Los Angeles is fun and all, but if you are looking for a more laid back part of Los Angeles County, veer just south of Los Angeles International Airport and explore what is known as “The South Bay”. The South Bay is home to some of the best schools in California, lots of surfing, and lots of bars too. Nightlife on Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach is never boring, and delicious food hides away for lesser prices than Santa Monica or Hollywood.

You must spend a day at the beach. Begin your morning at Phanny’s Burger in Redondo Beach for the best breakfast burritos in town. Or, you can also turn your morning into Mimosa “Sunday Fundays”, which includes a stop at Sharkeez in the morning for an hour of complimentary mimosas along with your brunch dish. Watch some football on one of the thirty televisions (or maybe more), eat brunch, and go lay on the beach for a while.

On the beaches of Hermosa Beach or Manhattan Beach, you will find surfers, competitive beach volleyball players, picnics, people tanning, people walking their dogs on The Strand, and parties happening on the porches of the houses on The Strand. There is never a dull moment in the sunshine there. You might even recognize the beach once you get there, because it is always home to beaches in movies and television shows like The O.C., Weeds, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Lunch options abound in Hermosa Beach, and you can bring your lunch back to the beach and eat there if you wish. Or you can take a break and grab sandwiches at Big Mike’s, a slice of New York pizza at Paisano’s, a pita at Pita Pit, or anything imaginable at Whole Foods in El Segundo.

When you are done, take advantage of the numerous happy hours lining Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach. Almost every night there is some sort of drink or food special happening in each bar, with Tuesdays probably ranking the highest on cheap deals. There’s Taco Tuesdays- popular everywhere for cheap tacos, margaritas, and tequila (especially at Sharkeez),  Two-for-Tuesdays at Hennessy’s, where you buy one burger and get one free, etc. If you are in the mood for a more relaxed dinner time, I recommend eating at Phuket Thai, Fusion Sushi, or Mama D’s (fabulous Italian food). Not to be missed, dessert at Paciugo for gelato, Yogurtland for yogurt, or Susie’s Cupcakes are always a great end to a long day at the beach!

sharkeez