I've Lived in California for 50 Years-and These Are the Best Secret Beach Towns in the Golden State
Briefly

South Bay's Beach Cities—Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach—are ideal vacation spots near Los Angeles International Airport. Hermosa Beach features historical landmarks and a walkable community with a small-town vibe. Locals emphasize the beach's appeal and its iconic status in Southern California culture. The area hosts notable attractions, like volleyball tournaments in Manhattan Beach and surfing at El Porto. Visitors can enjoy a blend of scenic beachfront, local businesses, and a welcoming atmosphere, making these cities a hidden gem worth exploring.
"There are pieces of history tucked in every corner of Hermosa Beach," Jamie Erickson, director and curator of the Hermosa Beach Museum, told Travel + Leisure. "There is something intangible that I can't describe that appeals to people. Hermosa's walkability is a huge plus, and it wins you over with that small-town feel that everyone here is determined to hang on to in the midst of an ever-evolving urban landscape."
"The beach," she said. And indeed, in this small stretch of L.A. County, there are several iconic beaches.
Manhattan Beach plays host to an annual volleyball tournament, Redondo Beach was popularized in Beach Boys songs, and you'll always find a crowded lineup of surfers at one of L.A.'s most legendary surf spots, El Porto.
With miles of scenic beachfront, tons of local small businesses, and a welcoming, unpretentious vibe, South Bay's Beach Cities truly have something for everyone.
Read at Travel + Leisure
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