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Best Hotels in South Bay, California

If you're Los Angeles-bound and looking to be close to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or the beach, South Bay is probably the spot for you. As the southwest corner of the LA area, South Bay has hotel options for days.

Stretching from the southern shore of Santa Monica Bay, the South Bay is a region of Los Angeles that contains 19 neighborhoods. Whether you're getting down in the sand in the Beach Cities, catching a flight out of LAX or heading to Catalina Island for the day, South Bay has plenty to offer with hotels to match.

Why We Love South Bay

Home to household names like Brandy and The Beach Boys, South Bay has a rich history in the Los Angeles area. Here are just a few reasons why we love South Bay:

• Ample hotels: In an area as big as South Bay, you know we have hotels on lock. From beachy chic digs with all the views to classic tried-and-trues with just the basics, we're stacked with options for your time in South Bay.
• Airport access: Travel isn't always a lengthy vacay — as much as we might want it to be. If you're here on business or a quick layover, you may be looking for easy access to catch your next flight. South Bay is a great option for those traveling via the Los Angeles Airport.
• Beachy keen: South Bay has plenty of options within the Beach Cities from El Segundo to Torrance Beach. Wherever you choose to stay, you'll be sure to soak up some sun and get a clear view of those ocean blues.
• LA adjacent: Want to explore Los Angeles but not down to stay in the thump of things? South Bay is a chill, affordable option with plenty of routes to the main attractions. Easy access to freeways is available, too, with on-ramps to Interstate 110, I-405 and I-105.
• Co-ed days: Visiting a nearby college? South Bay is home to several colleges such as California State University, Loyola Marymount University and Westwood College.

Where to Stay in South Bay

When it comes to South Bay hotels, there are tons of options that will get you California dreaming in no time. With so many diverse neighborhoods and cities to choose from in the region, how do you know where to begin? Here are some of the best places to stay in South Bay that will give you the quintessential California beach experience and a convenient drive to the airport:

• Manhattan Beach: Manhattan Beach is the picture of a luxe seaside lifestyle and is known as the "Pearl of South Bay." Here you'll find prestigious beachfront properties, glittering cars and upscale hotels with turquoise pools and ocean views. Manhattan Beach also welcomes those who want nice affordable hotels in South Bay. Stay in Manhattan Beach to play beach volleyball like there's no tomorrow, take a jog along the South Bay Bicycle Trail, go birdwatching in beautiful Polliwog Park, or please your inner foodie at a legit restaurant downtown.
• Hermosa Beach: Hermosa Beach has a unique laid-back vibe unlike any other beach in LA County. This part of town attracts a young crowd and families with its fun and funky nightlife and seaside attractions. You'll find a handful of luxury hotels in this part of South Bay, as well as casual and cozy lodgings. Stay here to take in the views from Hermosa Beach Pier, people watch from The Strand, shop for coastal souvenirs along Pier Avenue, or get your laughs at The Comedy and Magic Club.
• Redondo Beach: Redondo Beach offers a relaxed and eclectic beach town vibe, and is famous for its horseshoe-shaped pier and seemingly endless shopping options. Here you can go swimming in the Seaside Lagoon, shop the day away at South Bay Galleria, or explore the unique boutiques, galleries and restaurants of Riviera Village. You'll find a range of high-end boutique hotels and basic budget hotels in this South Bay jewel.
• Torrance: Torrance is a South Bay city where you'll find a beach and inland treasures such as the Torrance Art Museum, the Western Museum of Flight and Madrona Marsh Nature Center. You'll also find the massive Del Amo Fashion Center, which houses over 200 stores. Torrance has tons to offer travelers, including some of the best hotels in the South Bay area.
• El Segundo: El Segundo may be perfect for those who want small-town vibes and extreme proximity to the airport. Here you can relax on an uncrowded beach, choose from a vast selection of beer at music-themed Rock and Brews, check out the antique cars at the Automobile Driving Museum, or enjoy a breezy picnic at nearby Dockweiler Beach. You'll find an array of great hotels in this part of South Bay, from hip boutiques to contemporary and comfy airport hotels.

Places to Eat in South Bay

Eateries in South Bay reflect the region's cultural diversity. You'll find everything from greasy spoons with ocean views to some of the hippest seafood restaurants in all of LA. Here are just a few of the best and most iconic restaurants in South Bay, where you'll find tourists and locals dining happily side by side:

• Phanny's: Have a bit too much to drink last night? Phanny's in Redondo Beach has a cure. This casual fast food joint has been feeding hungry South Bay residents satisfying burritos, burgers and omelets since 1982. Stop here for a breakfast burrito stuffed with eggs, potatoes, cheese and salsa, and you'll be set for a long flight home or taking it easy on the beach.
• Uncle Bill's Pancake House: Uncle Bill's Pancake House is a Manhattan Beach staple, serving up yummy breakfast dishes like potatoes stroganoff and sourdough French toast. Locals and tourists fill the chairs on the outdoor patio to start the day with classic comfort foods and ocean views.
• El Pollo Inka: El Pollo Inka is a Peruvian restaurant famous for its marinated rotisserie chicken, which they claim to be the "best chicken in town." If you stay in South Bay, you might stop at their Torrance or Hermosa Beach location to savor their legendary chicken or other Peruvian treats like sliced potatoes served with a creamy cheese sauce.
• Fishing with Dynamite: Located in Manhattan Beach, Fishing with Dynamite explodes with fresh seafood and easygoing coastal vibes. Known as one of the best oyster bars in all of LA, Fishing with Dynamite offers a great way to get your seafood fix. Stop here for oysters on the half shell, old-school eats like New England clam chowder or modern bites like albacore tuna toast.
• Little Sister: Little Sister is a hip Manhattan Beach restaurant with global flair. Here you'll find a collision of techniques and flavors for Asian fusion bites that are hard to match. Take a seat in this cozy spot, sip some wine, and be ready for an ever-progressing menu filled with pleasant surprises.
• Love and Salt: Love and Salt is where people go for delicious Italian food in Manhattan Beach. As a restaurant that's proud to combine the soul of Southern California with Italian zest, this airy modern eatery invites you inside for wine, antipasti and creative wood-oven pizza.

Looking for a low-key, casual spot to enjoy a cold one with locals? There are tons of hidden gems scattered throughout the South Bay region, no matter what you're in the mood for. Here are a few unassuming eateries to check out:

• The Standing Room: The Standing Room is a no-frills burger joint and bar where food is cooked with love and imagination. This is the place to get a towering Korean-inspired burger topped with ingredients like kimchi or mind-expanding bar snacks like tuna poke nachos. With a location in Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, it's easy to stop in for delicious food and a live jam session, even if you have to stand.
• Jus' Poke: Want great service, fast food and authentic Hawaiian poke in the heart of Redondo Beach? Jus' Poke is a small and casual joint that welcomes you to check out their basic menu which includes fresh poke flavors and a variety of yummy sides. Could you ever have enough seaweed salad?
• Hudson House: Hudson House is a Redondo Beach gastropub that's beloved for its great atmosphere, extensive beer menu and tasty bites. Head to Hudson House to cool down in the dim lighting and feast on treats like Brussels sprouts with candied cashews or tots topped with crispy chicken skins.
• Canton Low Restaurant: If you're in El Segundo hankering for Chinese classics and a laid-back setting, you'll be pleased with Canton Low Restaurant. At Canton Low Restaurant, you can slip into a cozy booth and slurp wonton soup to your heart's content.

Things to Do in South Bay

Visitors and residents love South Bay for the beaches, piers and endless recreational opportunities. You'll also find ways to learn, laugh and shop on this sandy side of LA. Here are the top attractions to add to your beach bucket list:

• Redondo Beach Pier: Redondo Beach Pier is a South Bay landmark. Here you'll find dining, shopping and family-friendly festivals to make everyone happy. While strolling this unique "endless" pier, you might stop at Tony's on the Pier for seafood and panoramic views, find a unique gift at T's Toe Rings or snap gallery-worthy photos.
• Madrona Marsh Preserve: Did you book your hotel room near South Bay's Torrance? If so, don't miss the chance to explore Madrona Marsh Preserve. This freshwater marsh is thought to be one of the last in LA county and home to many microhabitats. Start your journey at the nature center to pick up a trail map and get ready to observe wildlife.
• Seaside Lagoon: Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach is a large saltwater lagoon where you can swim, sunbathe or play volleyball. There's also a playground area and lifeguards on duty, making this a popular spot for families. If you want to take a refreshing dip without waves, this is the place to go.
• Torrance Art Museum: Want a taste of Torrance culture? Head to Torrance Art Museum, where you can view contemporary art from the South Bay region, free of admission. Here you can explore a range of exhibitions throughout two galleries and a video viewing space. Make sure to leave time for pondering in the ocean breeze.
• Manhattan Beach Pier: Manhattan Beach Pier, built in 1920, is the oldest concrete pier on the West Coast and the star attraction of Manhattan Beach. This 928-foot-long pier features an iconic pavilion at the end, which was built in 1922. Today the pier makes a postcard-perfect spot for photographs or a Pacific view at sunset. Although there are no shops or amusements on the pier, which adds to its peaceful quality, there is a small but educational aquarium located at the end. After strolling the pier, stop in the Roundhouse Aquarium for free to view or touch marine life.
• The Comedy and Magic Club: If you need a hearty laugh after a long flight, The Comedy and Magic Club awaits you in Hermosa Beach. The beachside location makes this club a desirable place to get giggling for both comedians and audience members. Come here to check out ten comedians a night, or eat yummy food like housemade chicken egg rolls or a deep-fried apple tart. You might even bump into Jay Leno while you're there.
• South Bay Bicycle Trail: Want to explore the Los Angeles County Coast via scenic bike ride? The South Bay Bicycle Trail is a 22-mile paved trail that runs from Pacific Palisades to Torrance County Beach. You'll find bike rental stands along the trail to give you wheels whether you want to bike or skate in the California sun.
• Hopkins Wilderness Park: Hopkins Wilderness Park, which sits a short distance inland in Redondo Beach, is a must-see for nature lovers. This park offers 11 acres to explore, including forest, meadows, a pond and streams. Stop at Hopkins to get back in touch with nature and chill out with the turtles and fish.

Want to sneak away from the crowds near the pier? You'll find boatfuls of hidden treasures dotting the South Bay. Here are a few places to look:

• Redondo Beach Historical Museum: A trip to the Redondo Beach Historical Museum is a great way to enhance your South Bay vacay. While inside this 1904 Queen Anne cottage, you'll find a vast collection of artifacts, photos, memorabilia and more. Enjoy exploring four rooms on a self-guided tour, and you'll look at Redondo Beach with a new perspective.
• Automobile Driving Museum: The Automobile Driving Museum is a fun place to stop for anyone staying in El Segundo. Within this roomy museum, you'll find over 130 vintage and antique cars, and a perfect way to spend the day for car enthusiasts young or old. Stop there on a Sunday and join them for a spin in one of their gorgeous antique cars.
• Miramar Park: Want a quiet and relaxing South Bay beach experience? You'll have it made at Miramar Park in Torrance. Miramar Park sits on 1.6 acres of green above Torrance Beach. Here you can throw down a blanket or find a bench and take in sweeping ocean views, or follow the walkway to the beach.

Where to Find the Top Hotels in South Bay, California

South Bay is the place to stay for anyone who wants to explore LA's surfy side and enjoy laid-back days in the sun and sand. Great for families, professionals and travelers with a knack for shopping, South Bay is sure to make you chillax. You'll also find some of the best LA hotels in or near South Bay to make the trip even sweeter. Whether you need awesome high-end hotels or good hotel deals nearby, you'll find what you need in South Bay.

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