Updated for 2023
The South Bay is home to many parks and other wonderful fun things for families. There are dozens of parks all over the South Bay, like in Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, San Pedro and Palos Verdes. These terrific parks each offer different amenities and facilities, and as a bonus, many also provide great views of the ocean!
Table of Contents: Best Parks in the South Bay
- Parks in Redondo Beach
- Parks in Manhattan Beach
- Parks in Hermosa Beach
- Parks in Torrance
- Parks in El Segundo
- Parks in Rancho Palos Verdes
- Parks in San Pedro
Related: Places to Fly a Kite in SoCal
Best Parks in Manhattan Beach
Polliwog Park
1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
At this 18-acre park, you’ll find plenty to keep the kids busy. The large pond (complete with ducks and geese) borders a natural wildlife refuge, home to migratory birds. There’s also an amphitheater which is often used for concerts and special events. The children’s play area includes a play structure resembling a lighthouse. There are separate areas for younger children, as well. You’ll also find picnic areas, restrooms, and an exercise course here.
Live Oak Park and Joslyn Community Center
1601 Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
The almost-nine acre Live Oak Park is one of Manhattan Beach’s oldest parks. You’ll find two children’s play areas here (one affectionately called “tot lots” for younger kids). In addition, there are tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic areas, and large grassy areas all make up this popular spot.
Sand Dune Park
33rd and Bell Ave., Manhattan Beach CA
This park is named for the 100-foot high sand dune here. At the top of the dune, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view. (However getting to the top can be quite a workout). Here children will enjoy a play area complete with swings and climbing equipment. There are a few picnic tables as well as restrooms available. In addition, Sand Dune Park has been noted for the number of different bird species that have been seen here. Important note — to exercise on the sand dune, an advance registration is required and can be done online.
See also: Los Angeles Parks
Marine Avenue Park
1625 Marine Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA
Marine Avenue is one of the newest parks in Manhattan Beach. At just over 7.5 acres, you’ll find lots to do here including a full-size baseball field, basketball courts, exercise area, turf soccer field, picnic areas, and children’s play areas. Parents will also appreciate the fact that there are two children’s play areas, one for younger kids and one for older kids.
Bruce’s Beach
Highland and 27th St., Manhattan Beach, CA
It may not be the largest park in Manhattan Beach, but many think it offers the best sunset viewing spots. At the three-acre Bruce’s Beach, you’ll find a basketball half-court, shady trees, and benches perfect for resting and enjoying the view. In addition, you can feel good bringing your family here when you know the history of Bruce’s Beach — more than 100 years ago, the beach area near this site was the “only beach resort in Los Angeles County for all people.” Today, Bruce’s Beach stands as a reminder that “friendship, goodwill and respect for all begins within our own boundaries and extends to the world community.”
Best Parks in San Pedro
White Point Park
W. Paseo Del Mar and Kay Fiorentino Dr., San Pedro, CA 90732
You can picnic, play, and photograph here! White Point Park offers great views of the ships sailing in and out of the Port of Los Angeles, and on a clear day, you can see Catalina Island in the distance. You’ll also find a children’s play area here as well.
Point Fermin Park
807 Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731
Point Fermin Park offers families 37 acres to explore. Among gardens, large grassy areas, and shady trees, you’ll also find picnic areas, a small amphitheater, and a children’s playground here. As a bonus, this picturesque park offers incredible views!
Best Parks in Redondo Beach
Hopkins Wilderness Park
1102 Camino Real, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Hopkins Wilderness Park is an “urban wilderness campground and nature study area.” Within these 11-acres, you’ll find beautiful views among four ecological habitats (forests, streams, ponds, and meadows). As you and the kids explore, you’ll see a variety of trees and plants, as well as birds, lizards, turtles, and more. Families can also make a reservation to camp in this scenic park. The Park is open six days a week from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm (closed on Wednesdays and certain holidays).
Related: Things to do in Redondo Beach with Kids
Franklin Park
807 Inglewood Ave., Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Families can spend a delightful time at Franklin Park. You’ll find picnic areas with barbecues, two basketball courts, a children’s play structure, and lots of grass. Pack a picnic, bring some balls, and plan to spend several hours here. Regularly visiting families speak highly of the park’s location in a quiet, residential neighborhood.
Veterans Park
309 Esplanade, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Veterans Park is a 6.3 acre park with ocean views. You’ll find a children’s play structure, lots of grass and trees, and a memorial to Redondo Beach’s veterans. Be sure to bring a kite — families speak of great kite-flying conditions here. In addition, each Thursday, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, Veterans Park hosts the Redondo Beach Certified Farmers’ Market. You’ll find a large selection of fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers, baked goods, prepared foods, fish, and more.
Perry Park
2301 Grant Ave., Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Within the 4.13 acre Perry Park families with children of all ages will find something to do. The park features children’s play areas, picnic areas, a sports field, and basketball courts. Additionally, you’ll find the Perry Park Teen Center here. The Teen Center is a 4,000 square-foot space with recreational activities inside. It also hosts special activities for those who are 12-16 years old.
Anderson Park
2229 Ernest Ave., Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Anderson Park is made up of 12.4 acres. Families will find basketball courts, tennis courts, and children’s play areas. In addition, you’ll find lots of green open spaces for relay games as well as benches and tables for picnics. In addition, regular visitors speak just as highly of the friendly families that frequent the park as they do of the facilities themselves.
Best Parks in El Segundo
Recreation Park
401 Sheldon St., El Segundo, CA
If you’re looking for an El Segundo park that offers a lot of choices, then head to Recreation Park. Here your family can enjoy racquetball, lawn bowling, tennis, basketball, and roller hockey. And there are lots of open, green areas — perfect for games of tag and/or a picnic.
Hilltop Park and Pool
corner of Maryland Street and Grand Ave., El Segundo, CA
Hilltop Park invites families to enjoy its picnic area and playground. While not super big, families speak highly of Hilltop Park as a great spot for young ones. During the summer months, the park also has a swimming pool. Because of its placement at the top of a hill, kids will also enjoy the view of nearby Los Angeles International Airport.
Best Parks in Hermosa Beach
Valley Park
2521 Valley Dr., Hermosa Beach, CA
Valley Park includes 5.33 acres, making it one of the largest and most popular parks in Hermosa Beach. Here you’ll find basketball courts, a fire pit, a large grassy field, and a children’s playground. Special seasonal events are held in this park as well, including “Movie in the Park” and “Shakespeare by the Sea.”
Best Parks in Torrance
(Charles H.) Wilson Park
2200 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90501
You’ll find lots to do at Wilson Park. Facilities include a fitness course, tennis courts, softball diamonds, picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, children’s play equipment, and much more. And don’t forget that Wilson Park is also home to the Southern California Live Steamers. Free public run days are offered on the 1st Sunday (from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm) and 3rd Saturday (from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm) of each month. Kids will love going for a ride on these mini-trains.
Paradise Park
5006 Lee St., Torrance, CA 90503
The kids will be busy at Paradise Park. The play equipment includes some wiggly slides and fun climbing structures. The play structures are shaped like a train, a submarine, and a planet. The park also offers a picnic area, tennis courts, and large grassy fields.
Los Arboles “Rocketship” Park
5101 Calle de Ricardo, Torrance, CA 90505
Take the kids to this park, and they most likely will feel like they’re almost astronauts. You’ll find swings, slides, and playground equipment as well as rocket-shaped climbing structures. And while you won’t find public restrooms here, you will find picnic areas and great views of the city.
Lago Seco Park
3920 235 St., Torrance, CA 90505
Your family can almost do it all at Lago Seco Park. A sand-free children’s playground, picnic areas and barbecues, a fitness course, basketball court, softball diamond, and a community garden are all waiting for you here at this popular Torrance park.
Best Parks in Rancho Palos Verdes
Robert E. Ryan Community Park
30359 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
You may find yourself coming to this park as much for its facilities as for the view! Families will enjoy picnic areas and barbecues, a baseball diamond, a children’s playground, and a “tot lot.” It’s a great spot for scenic family photos.
Related: Best Things to do in Rancho Palos Verdes with Kids
Ladera Linda Community Center and Park
32201 Forrestal Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Lots of family fun here! Facilities at the Ladera Linda Community Park include a basketball court, children’s playground, a “tot lot,” and trails (for walking, jogging, hiking). Many families find it to be a scenic spot and return again and again.
Fred Hesse, Jr. Community Park
29301 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Frequent visitors to this park speak of its cleanliness, beauty, and many amenities. You’ll find barbecues and benches, a sand volleyball court, baseball fields, a soccer field, walking paths, and a children’s playground. Pack a picnic and plan to stay a while to enjoy the outdoors and the beautiful views.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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