Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and Palos Verdes are all active communities, and the folks here are serious about their sports. In fact, the great outdoors and athletic activities offered are some of the main reasons this suburb of Los Angeles draw residents from around the world. The spotless groomed beaches attract sunbathers and joggers, while cyclists pace up and down The Strand bike path. But beyond these more leisure activities, the air of competition is felt.
Volleyball
Pick up a game of beach volleyball at pretty much any given time of day between Manhattan and Redondo Beach. Daily, one will find professional players practicing, amateurs scrimmaging, and dozens of coaches teaching people of all ages the sport in its birthplace. July and August are especially lively during the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) Tournaments in Manhattan and Hermosa Beach, as well as the festive Charlie Saikley 6-Man amateur tournament.
Surfing
The South Bay is known for dozens of great surf spots, all with their own special characteristics be it a safe sandy bottom, consistent size, or accessibility. From novice to aficionado, all can agree that great surfing can be had year-round somewhere along the stretch of the coast from Manhattan Beach to Palos Verdes. Manhattan Beach is known for the famous El Porto, 26th, and Marine Streets, and South of the Pier primarily. Hermosa Beach is known for its Pier and surfing, while Redondo is known for the Breakwater and Herondo. Just a bit further south of Redondo is Torrance Beach, Haggerty’s, and the famous, and infamous, PV Cove in Palos Verdes. While many other surf spots dot the coast in between these more well-known spots, it’s always pretty easy to have a fun ride.
Golf
For a bit slower pace, but just as competitive, golf locals come in a variety of forms. Just northeast of Manhattan Beach is the Lakes of El Segundo, a municipal 9-hole golf course and driving range. This location offers kid’s golf camps in the summer, as well. Likewise, the new 26-acre West Drift hotel campus in Manhattan Beach includes a 9-hole executive golf course exclusive to its guests.
For a true golf experience, head south to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Rolling Hills Country Club is the only South Bay member-owned private country club. The brand-new championship golf course was designed by golf architect, David McLay Kidd. Also in Palos Verdes, is the Palos Verdes Golf Course, which is owned by the city of Palos Verdes Estates, yet privately operated. The eighteen-hole championship course and the Mediterranean-style clubhouse recently underwent a renovation. Lastly, the Billy Bell-designed course, Los Verdes, offers gorgeous ocean views from the cliffs of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Nearby, Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes is a public golf club designed by Pete Dye and Donald J. Trump Signature Design. It is designed with all the bells and whistles from waterfalls, difficult dunes, and a scenic view to boot.
Tennis
Interested in tennis? Adjacent to the Palos Verdes Golf Club in Palos Verdes Estates, is the Palos Verdes Tennis Club. The club offers twelve meticulously maintained courts as well as separate clubhouses for adults and juniors. Likewise, the Jack Kramer Tennis Club in Rolling Hills hosts daily workouts, and clinics, as well as league play for USTA and Marine. Both the aforementioned Palos Verdes Tennis Club and the Kramer Club are known for turning out young superhuman athletes like Pete Sampras and the Peninsula High School champions that currently dominate the youth tennis scene, under the direction of great juniors coaching at these impressive clubs.
The private Manhattan Country Club hosts 18 tennis courts along with a newly renovated clubhouse, a 25-yard swimming pool with a poolside bar and grill, a workout facility, and a formal dining area.
Not the country club type? Well, public courts at Live Oak Park in the heart of Manhattan Beach are open to residents and league play year round.
Redondo Beach is home to Alta Vista and Anderson Park public courts, and many South Bay locals belong to nearby Torrance’s West End Racquet and Health Club with 16 outdoor tennis courts and a-state-of-the-art fitness center.