Stay-cations in South Bay
When you live in the South Bay area there is a plethora of things to do without traveling far. Here are some great stay-cation ideas:
If you love surfing, bicycling, rollerblading, wind surfing or fishing the area is perfect with its wonderful beaches and ocean currents. Hermosa Beach offers some of the world’s most exciting surfing opportunities for surfers of all abilities.
Nature lovers will be thrilled with the sea life they find on their oceanfront walks. Take a boat tour to view dolphins or whales up close.
Walk along the Strand and photograph the elusive green flash at sunset. If you are an architectural buff, enjoy the homes designed by such architects as Richard Neutra, Ray Kappe, Dean Nota, Patrick Killen, Grant Fitzpatrick, Louie Tomaro, Larry Peha and Michael Lee.
If night life is your pleasure why not take in a show at Hermosa Beach’s Comedy and Magic Club. This spot is world famous for hosting such rookie comedians as Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Gary Shandling, and Rosanne Barr. You can expect to be dazzled by little known comics and magicians who will later be famous. Take time to see the exhibits of Charlie Chaplin’s Clown outfit, Jerry Seinfeld’s puffy shirt, Oliver Hardy’s giant pajamas, Bob Hope’s hat, Mike Myer’s Austin Power Man of Mystery suit, Robin Williams’ bumper car from “Toys” and Eddie Murphy’s Nutty Professor shirt and suspenders.
Downtown Hermosa Beach also has notable restaurants and nightclubs. Try the food at Chef Melba’s, Hot’s Kitchen, Pedone’s Pizza, Mama D’s, Zane’s, La Playita, La Campagna or Sushi Sei. Rock the night away at Hennessey’s, Saint Rocke, Patrick Molloy’s and the Lighthouse.
If you fancy a shopping stay-cation then downtown Hermosa Beach offers many options. Walk or bike the streets. Browse the windows of Seymour’s Jewelers, Luna C, orOliovera at the 200 Pier Ave. building. Check out Spyder, Pier, Jack’s, E.T., and Becker surf shops. South on Hermosa are Yak & Yeti. No shopping trip is complete without Buzz Pop Candy Shop for their pop rocks, giant gummy bears and salt water taffy. While you’re there, trySquamscot Sarsaparilla or Dr. Brown’s Diet Cream.
If you enjoy theater take in the opera or a Shakespeare play at the five-hundred-seat Hermosa Beach Playhouse or see one of AngeloMasino’s plays at Second Story Theatre.
Looking for some exercise, visitors are welcome to come and lawn bowl at Clark Stadium on Valley Drive in Hermosa Beach. Games are held every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:45 a.m. and on Saturday at 9:45 a.m. All you need are flat-soled shoes.
