Ultimate Guide to South Bay Summer Fun
As the sun climbs higher and the days stretch longer, there’s no denying that summer is in full swing. It’s the season of endless possibilities, vibrant sunsets, and making memories that last a lifetime.
Discover the top summer activities in the South Bay, from beach escapades to vibrant cultural festivals. Whether it’s a concert, surf camp, museum visit, a splash pad retreat, or even a date night, Local Anchor has you covered with the best things to do for a memorable South Bay summer.
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.
Related article: 40+ Awesome Things to Do With Kids This Summer In LA
This post is sponsored by South Bay Credit Union. South Bay Credit Union is for all who live, work, or worship in the South Bay.
South Bay Events
El Segundo Certified Farmers Market on Main Street
300 Block of Main Street, El Segundo
300 Block of Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245
Friday Fun at Madrona Marsh Preserve
Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center
3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance, CA, 90503, United States
Cruzin’ the Lagoon: Redondo Beach Car Show
King Harbor Marina
208 Yacht Club Way, Redondo Beach, CA, 90277, United States
Night Hike at Madrona Marsh Preserve
3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance, CA, United States, California 90503
Metlox Music Free Summer Concert Series in Manhattan Beach
Metlox Plaza / Manhattan Beach Pier Area
Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
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Free Outdoor Summer Concerts in the South Bay and Beyond
What better way to celebrate the summer season than by attending a free outdoor concert? The South Bay area is home to a variety of free concerts every summer. From classic rock to indie pop, there’s live music for everyone to enjoy.
Some popular locations include the picturesque Redondo Beach Pier, Hermosa Beach Concert Series, and Manhattan Beach Concerts in the Park. Bring a picnic blanket or beach chair, some snacks, and your loved ones for an evening of music under the stars. Be sure to get there early, as the good spots will go fast! Check out the lineup at all of our favorite spots:
- Summer of Music Concerts on the Redondo Pier
- Manhattan Beach Summer Concerts in the Park
- Torrance Summer Nights
- South Coast Botanic Garden’s Sunset Series
- Free Concert Series in the South Bay and Beyond
Free Theater and Outdoor Movies in the South Bay
Besides grooving to music, the next best way to enjoy a cool summer evening is with a love performance or movie under the stars. There are plenty of spots across the South Bay where you can catch a free, family-friendly flick. Or of the theater is more your vibe check out a free Shakespeare performance in the park.
- Free Outdoor Movies in the South Bay This Summer
- South Bay’s Shakespeare by the Sea is Back for 2026
Dine & Shop in the South Bay
Discover wonderful upscale spots to dine with an ocean view, enjoy a romantic evening at a chic coastal eatery, relax with a glass of wine during a laid-back happy hour, or cool down with a delicious ice cream cone. Explore charming boutiques in Downtown Manhattan Beach, The Riviera Village in Redondo Beach, or Downtown Torrance. A local favorite is shopping one of our vibrant local farmers’ markets for a taste of the area’s freshness.
- 50+ of the Best South Bay Date Night Restaurants
- Best Italian Food in the South Bay
- Best Steakhouses in the South Bay: Where Locals Go for a Great Cut
- Best Restaurants and Bars with a View in the South Bay
- South Bay Breweries and Tasting Rooms
- Favorite Local South Bay Bakeries for Every Occasion
- Our Favorite Local South Bay Farmers Markets
- Guide to the Best Pizza in the South Bay
- Guide to the Best South Bay Ice Cream
Summer Camps in South Bay
There is an abundance of fantastic summer camps in the South Bay area that offer many great activities to keep your kids engaged and entertained throughout the day. From arts and crafts to outdoor adventures, these camps provide a fun and enriching environment for kids to explore new interests and make lasting memories during the sunny summer months.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to South Bay Summer Camps to discover the best camps for every age and interest.
The Coolest Splash Pads and Pools in the South Bay and Los Angeles
Summer is synonymous with refreshing water play on scorching days. Beat the heat at South Bay’s top pools, waterparks, and splash pads. Discover the wonders of local tidepools with your adventurous ocean enthusiasts.
And don’t forget the beaches! One of the best ways to spend a summer day is on the sand enjoying the ocean breeze. Splash in the water, watch the surfers, or just take walks along the beach. Pack a towel and your beach gear and head to one of the many awesome beaches the South Bay offers.
- The Coolest Splash Pads and Pools in the South Bay and Los Angeles
- Redondo Beach’s Seaside Lagoon Opening for the Summer!
- 14 of the Best Southern California Water Parks
- Southern California’s Best Beaches for Families
The Best South Bay Parks, Playgrounds, and Trails
Looking for a reason to get outdoors and get the kids active? Explore the top parks and playgrounds in the South Bay! If it’s scorching outside, an indoor playground is the perfect place to help the kids burn off their energy.
- The Best Parks & Playgrounds in the South Bay – Los Angeles
- South Bay Wilderness Parks and Easy Trails for Kids
- Best Indoor Playground and Play Spaces in the South Bay
Must-Do Day Trips
Want to get away without actually going anywhere? Plan a day trip to some exciting local neighborhoods. We’ve got the inside scoop on where to go and what to see in our City Guides, including:
- Fun Things to Do With Kids in Manhattan Beach
- Fun Things to Do With Kids in Long Beach
- Fun Things to Do With Kids in San Pedro
- Fun Things to Do With Kids in Malibu
- Fun Things to Do With Kids in Santa Barbara
- 25 Fun Things to Do in Big Bear with Kids
- 15 Things to Do in Santa Monica With Kids
- 18 Beautiful Botanical Gardens in Southern California
- Best Children’s Museums in Los Angeles & Orange County
- The Best Car Museums for Kids in Southern California
- Guide to Southern California Zoos & Aquariums
- 11 Best Tide Pools in Los Angeles and Orange County
Still Need More Ideas?
Explore our comprehensive list featuring 101 Fun Things to Do With Kids in South Bay!
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
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- 👥 Facebook Groups: What’s Happening in the South Bay | South Bay Local
About South Bay Credit Union
South Bay Credit Union is for all who live, work, or worship in the South Bay.
Banking with South Bay Credit Union offers numerous advantages. Their exceptional features include a local presence in the South Bay, personalized attention to detail, tailored banking and lending solutions, access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs, specialized Youth Accounts, and private insurance coverage of up to $1,000,000 per account.
For small businesses, banking with South Bay Credit Union offers a range of advantages. These include online banking, bill payment services, debit and credit business cards, and low fees. You can enjoy all these benefits while receiving the same level of care and attention as a personal account.
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