- Catch a summer concert – There many options available including Malaga Cove Summer Concerts, Lunada Bay, Sunset Series at the South Coast Botanic Garden, and the longstanding concerts at Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach.
- Enjoy a day at the beach – With so many great beaches all the way from Marina del Rey to Palos Verdes to choose from, but one favorite of ours is Abalone Cove. Head down on a weekday or early weekend morning and it’s a lot of fun with the kids to go tide pooling and exploring the cliffs all around at this natural beach.
- Summer dinners outside – Some of our favorites include the Green Temple in Redondo Beach, meeting up with friends at Nelson‘s at Terranea, or just dinner on the back patio.
- The International Surf Festival – This participant and spectator ocean festival is celebrating it’s 60th Year and there’s something for everyone. From the Pier-to-Pier swim, Bodysurfing and Surf Contest, Pier to Pier and R-10 Paddleboard Races, Beach Run, 6-Man Volleyball, or my favorite, the lifeguard races under the lights on Friday and Saturday night.
- Summer bike ride along the beach – Park in Torrance or El Porto at one of the beach parking lots and head either north or south, respectively. Plan to grab breakfast or lunch at one of the many options along the way. My favorites include Good Stuff on the Strand in Hermosa Beach for people watching or Martha’s at 22nd Street in Hermosa.
- Farmers markets – These outdoor markets are especially robust this time of year. On Thursdays there’s the market at the Redondo Beach Pier, Friday at Clark Field in Hermosa Beach, Saturday at Wilson Park in Torrance, and Sunday there’s Hollywood Riviera or Peninsula High School in Palos Verdes.
- Fishing – Whether you want to fish off the beach with a fishing license, or fish off one of the piers, or you can take a half day boat out of Redondo or San Pedro. There are so many great options to get out there and enjoy the Pacific Ocean.
- Morning hikes – Some of my favorites include George F Canyon in Rolling Hills Estates, a walk along the bluff in Palos Verdes Estates or Rancho Palos Verdes, and the trails in Ladera Linda. There are also many small connector trails to explore through Malaga Cove with amazing ocean views.
- Dinner at the beach with friends – Order a pizza or dinner to go, bring your beach chairs, favorite beverages, and enjoy the warm summer evening watching the sunset.
- Reading a book on the patio or quiet location – One great spot is the Malaga Cove library and Farnham park or simply in a comfortable chair in your backyard, or at the beach.
Top 10 Things We Love About Summer in the South Bay
