Thousands of people travel to Southern California during the summer for its perfect temperatures, wide beaches, nightlife, amusement parks and great food. Those of us who live here get to enjoy it year-round, but there’s something extra special about summer in the South Bay. It’s easy to go to the beach, sit outside at a great restaurant sipping wine, or pop over to one of many farmer’s markets for artisan olive oil, French pastries, and juicy peaches. Off the beaten path are more unique activities that take some planning, but fully maximize the experience of being a local in one of the most beautiful regions of the state. It's always a good time to introduce a new summer tradition. Here are a few of the best things to do in the South Bay during the summer.

No need to drive for an hour to visit a gallery and have a gorgeous summer dinner. Stop by Gallery JS in Riviera Village, and then dine at Hook & Plow Redondo Beach. JS Gallery, owned by photographer Jill Sanders, is a beautiful collection of photography, including shots of many local sights, in a peaceful, understated setting. Hook & Plow, with seating inside and out, serves delicious crab cakes, pear and burrata salad, lobster, steak and a long list of South Bay-inspired dishes. Reservations recommended.

Take a personal day for massages and pampering at the Spa at Terranea. Schedule a soak, stone therapy, sauna, scrub, facial, or a package treatment in a VIP suite at the resort. Couples packages are offered, too. You can also purchase a spa day pass (available Monday-Thursday for individuals over 18) for use of Terranea spa amenities, fitness center and pool.

Have a laugh at the Comedy Magic Club in Hermosa Beach with several performances each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Jay Leno himself performs most Sunday nights. If you’d like another flavor of comedy, book your tickets for the Aprils Fools Comedy Improv Troupe which performs at 2nd Story Theatre on 710 Pier Ave. Hermosa Beach on the second Saturday of every month.

Get a resort pass to lounge at the pool. Many nearby hotels and resorts, including Shade Hotel Redondo Beach and Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach, Sonesta Redondo Beach, and Westdrift Manhattan Beach, offer day passes for use of pools and other amenities. Make your reservation, pack your tote and enjoy the lounge chairs, cabanas and poolside dining options. Visit ResortPass.com for more information.

Zip along the coast or zoom above downtown LA. Helicopter tours aren’t just for tourists, so schedule a flight over of the South Bay and Los Angeles from Torrance Airport. JJ Helicopters, Inc. offers pre-designed routes over regional sights such as Dodger Stadium, the Hollywood sign, and others, from $180 and up per person.

Improve your abilities in the kitchen with baking and cooking classes. From Scratch Bakers in Redondo Beach offers virtual and in-person cooking and baking classes for all ages in cooking. Chef Tech in Long Beach has a long list of cooking class options covering basics, advanced dishes and cake baking and decorating. If you don’t feel like going out, arrange for cooking classes in your own home. Chef Philly Phill will teach your party to make dishes at your skill level (or higher) using seasonal ingredients you choose.

Take a sunset cruise with friends and family on the El Rey catamaran leaving from the Portofino Hotel & Marina. Portofino cruises offer custom menus and can be organized around any special event or holiday – though, you don’t need a reason to plan a party.

Retrace Ryan Gosling (Sebastion) and Emma Stone’s (Mia) steps from the movie La La Land at Hermosa Beach Pier and The Lighthouse Café. Stroll the pier – singing optional – and then find a seat at the café to enjoy live music daily and jazz brunch on Sundays. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, drive into LA for two other memorable moments in the film - eat at Sarita’s Pupuseria at Grand Central Market, and ride the Angel’s Flight funicular located across the street.

Rent an e-bike at Beach Biking and pedal your way from Redondo Beach to Santa Monica on a single charge. Pause for a bit of body surfing or beach volleyball. And you can stop for brunch or lunch at one of many beachside eateries, including R10 Social House in Redondo Harbor, Good Stuff Hermosa Beach, or Playa Provisions in Playa Del Ray. If you make it all the way to Santa Monica (about 20 miles), take a ride on the Ferris wheel. Don’t forget your helmet, sunblock and water.

The play is the thing, and one wonderful summer tradition in the South Bay is Shakespeare by the Sea. In 2024, the touring group will perform “Cardenio: Double Falsehood” and “Henry IV” in parks and amphitheaters from Pasadena to Aliso Viejo including Redondo Beach, Torrance, and Rancho Palos Verdes. Grab your low beach chairs and blankets. Make it a gourmet event with a cheese board and wine from Hermosa Beach’s incomparable fromagerie Cultured Slice. Arrive early, bring your picnic, and enjoy outdoor theater at its best.

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Melissa Bean Sterzick is a professional freelance writer, editor and proofreader. Melissa has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has worked for publications including The Deseret News and The Dallas Morning News. She loves the beach, gardening, yoga, and tennis. She lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, two daughters, and cat.