There’s a particular kind of summer that only really makes sense in the South Bay.
You can start the evening on a paddleboard, watch a movie with your feet in the sand, grab a drink as the sun goes down, and somehow end the night eating seafood by the harbor.
For South Bay locals, summer is less about checking off a bucket list and more about taking advantage of the places that make living here pretty great. So if you’re looking for a few ideas beyond the usual beach day, here are 14 ways to do a local summer in the South Bay.
1. Take an LED Paddle Tour
Trade the daytime paddle for something a little different. Paddle House’s LED night tours turn a paddle around the harbor into an after-dark activity, with illuminated boards gliding across the water.
It’s the kind of summer plan that feels like an actual outing without requiring much planning beyond showing up and getting on the water.
2. Watch a Movie at the Beach
Because watching a movie indoors when you live next to the ocean feels a little unnecessary in the summer.
Beach movie nights at Hermosa Beach bring the whole summer setup together: sand, sunset, a movie, and plenty of people settling in for the evening. Pirates of the Caribbean will be featured on September 12th, along with 10 Things I Hate About You following on September 19th.
3. Grab a Table at Malendrina
For a summer dinner that goes beyond the standard beach burger, put Malendrina on the list.
The wine bar blends Sicilian and Palestinian influences, making it a good option when you’re looking for a meal that feels a little more destination-worthy without actually leaving the South Bay. Order a glass of wine, settle in, and let dinner take its time.
4. Do Sunset at Surfer Girl
Surfer Girl at Sea Sprite Beach Club in Hermosa Beach has exactly the kind of setting that makes you want to linger.
Think coastal views, a table full of snacks and drinks, and that stretch of golden light that makes everyone suddenly realize they don’t actually need to go anywhere else tonight.
5. Stop by Flora
Add Flora in El Segundo to your list when you’re in the mood for cocktails and a more dressed-up summer evening.
A colorful drink, an outdoor table, and a warm night is a pretty solid combination, and a good reminder that South Bay summer plans don’t always have to revolve around getting in the water.
6. Catch Sunset at Vista
When the forecast is clear, make a reservation and head to Vista on The Strand in Hermosa Beach around golden hour.
The outdoor setting is built for long summer evenings, whether you’re meeting friends for drinks, grabbing dinner, or simply trying to squeeze a little more daylight out of the day.
7. Make It a Night at Esperanza
Esperanza in Manhattan Beach is another spot worth adding to the summer rotation, especially when you’re looking for dinner and drinks with a lively atmosphere.
Grab a table, order something refreshing, and settle in. Summer is a good excuse to turn an ordinary weeknight into something that feels slightly more like a weekend.
8. Get a Bite at La Playita
For something more casual, head to La Playita.
The colorful Mexican cafe brings a little more energy to the itinerary and makes an easy stop before or after time at the beach. It’s exactly the kind of local spot that works when the goal is good food without overthinking the plan.
9. Head to Old Tony’s
Some South Bay summer traditions don’t need much explanation.
Old Tony’s has been a Redondo Beach staple for generations, and its harbor setting makes it an easy choice when you want dinner with a view.
Grab a table, order seafood, and watch the boats come in. It’s not complicated, and that’s part of the appeal.
10. Grab a Drink at Naja’s Place
If your idea of summer involves a cold drink, waterfront views, and a little more noise, Naja’s Place belongs on the list. Located at Redondo Beach’s King Harbor, it’s the kind of spot where you can easily turn “just one drink” into a full evening.
11. Stop for Lunch at Surf Food Stand
For a quick post-beach bite right on the sand, swing by The Surf Food Stand in Manhattan Beach. This casual spot keeps things simple with easygoing beach food, refreshing drinks, and the kind of grab-and-go setup that fits perfectly into a summer day. Stop in after a morning in the water or pick something up before heading back to the sand.
12. Find a Sunset Dinner at Nelson’s
For a summer night with a view, Nelson’s is worth the drive up the coast.
The Palos Verdes setting at Terranea Resort gives you the kind of expansive ocean views that make a regular dinner feel like a mini getaway. Go around sunset and stay awhile; the view is a big part of the experience.
13. Make Seafood Part of the Plan
September calls for Lobster, and Lobsterfest at Quality Seafood is a pretty good excuse to make it a full-on feast. Head to the Redondo Beach waterfront for fresh lobster, classic sides, and all the messy, buttery goodness that comes with cracking into one.
14. Cool Down With a Milkshake at Sloopy’s
Nothing says summer quite like a thick, over-the-top milkshake. Sloopy’s is the spot to swing by when you’re craving something sweet after a beach day, with indulgent shakes that are practically a dessert and a drink in one. Grab one to go, take a walk toward the water to enjoy it on the beach.
The Best Part of a South Bay Summer? You Don’t Have to Go Far
The South Bay has a funny way of making summer feel like a vacation without actually requiring one.
There are sunsets over the water, harbor dinners, outdoor patios, beach movies, live music, paddle tours, and enough restaurants and bars to keep your weekends busy all season. And because they’re all relatively close to home, you can actually come back and do it again next weekend!
