay events are: Local Anchor’s events calendar (localanchor.com/local-events), the Local Anchor Thursday newsletter (subscribe at localanchor.com/join), the Local Anchor WhatsApp channel for last-minute updates, and the Local Anchor Facebook groups, “What’s Happening in the South Bay” and “South Bay Local.”
