Southbay - Los Angeles's hidden gem
Southbay - Los Angeles's hidden gem
Jess and Drew
When you think of visiting Los Angeles beaches most people think of Santa Monica or Malibu, but those spots are so touristy and crowded they are NOT worth the hype!
Let me tell you about the best beaches near LA! Tucked away from the craziness of Los Angeles is the Southbay, which has iconic beaches that you really can’t miss! This guide tells you about our favorite spots in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach Redondo Beach, and Palos Verdes! These little beach cities are gorgeous, have tons to do, and have a much more laid back vibe, that you would expect from a beach city! I’ve lived in Southbay for 15 years now and it is home to me! So I hope you enjoy these tips from a local! Please let me know if you have any questions or if there is any other questions you have about the area that I didn’t cover!
If you find this information helpful, any tips are appreciated for my work.
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Manhattan Beach
Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach
@compasstoparadise
This is great little boutique hotel if you want to stay in Manhattan Beach and be walking distance to the beach! The spa is wonderful too!
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Manhattan Beach
@compasstoparadise
Manhattan Beach is a gorgeous little beach city that you cannot miss when in LA! Parking is a nightmare, so allow yourself ample time, you'll find it, it just might take a little while. Make sure to shop at all the adorable stores they offer! (Fun fact Drew and I got married on this beach!)
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Roundhouse Aquarium
@compasstoparadise
The Aquarium offers amazing hands on experiences and helps you learn more about sea life in LA.
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Pancho's Restaurant
@compasstoparadise
Beast Karaoke bar in the southbay! Karaoke Thursday - Sunday 8 pm to close!
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Hermosa Beach
Beach House
@compasstoparadise
This hotel sits right next to the pier and across the strand from the beautiful sandy beach! This is my favorite hotel in Hermosa!
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Hermosa Beach
@compasstoparadise
Hermosa Beach will always be our favorite! We lived in Hermosa Beach when we met at Barnacles! So many fun things to do!
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Palmilla Cocina y Tequila HERMOSA BEACH
@compasstoparadise
My favorite restaurant in Hermosa Beach! Homemade tortillas that are the best I've ever had! Get the Salmon if you go for dinner, you won't regret it! You'll need a reservation for most weekends year round and every day during peak season.
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The Lighthouse Cafe
@compasstoparadise
Lighthouse is famous for it's appearance in La La Land and is a must visit! I recommend going for drinks after dinner, they have live music almost every night!
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The Comedy & Magic Club
@compasstoparadise
We love heading to Comedy and Magic Club, even if it is just for 10 comics which you may or may not have heard of yet! The food is actually pretty good too!
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Barnacles Bar & Grill
@compasstoparadise
Best dive bar in Hermosa! (Fun fact, it's where Drew and I met!)
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Redondo Beach
Shade Hotel Redondo Beach
@compasstoparadise
Love this hotel and they do have a pretty yummy restaurant on site as well! There aren't any really great hotels right on the beach in Redondo, but this one is about a 20 minute walk from the beach and near the pier!
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The Portofino Hotel & Marina
@compasstoparadise
There aren't any really great hotels right on the beach in Redondo, but this one is about a 20 minute walk from the beach and near the pier! Portofino Hotel also offers stand up paddle boarding next to the hotel in the marina, making it nice and calm!
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Racer Tea Bar
@compasstoparadise
This place is adorable! It's set up like a bar, but has the most delicious teas and acai bowls!!! Grab one and take a walk down to the beach to enjoy!
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Palos Verdes
Terranea Resort
@compasstoparadise
This resort is unbelievable! If you can, stay at least one night here! It will not disappoint! And the spa is awesome here!
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SS Dominator Shipwreck
@compasstoparadise
Very cool hike, but please be very careful! You are hiking down and back up the cliff!
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Nelson's
@compasstoparadise
Even if you don't stay at Terranea Resort, you can still enjoy Nelson's views and another amazing place for sunsets!
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Long Beach
The Queen Mary
@compasstoparadise
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jess and Drew
Hi! We're Jess and Drew, travel creators based in Los Angeles, California. It was the magical atmosphere in Bora Bora that sparked our obsession with traveling and exploring new destinations! Along the way our creativity led to us capturing the beauty of this amazing planet and wanting to inspire others to explore and create magical moments of your own!
We are here to help you travel better! We go over luxury travel, excursions, road-tripping and international travel tips, to help you plan your travel itineraries, give dining recommendations and guides, and so much MORE!
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