The summer of 2014 has arrived! The buzz of fun to come is in the air as kids wind down another school year and great summer beach town traditions are kicking off. While being close to the heart of downtown LA and the Westside has it's advantages for access to summer favorites like Dodger Games, the Hollywood Bowl, and the LA Phil, South Bay residents do not have to venture far from their front doors to explore, experience and have a great time with friends and family in one of the most coveted communities in all of Southern California. Here's a few things your local realtors at Caskey & Caskey don't want you to miss out on . . .
Our list of "MUST"s for South Bay Locals:
MUST SEE ---> An annual South Bay favorite tradition, the Concerts in the Park series at Pollywog Park in Manhattan Beach will kick off June 22 featuring Mira Costa High School's very own Jazz Band, followed every Sunday thereafter with a string of must-see artists with musical tastes ranging from Country to Blues to Rock n' Roll and fun tribute acts that honor musical greats likes The Beatles, Elvis and Neil Diamond. Concerts are free and go from 5:00 to 7:00 every Sunday through August 31. Alcohol is permitted at this venue, so grab a great picnic wine and some nibbles from Trader Joe's right down the street on Marine Blvd and come enjoy some great free music!
MUST DO ---> Locals must take advantage of the magnificient landscape and vistas offered at our treasured Terranea Resort. Treat yourself to a "staycation" and book a weekend at the world famous resort; enjoy the dining, spa, poolside fun, golf and more where it will feel like you are a world away but only about 20 minutes from the sea level beach communities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. If you don't want to spend the money for a quick retreat, at least enjoy all the free events at the resort offered all summer long. Join in on Nature hikes, art walks,& the acoustic concerts of Terranea's Unplugged Series. Find a treasure at the summer-long Trunk Show Series every weekend 12-4 pm. Public hiking trails are open year round and are a great way to get out and enjoy the summer.
MUST HAVE ---> If you haven't yet been bitten by the latest water sport craze, Stand Up Paddling or SUP, you need to get out and try it. There are great local shops dedicated to the sport of SUP where you can take one for a spin. Tarsan Stand Up Paddle Boards has locations in both Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach and offer a wide varitey of rental options as well as purchase options. Not sure which board to start with? Here's a quick tutorial on board options. When you are ready to purchase you can compare prices at the local swim & board outlet, The Swim Guy, located off of Artesia Blvd. in Redondo Beach. Great boards at outlet prices!
MUST GO ---> Hermosa's International Surf Festival will kick off on July 30th through August 3rd with local favorite events such as the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament running July 30th & 31st and the Surf Championships starting at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday June 2. This 5 day event offers something for everyone; all ages. Mark your calendar and bring the whole family.
photo courtesy of Taras Semchyshyn
MUST WATCH ---> the 4th of July draws thousands of people to our beach communities and there are many great places to catch the fireworks shows that our Southernmost beach, Redondo Beach, proudly displays. If you want a front row seat, tickets can be purchased for the Seaside Lagoon Indepenence Day celebration, which not only puts you front and center, but also promises a day filled with family fun. Doors open at 2 pm with the show starting at 9 pm. If you are lucky enough to live within view of RAT (Torrance) beach, you may even catch the privately funded fireworks show generously shared with the community by 93 year old resident, Jackie Briles, who every year foots the $60k bill to honor America in style. Rise and shine early on Independence Day and start the day off with a bang by participating in The Village Runner's 21st annual 5k Firecracker Dash, then grab your BBQ or picnic essentials and head on down to the beach for a great day in the sun. The Manhattan Beach Aquatics Staff will host a day of 4th of July water fun at Begg Pool with water games, water balloon tosses, races and more.
If you do venture out beyond the borders of the South Bay, make sure to take advantage of traffic busters such as the Park and Ride program which allows you to grab a shuttle from Torrance to the front gates of the Hollywood Bowl. Only $6 round trip when purchased in advance or $10 at the shuttle stop. Food and alcohol are permitted on the shuttle and it's a great way to bypass crowded, expensive parking lots near the Bowl.
Jennifer & Dave Caskey
Summer Events courtesy of Jennifer & Dave Caskey of Caskey & Caskey, Shorewood Realtors, Hermosa Beach, CA.
Have a great Summer!!
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