Life in the South Bay of Los Angeles

With temperatures greater than 60 degrees on average on most days, it’s no wonder that adjusting to life in the South Bay of Los Angeles is easy.  There’s a saying that goes, ‘If you can’t find it in the South Bay, then it doesn’t exist!”

The Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is located 15 minutes from the beach, 15 minutes from the Los Angeles International Airport, and 20 miles from the main UCLA campus.  It’s proximity to Los Angeles’ well-known freeway system makes it accessible for residents to reach the Westside neighborhoods such as Santa Monica and Beverly Hills as made popular by the media in 20 minutes, Downtown LA for the historical architecture and unique ethnic neighborhoods in 20 minutes going north, and Long Beach for the new up-and-coming restaurant and entertainment scenes in 15 minutes going south.

The Beach Scene: Many residents take advantage oftheMedical Center's proximity to the ocean by living in the beach communities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach.  Surfing, beach volleyball, rollerblading, and bicycling are readily available.

The Culture Scene: Los Angeles offers many museums, theaters, and cultural activities. HUMC is located within 30 miles of the Los Angeles Music Center, the Hollywood Bowl, the Greek theater, the Getty Center, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, just to name a few. Moreover, there are numerous movie theaters (multiplexes and art film houses) scattered all over LA.

Athletics:  For the sports minded, Los Angeles offers professional basketball, baseball, soccer and hockey teams as well as excellent collegiate sporting events. (Los Angeles).

Family-oriented: Away from the hustle and bustle of the Westside and Downtown LA, the communities of the South Bay offer a calmer and family-friendly environment for residents with families.    There are public parks and libraries scattered all over the area.  In addition, major amusement parks such as Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain along with smaller local ones present as memory-making opportunities that your family will look back fondly in years to come.  

Food and Dining: LA is a mecca for food enthusiasts and HUMC is bordered by a broad array of restaurants and eateries that will satisfy your hunger after a long shift.  No matter if you’re craving Mexican, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Seafood, Indian, Italian, Californian, Gourmet Pizza, Steak, Vegetarian, Brazilian, or just plain burgers and fries, you don’t have to drive too far.

Shopping: Whether you’re a connoisseur of luxury goods who frequents the high-end shops on Rodeo Drive or a shopping enthusiast who loves a good sale at the mall, the South Bay has no shortage of retail stores.  You will find major malls all over the area where you can find your favorite designer brand and chic independent boutiques by the beach communities where you can find unique one-of-the kind apparel.

Beyond LA: Alternatively, if one desires to escape Los Angeles for a day, Santa Barbara, Orange, and Riverside Counties are just a mere freeway drive away. Local mountains and deserts offer skiing in the winter and rock climbing and mountain biking year-round (South Bay). Who says it doesn’t snow in Los Angeles?  Just pack an overnight bag with all your outdoor gear for your golden weekend adventure.

Regardless of one's interests, the Los Angeles area is sure to fulfill every cultural, social, and entertainment need.