South Bay Beach Volleyball: The Ultimate Guide to the Courts of Manhattan Beach, El Porto, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance Beach, El Segundo & Palos Verdes
If beach volleyball has a spiritual home in the United States, it’s the South Bay of Los Angeles. Stretching from the cliffs of Palos Verdes northward through the classic beach cities, this stretch of sand has produced Olympians, AVP legends, and generations of weekend warriors who treat the game like a way of life. Soft, deep sand that builds legs of steel. Year-round sunshine. Free public nets. And a culture that welcomes everyone from first-timers to world-tour pros.
Here’s your complete guide to volleyball across the South Bay beach cities: Manhattan Beach, El Porto, El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance Beach, and Palos Verdes.
A Brief History: Why the South Bay Owns Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball took root in Southern California in the 1920s–30s, starting around Santa Monica beach clubs before migrating south. By the 1940s–50s it was booming on the South Bay sands. The modern era began in earnest with the Manhattan Beach Open in 1960—still called the “Wimbledon of Beach Volleyball.” Organized early on by the legendary Charlie Saikley (the “Godfather of Beach Volleyball”), it remains the longest-running and most prestigious tournament in the U.S.
The California Beach Volleyball Association (CBVA) formalized the scene in 1965. Deep South Bay sand became the preferred training ground for pros because it makes every other court feel easier. Today you’ll still see Olympic gold medalists and AVP stars training alongside locals.
Manhattan Beach – The Volleyball Capital of the World
Manhattan Beach is the crown jewel. More than 50 free public courts line the sand from north to south—no reservations needed. Just show up with a ball and find an open net.
- Hot spots: The densest cluster is around the Manhattan Beach Pier (especially south side). Marine Street (about 10 blocks north of the pier) is a major training hub for pros and strong amateurs. Courts continue north into El Porto and south toward Hermosa.
- The Manhattan Beach Open (AVP): Held every summer (2026 dates: August 14–16, with qualifier and Walk of Fame ceremony around the 13th). Amateurs can still qualify into the main draw—the only major pro event that allows it. Winners get bronze volleyball plaques on the pier’s Volleyball Walk of Fame (Karch Kiraly has a record 10 for the men; Kathy Gregory leads the women with 7).
- Other events: Charlie Saikley 6-Man / 6-Woman Beach Volleyball Tournament (part of the International Surf Festival, usually early August), plus city and CBVA events.
Deep sand, ocean views, and an electric vibe make it special. Locals and visitors mix easily most days; tournament weekends turn the pier area into a festival.
El Porto – The Quieter Northern Extension of Manhattan Beach
El Porto (the northernmost section of Manhattan Beach, around 45th Street / Tower 45 area, near the El Segundo border) offers a slightly less crowded alternative. Courts here are solid, the wind can be more consistent (great for working on shots), and you still get that signature deep South Bay sand. It’s popular with locals who want space without the pier scene. Easy parking access off Vista del Mar and a strong surfing culture add to the vibe.
Hermosa Beach – Court Density King & Training Haven
Hermosa Beach boasts the highest concentration of free public courts on the coast—around 71 nets running from the Hermosa Pier north to the Manhattan Beach border and south toward Redondo. Deep, soft sand makes it legendary for training (“If you can play at Hermosa, you can play anywhere”).
- Epicenters: Near the pier and especially 16th Street / 2nd Street courts for more competitive play.
- Culture & training: Home to excellent programs like Better at Beach Volleyball (led by pro Mark Burik), Smackfest classes (running for decades), South Bay Volleyball Academy, and more. Weekly open play and skill-level classes thrive year-round.
- Tournaments: Smackfest (major local event, often late June), AVP Juniors National Championships (frequently hosted here), and CBVA events. Hermosa’s scene feels a bit more open and social than Manhattan’s high-energy pier cluster.
Redondo Beach – Pier Energy with a More Relaxed Footprint
Redondo’s beach is narrower, so you’ll find fewer permanent nets than its neighbors (a handful of solid public courts along the sand, especially near the pier and toward Torrance). Still, it’s very much part of the South Bay volleyball ecosystem.
- Look for courts near the Redondo Beach Pier and along the Strand.
- City classes and leagues run regularly; SmacktoberFest (a fun tournament + party vibe) and other events pop up.
- Great for post-game food and drinks at the pier, plus convenient access via the bike path.
Torrance Beach (and RAT Beach) – The Quiet Local Favorite
Torrance Beach (including the shared “RAT Beach” area with Redondo—“Right After Torrance”) is the chill counterpart. Expect around 6 public nets on a wide, soft stretch of sand with beautiful views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and cliffs.
It’s less crowded, perfect for casual games, friends, or intermediate play without fighting for space. Amenities include restrooms, showers, lifeguards, and Strand access. Locals love it for the relaxed atmosphere and solid conditions.
El Segundo – Parks, High School Power & Border Courts
El Segundo’s true beach is limited (a stretch near Grand Avenue that blends into El Porto/Manhattan), but it has volleyball courts on the sand and excellent park options (Recreation Park features sand volleyball, among other amenities). High school beach volleyball thrives here, and facilities like VIBE Volleyball Lab offer indoor/performance training. Youth camps (including Sinjin Smith programs) and local clubs make it a solid hub for developing players. Chevron Employees Park also has courts.
Palos Verdes – Sand Courts with Cliffside Views
Palos Verdes (Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, etc.) leans more toward parks and high-school sand courts than endless open beach nets. Standouts include:
- Fred Hesse Jr. Community Park (ocean views + volleyball courts)
- Ernie Howlett Park (sand volleyball)
- Abalone Cove and other coastal parks with recreational courts
- Palos Verdes High School’s on-campus sand courts (a pioneering setup for high-school beach volleyball)
It’s ideal for scenic casual play or structured high-school/club training rather than all-day open-net sessions. The peninsula’s cliffs provide a stunning backdrop.
How to Play, Train & Get Involved
- Public courts are free and first-come, first-served. Bring your own ball (or find friendly locals who will share). Soft sand means no shoes needed.
- Skill levels: Beginners are welcome almost everywhere outside of heavy pro training sessions. Look for CBVA ratings if you want competitive open play or tournaments.
- Classes & academies: South Bay Volleyball (adult level-specific classes), Better at Beach, MBsand (youth), Smackfest, city rec programs in Manhattan/Hermosa/Redondo, and private coaches.
- Leagues & tournaments: CBVA events, city summer series, Hookie tournament, corporate team-building, and AVP heritage events.
- Pro tip: Train in the deep sand of Manhattan or Hermosa—it will make you stronger and faster on any other surface. Mornings and weekdays are less crowded. Sunscreen, water, and a hat are non-negotiable.
Why the South Bay Feels Special
It’s not just the courts—it’s the culture. You can play next to Olympians one day and join a friendly 6-person social game the next. The Strand bike path connects everything, so hop between cities easily. Year-round mild weather means volleyball never really stops.
Whether you’re chasing an AVP plaque on the Manhattan Pier, grinding drills in Hermosa, or just knocking the ball around on a quiet Torrance afternoon with the Palos Verdes cliffs in view, the South Bay delivers pure beach volleyball magic.
Grab a ball, head to the sand, and become part of the tradition. The nets are waiting. 🏐☀️
Pro tip for visitors: Check the City of Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach Parks & Rec sites, CBVA, and AVP.com for current tournament and class schedules. Parking near the piers fills fast on weekends—use public lots, the bike path, or rideshares. Enjoy the South Bay!