4 stylish and fun night spots in the Los Angeles/South Bay area!

The South Bay area of Los Angeles is home to several charming beaches: not only the well-known tourist destination of Long Beach, but also Manhattan Beach, famous for its many celebrity residents; Redondo Beach, where most scenes of the popular TV drama The O.C. were filmed; and Hermosa Beach, beloved by stylish local youth and known as the birthplace of beach volleyball. South Bay is full of fun places to visit during the day, but its nightlife is just as exciting. Here are some of the best night spots in South Bay.

1. Alex’s Bar (Long Beach)

Alex’s Bar is a live music venue in Long Beach. Local indie rock and punk bands perform live shows that change daily. Admission prices vary depending on the artist but are usually around $10–15, making it affordable. You might even catch a band that’s on its way to fame—rock fans shouldn’t miss it. Besides live music, the venue turns into a karaoke bar every Tuesday, and admission is free on those nights.

Singing on stage can be a fun change from karaoke boxes! The bar is also well known for its tasty beers and cocktails. Since it’s mainly a live house, there aren’t many seats—it’s more of a stand-and-enjoy atmosphere. Enjoy the feeling of being a Long Beach local for a night. It’s also occasionally used as a filming location for movies and TV shows.

2. The Strand House (Manhattan Beach)

Located in the celebrity-favored Manhattan Beach, The Strand House is known for its prime location and trendy restaurant-bar ambiance. The Manhattan Beach Pier and ocean stretch out right before you, offering a perfect view of the beautiful sunset. You can enjoy lunch, brunch, or dinner in the restaurant area, then move to the bar that opens in the evening to relax and take in the Pacific view.

The wine selection is extensive—wine lovers will be delighted. When making a reservation, be sure to request a window table. On weekend nights, live DJs perform, and the place gets quite packed with locals. If you want to experience Manhattan Beach nightlife, sip a drink at The Strand House and enjoy the scene.

3. The Boogie (Redondo Beach)

One of Redondo Beach’s recommended night spots is The Boogie. Located near Fisherman’s Wharf and the beach, it’s open every evening until late at night. Depending on the day, you might find live bands playing punk, reggae, or country music, or a DJ night—so there’s always something new to enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it a great spot to just hang out and drink with friends—or dance if you’re in the mood.

Most of the patrons are locals rather than tourists, so it’s ideal if you want to experience the nightlife as a local would. There’s even a police station nearby, so you can feel relatively safe going out at night.

4. Saint Rocke (Hermosa Beach)

When it comes to nightlife in Hermosa Beach, Saint Rocke is a must! Known as one of South Bay’s most famous live music bars, it features not only popular local bands but also internationally renowned ones. The brick exterior is its signature look. Happy Hour runs from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, perfect for a casual drink before dinner. Food is also available. Bands vary by day, but performances usually begin around 9:00 p.m.

There’s a cover charge of $10–15, but if you arrive early, you might get in for free. Since it depends on the event, it’s best to buy tickets in advance if there’s a band you definitely want to see. If you want to experience the South Bay music scene, this is the place to go.

◎ Summary

The South Bay area near Los Angeles has many other popular local night spots. You can explore bars that stay open late after a relaxing day at the beach, or ask locals for their favorite hangouts. There are also plenty of shisha (water pipe) bars, which are common abroad. Discovering up-and-coming local bands at various live venues is another fun part of the experience. Dive into South Bay’s nightlife and enjoy it to the fullest alongside the locals.