Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History of South Bay
- Where to Stay in South Bay
- Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within South Bay
- Safety in the South Bay Area
- Things to Do in the South Bay Area
- The Best Beaches in the South Bay Area
- What and Where to Eat in South Bay
- General Tips About Visiting South Bay
- Conclusion
- Los Angeles Blogs
Introduction
South Bay in itself is not recognizable, but the popular destination within this region of Los Angeles will make it instantly appealing. South Bay includes notable areas like Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and Hermosa Beach. Can you see the common thread? This area’s main appeal is the beaches. What I liked about these areas is that they seemed less crowded (although nowhere near dead) than other areas like Santa Monica or Venice Beach.
Although South Bay includes 16 cities, I will only be discussing the aforementioned beach communities of Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and Hermosa Beach. This blog post will cover the history of the South Bay Area, accommodation, transportation, safety, things to do, what and where to eat, and other general tips while visiting South Bay.
History of South Bay
The history of the South Bay Area begins with the railroad and agriculture. The railroad connected South Bay with other important areas like San Pedro and Venice Beach. Since its inception, the three popular beach areas of Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and Hermosa Beach, instantly become popular tourist destinations. The oil industry in El Segundo helped fund the South Bay Area. Other popular constructions like the Palos Verdes area and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) give an ease of access to South Bay.
During the 1970s, the South Bay Cities Association (SBCA) was created by the different communities of the South Bay. They then began meeting informally to exchange ideas and information regarding issues such as transportation and tourism. As the South Bay Area began to grow, the SBCA became insufficient and in 1992 agreed to merge with another group. In 1994, they then formed the South Bay Cities Association formally became a Council of Governments (SBCCOG). The South Bay Area remains one of the most profitable and beautiful areas in Los Angeles.
Where to Stay in South Bay
Since South Bay is such a major part of Los Angeles, it is one of the most popular places in Los Angeles for tourists to stay in. It offers some of the most abundant accommodation options. The prices can range from ultra-luxury to basic depending on what your budget is. In South Bay, you will find resorts, hotels, motels, room and apartment rentals, and hostels. All of which will be discussed in detail with specific recommendations below. In no particular order, here are your accommodation options in South Bay.
Resorts
The South Bay Area is one of the few locations in L.A. to offer resorts. One of the main differences between resorts and hotels is what both places offer. Resorts act as destinations themselves, offering different amenities such as spas, golf courses, elaborate pool areas, and other activities. Of course, not all resorts have these options, but just some examples of how they differ from hotels.
Generally speaking, most resorts have a check-in time around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but this can vary depending on the location. If you want an early check-in or late check-out, you can call ahead and see if they can do anything, but in most cases, it will cost extra and is usually not worth it.
Many resorts also tend to be located in more remote areas, but that doesn’t apply to Los Angeles, since this concrete jungle has buildings almost everywhere except state parks and the mountainous areas. Resorts can be a great option for those with a higher budget who are looking to do some R&R (Rest and Relaxation) on their trip to this popular city.
Almost all resorts have parking spots, so if you have a car or rent a vehicle, it should not be a problem. Prices can vary depending on your length of stay and during what time you are visiting, but average prices range from $200.00 to $400.00+ / €183.54 to €369.48+ per night.
Hotels
There are dozens of hotels in the South Bay Area. Almost all hotels have parking spots, so if you have a car or rent a vehicle, it should not be a problem. However, some hotels do charge an additional fee to park your car, so be sure to ask at the front desk, and they will give you a parking hanging tag or sticker for your vehicle (some recommendations are listed below).
Most hotels have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but this can vary depending on the location. If you want an early check-in or late check-out, you can call ahead and see if they can do anything, but in some cases, it will cost extra. Average rates that I’ve seen range from $180.00 to $250.00+ / €165.22 to €229.48+ per night.
Motels
Motels are very common in Canada and the United States. For my readers outside the U.S. and Canada, motels may seem like a weird concept, but let me explain. Motels are very similar to hotels but offer fewer amenities. They are very basic; they have a room with a bed, a desk, and a private bathroom, and sometimes the campus will have a pool that can be closed seasonally.
Sometimes they will have air conditioning and will always have a parking spot, but sometimes with limited spaces. Motels are offered all over the South Bay, so make sure they are in safe areas. Motels tend to be cheaper than hotels, but do not offer flexible check-in and check-out, and tend to have virtually no security. Just like hotels, most motels have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but this can vary depending on the location.
Average prices for motels are $50.00 to $80.00+ / €48.96 to €73.88+ per night. Of course, the prices can depend on the time you are going and for how long, but they are very affordable. Many motels do not have a website, so in this scenario, it is best to utilize sites like Booking.com. Keep in mind that Motels can also be a little run-down and dirty, but not all of them.
Room and House Rentals
Airbnb and Vrbo are popular rental companies and offer guests opportunities to rent private and/or shared spaces for a few days to a few weeks. If you are a solo traveler or a couple, I recommend using Airbnb, as they have smaller accommodation options. Both Vrbo and Airbnb may have some options for large groups and families. All rooms and houses offered usually have many reviews, so you can look at them and see what their experience was. I’ve also noticed that since COVID-19, both companies have charged a very high cleaning fee on top of a high fee. Prices are usually a little cheaper than a hotel room at around $200.00 / €185.54.
Costs can vary depending on the time you go and for how long, but the prices range from $100.00 to $200.00+ / €92.77 to €185.54+. I see that most options on both sites have parking options, but always double-check. Generally speaking, most places have a check-in time around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but it can vary depending on the location.
Normally, if you want an early check-in and/or late check-out, they can accommodate you without an extra fee. Air conditioning does come in most units (sometimes at an extra fee), so if you come during summer, make sure the accommodation has it. To check out Airbnb’s official website, click here. For Vrbo’s official website, click here.
Hostels
Hostels are relatively new to the United States. They have been very popular around Europe, Asia, and Latin America for years, but are starting to become more popular in the U.S. Hostels have dorms and sometimes private options. Dorms are a shared space where they can have four to eight beds in one room. The price of this lack of privacy is the cheapest accommodation in Los Angeles. I’ve seen beds as low as $28.00 up to $39.00+ / €25.86 to €36.02+ per night. It’s possible that a hostel can have a parking spot, but do not count on it.
Hostels normally have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00. Private rooms in hostels cost about double that of a bed and also have a flexible check-in time. I would compare private rooms at hostels and rooms at hotels to see which prices are better.
Hostels also offer unique tours and activities aimed at increasing guest morale and collaboration. All hostels usually have many reviews, so you can look at them and see how their experience was. Hostels are made for cheap, shared living situations and are aimed towards solo travelers and pairs. Hostelworld is a very popular website that can look up hostels in your target area, and you can compare prices. To go to their website, click here. Many hostels do not have websites, so be sure to utilize sites like Hostelworld to find these accommodations.
Recommendations:
If you want more information about accommodation in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Where to Stay in Los Angeles Guide” blog post.
Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within South Bay
- Arrival
Arriving to South Bay can be done by four means. You can drive/take a ride-share app, take the L.A. Metro, fly, or take city buses. In general, the best way to get to South Bay is driving, but taking the metro could work as well if you’re arriving to Redondo Beach during the day, but keep in mind that the South Bay Area is large and kind of spread out. So if you use the metro, it can be expensive to get around.
Driving is very straightforward, as you put your desired destination in your map application and drive over. If you drive, expect more traffic, especially around Downtown Los Angeles and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), since it’s so busy. Parking will be discussed in the next section. If you plan on taking the L.A. Metro, there is a light rail that takes you to Redondo Beach. The light rail is an above-ground tram that takes you from Point A to Point B.
The C Line (green line) is the one you will be utilizing. The C Line goes from Norwalk to Redondo Beach. There are four light rail stations in South Bay, but only one that you will be using as a tourist. The stations in South Bay are the Mariposa Station, El Segundo Station, Douglass Station, and the Redondo Beach Street Station. These stations will take you throughout the northern part of South Bay, but the Redondo Beach Station is the only one you will realistically use.
If you want to use the L.A. Metro, the first thing you will need to get is a TAP Card. The TAP Card is required to ride the L.A. Metro. You can either download the TAP L.A. application here or purchase one at any of the metro stations. Once you have a physical or digital card, just put your card or phone on top of the device and “tap” to pay for the fare. The price is $1.75 / €1.61 for a two-hour ride. Reloading the TAP Card or the Tap LA app is very easy and can be done online.
Once you are on the metro, find your way to the C Line, as that one gets you to the Redondo Beach Station. Once you arrive, you will tap once more. The main hours of operation of the L.A. Metro are from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. / 05:00–00:00, but can differ.
The next method is by flying. South Bay does not have a dedicated airport, but it’s located right next to the iconic and very busy LAX. LAX is just under 20–30 minutes away (without traffic) from Redondo Beach. If you are staying in South Bay, it is very easy to get from LAX to your accommodation.
The last option is the city buses, and they should just be avoided unless you are with a local. Although affordable, the buses are raw and unpredictable. Drive or use the L.A. Metro. To learn how to use the Los Angeles metro, click here to go to the “Arrival and Transportation Within Los Angeles” blog post.
- Parking
The South Bay Area is not as expensive for parking as other parts of L.A., and free parking is possible. There are paid parking spots for certain beaches, and metered parking is available for those who will only be visiting for an hour or so. It is possible to find free parking in the nearby streets (not including Redondo Beach). When I go, I can generally find at least a spot, but it can be a bit of a walk to the beach, so keep that in mind if you have a lot of beach equipment. Please be aware of street signs and metered parking. Those “we will tow you” plaques are not for decoration.
- Transportation Within South Bay
The distance between some of the attractions in South Bay will definitely warrant a car. Driving is the easiest way to get around. Avoid driving during rush hour (6:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. / 06:00–10:30 and from 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. / 15:00–18:30), which is the busiest time for driving, usually resulting in traffic.
You could also take a ride-share app if needed, which can be a bit cheaper, but keep in mind that a driver can always choose not to take you if they don’t want to wait in traffic. You can also walk, as there is a fairly long boardwalk that’s available for both pedestrians and cyclists. It spans from El Porto Beach to Redondo Beach.
Since the L.A. Metro only has one useful station, it won’t be much help here. Again, there are public city buses, but I don’t recommend you take them. Drive or take a ride-share app like Uber or Lyft, and if not that, then use the L.A. Metro.
Safety in the South Bay Area
The South Bay Area is a safe area in Los Angeles. Violent crimes are rare here, but crimes of opportunity can occur, but again, unlikely. What is a crime of opportunity? Crimes of opportunity are not pre-planned crimes, but rather when the perpetrator sees someone mess up and allows them to commit the crime.
Even though smaller crimes like pickpocketing and car break-ins are still low, do not give anyone the chance to do so and keep aware of your surroundings. You will also see some homeless or their tents, but just steer clear as they tend not to cause problems. If you want more information about safety in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Safety in Los Angeles: Complete Guide” blog post.
Things to Do in the South Bay Area
Some may consider South Bay very repetitive as it offers a lot of beaches, but I wholeheartedly disagree. The South Bay Area has so much to offer, from amazing beaches to top-notch concerts. To help organize the list, I will be separating the things to do in four different cities of South Bay (Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Inglewood). In no particular order, these are the top things I recommend you do in and around the South Bay Area.
Visit the Beach
I won’t go into detail about the beaches since there is a separate section on the beaches in the South Bay Area. Obviously, one of the biggest draws to this part of L.A. are the beaches. There are multiple beaches that dot the coastline. Behind Malibu, South Bay has the next best beaches in L.A.
Walk the Hermosa Beach Pier
One of three piers in the South Bay Area, the Hermosa Beach Pier is located on the wonderful Hermosa Beach. This pier is the calmest out of the three. It is 1,140 feet / 346 meters long and gives you excellent views of the beach and Hermosa Avenue. It is fun to walk out into the water, listen to the waves, and people-watch.
Walk Down Hermosa Avenue
Hermosa Avenue is located in Hermosa Beach and is a pedestrian-focused area. It has lively bars, delicious restaurants, and a calm yet energetic vibe. I did not know this little walkway existed, and it was a very pleasant surprise. This area is the best place to end your day in the South Bay Area.
Walk the Manhattan Beach Pier
Just like Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach also has a pier. This pier is the smallest of the three, with a length of 928 feet / 283 meters. Even though the pier is the smallest, it may be the most interesting. There is a little aquarium at the end of the pier called the Roundhouse Aquarium. The pier is free of charge to enter and has local saltwater fish and informational sections to teach you about the California marine life. When you enter the aquarium, they will ask for your email and your country of origin, then you’re free to walk around and explore both down and upstairs.
Walk Around the Redondo Pier
The Redondo Pier is the longest and most lively of the three piers. It is not a traditional-looking pier as it has a horseshoe bend and doesn’t just jet out into the ocean. There are restaurants, shops, and a lot of places to take some pictures. Connected to the pier are the docks, which are my favorite part of Redondo Beach. You walk alongside the calm water on one side and eateries, ice-cream shops, and shopping on the other. While I was walking, I was able to see the Garibaldi, which is the state fish of California, while enjoying an ice cream cone.
Ride a Bike Along the Strand
What is the Strand? The Strand or Marvin Braude Bike Trail is a 22-mile / 35.4-kilometer path that goes from Santa Monica to Torrance Beach. It hits major beaches like the Santa Monica State Beach, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach, just to name a few. This is the perfect way to get some exercise and see some of L.A.’s most iconic beaches. If you don’t have access to a bike, you can always use one of the metro bikes. Click here to learn how to rent and use them.
Go See a Game or Show at One of the Many Stadiums in Inglewood
Inglewood has three major stadiums. The three stadiums are the Kia Forum, SoFi Stadium, and Intuit Dome. The SoFi Stadium is where both of L.A.’s NFL teams (The Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers) play. Intuit Dome is where one of L.A.’s NBA teams (The Los Angeles Clippers) play. And the Kia Forum does not have a dedicated team since the Los Angeles Lakers switched to the Crypto.com Arena.
Even if you don’t want to see an NFL or NBA game, all three venues host every possible show you can imagine. From major concerts like Harry Styles or Olivia Rodrigo to the Super Bowl LVI. It is very fun to go and see these massive stadiums and be a part of the energy and experience.
Go Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is one of the most surreal and adrenaline-filled activities one can do in their lifetime. Scuba diving is not to be confused with snorkeling. Snorkeling only requires fins, a mask, and a snorkel, as you swim at the surface of the water. Whereas scuba diving requires certification(s) and a whole list of equipment.
Getting certified can be an expensive process (depending on where you get it), but it is well worth it. There are many certifications that are offered, but the two most important are the Open Water and Advanced Open Water Diver Certifications. The Open Water Certification allows a diver to dive up to 60 feet / 18 meters and is the first certification you will receive. The Advanced Open Water Diver Certification is the next step that allows you to dive up to 100 feet / 30 meters.
Both certifications listed require a written and oral test and a certain number of dives to pass. Make sure all courses you plan to take are with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Upon completion, you will have a card sent to you via mail that shows all the other diver locations on Earth where you are certified.
Many of the dive spots off the coast of Long Beach and L.A. require the Advanced Open Water Diver Certification due to the depth of the ocean. Off the coast of L.A., you can experience diving in the kelp forest, on the nearby Catalina Island, or down an oil platform. You can see marine life like sea lions, seals, rays, dolphins, and the Garibaldi (the California state fish).
Hike in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes is a very affluent part of Los Angeles located to the south of the South Bay Area. It features rolling hills, scenic landscapes, and one of the best places in all of Los Angeles to catch the sunset. Palos Verdes also has over 76 trails that cover over 476 miles / 766 kilometers. I love to watch the Pacific Ocean crash into the rocky coast. This also makes for a lovely picnic spot.
Visit the Fisherman’s Village
The Fisherman’s Village is located in Marina del Rey, just north of the South Bay Area. It features calm and scenic overlooks into the Marina del Rey Harbor. There are also elegant restaurants, photo ops, and a great crêpe establishment. Even if you don’t go to eat, it is a relaxing place to walk around and enjoy the area. Keep in mind that on weekends it can get very busy.
The Best Beaches in the South Bay Area
Most of the beaches in South Bay offer warm sands, views of the Pacific Ocean, facilities, and parking lots. Since most of the beaches in the South Bay Area are pretty cookie cutter I won’t be going into detail about each beach since they are all pretty similar with the only differences being in size and location. I’m not trying to make the beaches sound boring because they’re not. They do have their own charm and personality. In descending order, these are the best beaches in the South Bay Area.
7. Dockweiler Beach
6. El Segundo Beach
5. Torrance Beach
4. Bruce’s Beach
3. Hermosa Beach
2. Manhattan Beach
1. Redondo Beach
What and Where to Eat in South Bay
The South Bay Area does not run out of places to eat. In terms of eating out, there are a lot of seafood places and so much ethnic food from Mexican to Vietnamese. This section will not contain popular fast food restaurants like In-N-Out or the Habit Burger. In no particular order, here are a few recommendations that I have eaten at or some of my friends have given great reviews.
Love & Salt (Italian)
Love & Salt is an upscale restaurant Italian restaurant located in Manhattan beach. I’ve been there and ordered their wood oven pizza’s, and they were divine. One of my friends got the pasta and he said it was also very good. Perfect place for a fancy night or to celebrate something.
85 Degrees Celsius Bakery (Café)
85 Degrees Celsius is an amazing café with decadent pastries and tasty coffee. It is a French-Korean bakery and one thing I love about the pastries is that they are not too sweet. Some pastries at other locations are just overloaded with sugar, but this place does it perfectly. There are a few around L.A. but they are all amazing.
Salt & Straw (Ice Cream)
Salt and Straw is an amazing local ice cream place that sells gourmet ice cream and weirdly unique flavors. There are a few around the Los Angeles area, but the one in South Bay is located in Manhattan Beach. When I went during summer, they had an Earl Grey and Blueberry ice cream that was divine.
Roscoe’s (Chicken & Waffles)
Roscoe’s is an institution in Los Angeles and one of the most popular restaurants in the city. Roscoe’s is known for one thing, chicken and waffles. This place has the most succulent waffles paired with whipped butter and crispy fried chicken. Roscoe’s is a must-try on your visit to L.A.
The Boiling Crab (Cajun)
The Boiling Crab is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. In my opinion, Cajun food is the best food you can find in the United States. Hailing from the South (particularly Louisiana), Cajun food is a delicious blend of Southern and French cooking. Boiling Crab is a seafood boil containing garlic, seasoning, your choice of seafood, and add-ins like potatoes, andouille sausage, and sweet corn. It’s spicy and savory and o’ so good.
General Tips About Visiting South Bay
The South Bay Area is such a large and famous part of L.A. that it does come with its own set of tips. The area is home to relaxing beach life and unmatched energy. However, some things need to be addressed. In no particular order, here are some tips about visiting South Bay.
Visiting the Beach
The beaches are the main reason why you’d come to South Bay. It is a fun place to go walk around, lay on the sand while taking in the sun, eat some good food, and just people watch. Notice how I didn’t say swim? That is because the water off the coast of Los Angeles (all of California, really) is cold. The temperature in the water is around 53℉ / 12℃ but can go up to ~ 60℉ / 15℃ from summer to early fall. It is worth mentioning that the water is safe to swim in, and many people do, but it is cold. I would make sure you don’t swim near the drain as the water tends to be less clean in those areas.
If you go to the beach from May to August, I would highly advise you to get there early. The beach is a very popular location for both tourists and locals to escape the sun and cool off with the cool ocean breeze. Spots can fill up quickly, and it can get a bit competitive to find a place to lay out your beach towel. Although there are not too many thieves on the beaches, you should have someone from your party stay with your belongings to ensure they are not taken.
Be Mindful Of Events And Conventions
Inglewood is one of the most popular areas for concerts and major events. When that happens, the entire city becomes much more expensive (in terms of accommodation) and busy. It’s not uncommon for traffic to occur around the downtown and South Bay Areas. Restaurants will also become crowded. Be mindful of events or concerts in the area and plan accordingly.
The Homeless
Unfortunately, Los Angeles is going through a homeless crisis at the current moment. I’m not going to discuss why, but I mention it because you will see it on your trip to South Bay. You may see many makeshift shelters and tents where the homeless sleep. These shelters can be found in downtown or around the beaches. They also panhandle a lot, and it is not uncommon for many homeless people to have dogs. I always advise that if you want to give them something, give them something that is not straight money. Food, water, or even dog food are good options since you don’t know what that money will be used for.
Some people who live on the streets are addicts and/or mentally unstable individuals, and although they keep to themselves on most occasions, they can cause some trouble and discomfort. It is not uncommon to hear them yell into the sky or move erratically, so just ignore their shouts, and if they make you uncomfortable, walk to the other side of the street or turn around. Not all homeless are bad people. I have noticed an improvement in homelessness in the area. However, I think it is just preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games that will take place in Los Angeles. So hopefully, the improvement stays.
Watch Out For the Gulls
Gulls, or colloquially called seagulls, are seabirds native to southern California. They can be a menace as they tend to scavenge off our food. I have personally seen seagulls snatch people’s food right out of their hands while they are eating. They are not aggressive but can be very ambitious with how they obtain their next meal. If there is a colony of gulls above your head, don’t look up. You never know when they may need to void their bowls.
Drinking
With the number of bars that the South Bay Area has, drinking is something you may encounter and may partake in. So why is this on the list? Well, the drinking age in the United States is 21 years old. NO exceptions will be made. I do understand that much of the world has a drinking age of 19 years old or younger (if drinking is legal), but the United States has stood strong at keeping it at 21. If you’re under this age and look under the age of ~45 years old, you will be asked to show your ID. It is U.S. law and heavily enforced in California. You also cannot walk around in public with alcohol, which can result in a ticket or worse. Keep your drinks at the bar and in the establishment.
DO NOT drive under the influence of anything (alcohol, marijuana, etc.). This is called a DUI (Driving Under the Influence), and it is a big deal in the United States. You can get a fine of up to $1,000.00 / €927.07, suspension of your license, and possibly jail time. If you are drinking, use a ride-share app or have a designated driver (dd) ready to take you home. Lastly, you cannot walk around the city or drive with open bottles of alcohol. If you are drinking, keep it in the building or at the bar.
Wildlife While Hiking in Palos Verdes
While hiking some of the hills and beaches in Palos Verdes, you may encounter some of its wildlife. The wildlife is not going to be as abundant as in the Channel Islands or Acadia National Parks, but it is far from barren. This section will go into the flora and fauna that you may encounter hiking near Long Beach.
- Insects
Insects exist everywhere on Earth, except Antarctica. There are three that are best known for their ability to transmit some nasty diseases: fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks. All three are in and/or around Palos Verdes, especially during summer, but the diseases they transmit are not common in the area.
- Rattlesnakes
The most common animal that can cause harm while hiking in Los Angeles, in general, is rattlesnakes. They are most commonly found in shaded areas. There are seven different species of rattlesnakes in southern California. Although they can be fatal if bitten, the good news is that they have a rattle to let you know you are getting too close. They also hide during the day to avoid the sun. If you are bitten, do not constrict the area or try and suck out the venom.
Remain calm and call 911. Rattlesnakes are not the only snakes in the area but are the only deadly ones in the area. One piece of advice I can give you is to stick to the trails. Rattlesnakes only go on the trail to cross from one side to the other since there is no shade. For more information, click here to go to the official University of California, Davis Health website.
- Coyotes
Coyotes are small canines related to dogs and wolves. They rarely approach, let alone attack humans. They are often found in groups and can be seen all around the area and around the city. Coyotes do not pose a threat, but in some instances, transmit rabies, so keep a safe distance and you will be fine.
- Bobcats
Bobcats are a species of feline that resembles a large house cat. They are much bigger than your average house cat and can be territorial and aggressive. However, they stick to themselves and rarely confront humans. If you see one, clap loudly and create noise to scare it off.
Use AllTrails
AllTrails is a godsend when it comes to hiking. And although Palos Verdes has very straightforward and well-marked trails, it can still be useful. There is a built-in GPS mechanism that tracks you while you are hiking, which is a key feature. They also have an easy-to-use search option to look up trails in Palos Verdes. To visit AllTrails’ official website and download the app for both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, click here.
Ocean Dangers
So many people come to Los Angeles for the beach and surfing culture that the city offers. As marvelous and mesmerizing as the ocean is, it comes with its fair share of dangers. The three biggest dangers for tourists on the beach are rip currents, sharks, and jellyfish.
– Rip Currents
What is a rip current? A rip current is a strong channel of water that leads from the shore out to the ocean. They can move faster than an Olympic swimmer and can be there without any observable warnings. If you get caught in a rip current, DO NOT swim against the current, as you will drown due to fatigue. Instead, swim perpendicular to the coast and then toward the coast at an angle. For more information on what to do in a rip current, click here to go to the National Weather Service Website for more information.
– Sharks
The second danger is sharks. Sharks strike fear in many people due to the many popular movies made right in Los Angeles. Although it can seem intimidating, shark attacks are very rare. Only nine shark attacks have been recorded in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area since 1950. Considering all the swimmers, divers, and surfers that enjoy the Pacific Ocean daily, it’s incredibly unlikely you will encounter a shark. To learn about what to do if bitten by a shark, click here to go to Australia’s website, which gives great advice on shark attacks.
– Jellyfish
Jellyfish are fascinating animals, but they are better observed at the Aquarium of the Pacific and not attached to your legs. The jellyfish in Los Angeles are not as abundant or lethal, but they can ruin your vacation. If you get stung, remove all tentacles that are attached to your body. DO NOT rinse with fresh water. Instead, look for a lifeguard as they can have vinegar and saline to neutralize the nematocysts (stinging cells). If you experience any allergic reactions, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately. For more information on jellyfish and their stings in Southern California, click here to go to the County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s official website.
For more general tips about visiting Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Traveling to Los Angeles General Tips” blog post.
Conclusion
This has been a comprehensive and detailed list of everything regarding South Bay, including where to stay, how to get around, what and where to eat, safety, general tips, and what to do. Have you visited the South Bay Area? If so, which areas? Did you have a favorite city or beach? If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to post them below. Also, please check out blog posts related to Los Angeles below, or go back to the Los Angeles page to learn more about traveling to L.A.
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