From the polished piers of the South Bay to the legendary surf breaks of Huntington Beach, this stretch of the Southern California coastline is more than a destination — it's a way of life. In this inaugural edition of SoCal Shores, we're pulling back the curtain on four of the Pacific coast's most vibrant communities: Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and Huntington Beach. Who lives here? What draws people in? And what should you explore if you visit? We've got you covered.

Manhattan Beach is the crown jewel of the South Bay. Its iconic round-ended pier stretches 900 feet into the Pacific, and the surrounding downtown — affectionately called "The Strand" — hums with boutique restaurants, surf shops, and the kind of effortless California cool that you just can't manufacture. With a median household income pushing $194,000, this is one of America's wealthiest small cities, yet it somehow retains a laid-back beach town spirit that keeps everyone coming back.

Don't let the small size fool you — Hermosa Beach (just 1.4 square miles!) packs more personality per block than most cities ten times its size. Known for its legendary beach volleyball scene, vibrant Pier Avenue nightlife, and a density of 13,500 people per square mile, Hermosa is where the South Bay comes to live out loud. The median home now tops $2 million, yet the vibe here is delightfully unpretentious. It's a place where CEOs and lifeguards share the same patch of sand.

Redondo Beach is the most diverse and most populated of the South Bay beach cities, and that richness shows in everything from its restaurant scene to its thriving waterfront. The iconic Redondo Beach Pier and King Harbor Marina are the heart of the city — a dynamic hub of fresh seafood, boat rentals, and sunset dining. With a median household income of nearly $145,000 and a median home value of $1.23 million, RB offers a slightly more accessible entry point to the South Bay lifestyle without sacrificing a single bit of charm.

You can't talk about Southern California beaches without talking about Huntington Beach. Known worldwide as "Surf City USA," this Orange County gem is home to nearly 193,000 residents and boasts a median age of 44 — a mature, settled community with deep roots and serious civic pride. With 10 miles of pristine coastline, an iconic pier, and the US Open of Surfing every summer, HB attracts millions of visitors annually while maintaining a fiercely local identity. The median household income of $120,000 reflects a broad, working-class-to-affluent mix that gives the city its authentic, unpretentious energy.