Things To Do
Terranea Resort
This is a resort that has free public access. The resort has beginner walking trails, where some lead down the cliffs of Palos Verdes, with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. All the amenities - restaurants, bars, spa and gym - are accessible for the public to enjoy as well. It's also dog friendly :)
The Strand
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, that runs through "The Strand", is a 22-mile, paved, flat path running from Will Rogers State Beach (just north of Santa Monica) all the way down to Torrance Beach. It offers scenic biking, jogging, and walking directly along the oceanfront. It's lined with exclusive homes and provides direct access to piers, restaurants, and stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Manhattan Beach
Enjoy a day at the beach exploring restaurants, bars, breweries, and shops. There's a small aquarium at the end of the pier, great for the kids. Breakfast spot recommendation - Uncle Bill's Pancake House - has been around since 1961, and is a place Nicole and her friends grew up with, and now a favorite place Nicole and Alan cannot miss when they visit. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Late Night grub recommendation - The Kettle - this diner has been open 24/7 since 1973 and is a local staple. It was a watering hole for Nicole and her friends and is still a go-to spot if it's not busy, so definitely recommend making a reservation.
Hermosa Beach
Considered the more fun beach out of all 3 beaches in the South Bay, offering more options for food, shopping, and entertainment. Amongst the abundance, Nicole and Alan love grabbing lunch at Brother's Burrito on their "pier to pier walk" on The Strand - from Manhattan Beach Pier to Hermosa Beach Pier.
Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach does not have a single defining year in its history; it has several, which you can learn more about from the city itself here - https://www.redondo.org/community/about_redondo_beach/history.php It's landmark pier is known for scenic oceanfront dining, shopping, nightlife, entertainment, and most recently - music festivals. This city has given Nicole some of her favorite memories from childhood to her high school years.
Torrance
Founded 1912, it is home to the below - King's Hawaiian Bakery that opened in 1977. Del Amo Mall that held the title of the largest mall in the country from 1981-1999. Delicious Japanese and Korean food since majority of the population is of those ethnicities. Torrance has the second-largest concentration of people of Japanese ancestry of any U.S. city, after Honolulu. Torrance High School where some notable TV shows and movies were filmed like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Beverly Hills 90210, She's All That, and Bruce Almighty. The Torrance Cultural Arts Center hosts cultural events year-round, providing diverse cultural, educational and entertainment experiences. Torrance Beach, right before you enter Palo Verdes, is also known as "RAT Beach" for "Right After Torrance" or "Redondo And Torrance." Marvin Braude Bike Trail (The Strand), a paved bicycle path that runs mostly along the Pacific Ocean shoreline in Los Angeles County, ends there.
Inglewood
Take a tour around the epic Sofi Stadium! Grab some fresh delicious donuts from the iconic Randy’s Donuts! Though, donuts from anywhere in southern California are equally as good.
Gardena
Famous for its rich Japanese and Hawaiian culinary scene, featuring authentic ramen, sushi, and plate lunch spots, often hidden in industrial-area strip malls. Some go-to establishments: Tokyo Central: A major Japanese supermarket that serves as a cultural hub for food, groceries, and specialty items. Giuliano's Delicatessen & Bakery: A long-standing (since 1952) Italian market famous for submarine sandwiches, pasta, and imported goods. Rascal's Teriyaki Grill: A local favorite for Chinese chicken salad and teriyaki sauce. Shin-Sen-Sumi: Ramen and Yakitori
Carson
Six words - Filipino Food and Porsche Experience Center With the highest concentration of Filipinos in Los Angeles, you can satisfy your craving here. Then head to the multimillion-dollar Porsche facility that features twisty, challenging handling courses, low friction circuits, off-road tracks and even e-racing simulators. Housed with its own restaurant and cafe for some post-driving indulgence.
San Pedro
World-famous for its rich maritime history, serving as the bustling Port of Los Angeles ("America's Port"). Top attractions include the historic battleship USS Iowa Museum, the scenic Korean Bell of Friendship, the Point Fermin Lighthouse, and the unique, crumbling ruins of the Sunken City.
Long Beach
A city that offers anything and everything you want! Endless outdoor activities fun for all ages. A place where you can definitely spend a whole day at. And the city where a lot of the Olympics sports will be held at.
Santa Monica + Venice Beach
No need for explanation. With no traffic you can reach these areas in 25 minutes, but with traffic it can take at least 45 minutes.
Griffith Observatory
Southern California’s gateway to the cosmos! Visitors may look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles. Nestled on the largest urban-wilderness municipal park in the United States, Griffith Park is filled with trails, trees, attractions, and the Hollywood Sign!
Getty Museum
Well known for its architecture, gardens, and views overlooking Los Angeles. Renowned for its permanent collection, which includes pre-20th century European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture and decorative arts; 19th and 20th century American, European and Asian photographs; and contemporary and modern sculpture.