Small, simple, and genuinely cozy -- the kind of neighborhood park that feels like it belongs to…read morethe people who live around it. It's not a destination park, but that's exactly why it works so well. It's clean, quiet, and perfect for a short break: sitting on a bench, reading, stretching, or letting kids run around the playground. You'll see locals walking their dogs, parents chatting, and people just enjoying a calm moment away from the busier beach areas. What stands out is how peaceful it feels despite being so close to everything. No crowds, no noise -- just a relaxed, friendly vibe. If you live nearby or want a low-key spot to slow down for a bit in Hermosa, Valley Park is a really nice little gem.

I spent part of a lazy Saturday here last month, when I was dog-sitting for my sister. No, I didn't…read morebring the dog, because driving in cars terrifies her. Instead, I picked up a delicious sandwich, some deli sides, and drink from nearby Boccato's Groceries ( https://www.yelp.com/biz/boccatos-groceries-hermosa-beach ), lucked out in quickly finding a parking spot, and ate my lunch at a picnic table before reading my book for almost two hours. It was a beautiful day, and many other people were enjoying the near perfect weather and all the space the park has. There were at least three different kids' birthday parties going on, but they didn't interfere with one another, because Valley Park has multiple areas with picnic tables. It has a huge playground, a basketball court, and what seem like acres of grass to play on. There are also lots of trees for shade. As I said, I found parking almost right away, on Morningside Drive, but that meant a long walk for me, as the path from the western side of the park takes a rather circuitous route past the playground and the basketball court to the group of tables I wanted to sit at (the only ones completely unoccupied when I arrived). I could have taken a direct route through the grass, but that would have meant walking through a kids' soccer game and some of groups of kids playing. Most of the parking is along the two streets that form the northern boundary of the park, but I could see the street from where I was sitting, and those spots didn't open up often, and when they did, they were quickly taken. It got a bit windy as the afternoon passed, so I had to go chasing some napkins and the lid of one of my deli delectables at times, but it really is a nice, well maintained park. I didn't use the bathroom, but I did see quite a few moms taking their kids into them, so I'm assuming they couldn't have been that disgusting. Speaking of the bathrooms, it would be great if this Yelp listing could have a different, less puke-inducing cover photo. Please click on some other photos, people!

Such a neat park. The path is covered with shavings and lined with beautiful trees and plants…read more There are markers so one can monitor your success. It's a bit bumpy for biking. Best for walking/running. Lots of people walking their dogs. Parking on each side lining the whole park.

The shape of the park is like a narrow and long belt, which meanders through the ocean side suburbs…read moreof Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. It's a good place for a quick jog away from the street traffic, or walk dogs in the shade of trees on a wood chip trail, 3.5-mile nestled in a greenway of lush vegetation and flowers seems almost hidden, currently ongoing constructions near the south trail.

One of our favorite parks for a family day out! The playground is great for kids safe, clean, and…read morewith plenty of space to run around. There's a nice lake, open grassy areas, and shaded spots which make it perfect for relaxing or having a picnic. My toddler always has a great time here. Such a peaceful and well-maintained park definitely a go-to for us!

Polliwog is the largest park in all of the South Bay and a great park for a walk. They've got a…read morelarge pond - watch out for all the Canadian geese and watch your step for um some nature droppings. They have several playgrounds, picnic areas and gazebos. Note - Manhattan Beach is pretty strict with large parties at the park- so you will need to reserve if you're hosting a party. Overall it's a fun park that's a perfect spot for picnics, nature sight seeing and chill days.

Holy crap! I reviewed this park last summer, and commented on the sad condition of the vintage…read moreClark Building on the park grounds. I even posted photos of the peeling paint on the exterior of the charming structure: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/kmBEViaKdkE-ayKGhlbfBQ?select=3GYXXy_zEARhqd7tDrAhjw Then recently, when I drove by, I noticed work being done on the building. Lo and behold, it got a facelift! And here are the results: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/kmBEViaKdkE-ayKGhlbfBQ?select=Smlv9f47UdQTGaDyrF-x4g Wow!! The Clark Building is gorgeous now! I love the new color. Either the power of Yelp has triumphed again, or the timing of the renovation was just a coinkydink.......

This place is Top Notch!! i went here for an organized Lawn Bowling event with the UC Berkeley Haas…read moreAlumni on a Saturday at the beginning of summer! It was AMAZING Fun! I have to thank Jim, one of the experienced professionals on staff at the clubhouse for educating us! The Lawn Bowling barbecue provided us with an amazing venue for our annual Alum picnic!

Visited this park on a Thursday lunch time with my two dogs in tow…read more Parking is not free and you have to download the app to pay-per-hour. I found plenty of free street parking across the street and all around the neighborhood instead. After nearly getting hit by a car a few times and getting approached by an intoxicated looking homeless or two, we finally made it to the park. And then that's when we discovered that the place is NOT DOG FRIENDLY. Omg! At first, I thought I saw the signs wrong and had to actually go up close to it. I also witnessed a bunch of other dog owners walking around the park with their dogs but many had them not leashed. That's when it dawned on me why the park has a no dog allowed policy. It's honestly very infuriating when people are so blatantly disrespectful about park policies and other people's safety. Not to mention the dog shit everywhere that really shouldn't have been there. Ugh. And that was enough of LA County shenanigans for me that day.

The oceanfront Veterans Park is located at the corner of south catalina avenue and torrance…read moreboulevard, which features grass, trees, and playground. The community center, formerly the main library of Redondo beach, is currently unavailable and under construction. I always like the elevated ocean view, and found it's quite peaceful to walk around here.

We came by to watch a Little League game a couple of weekends ago…read more This is a well maintained park with a nice playground area. The bleachers near the baseball field were typical of the other Redondo Beach parks...comfortable enough to sit on for a couple of hours. But no shade, so wear a hat and sunglasses. There was an enclosed senior center also. Didn't get to see inside, but it's a nice benefit for the residents.

One of my favorite go to parks. I've been to Anderson Park a few time for picnics. It's a giant…read morepark with lots of space. It has a playground for kids as well as several tennis courts. Parking can easily fill up on the street but they also have parking towards the back side of the park.

We USED to love Seaview Park. My firstborn learned how to walk here, pushing a little wooden push…read moretoy someone was nice enough to 'donate' to the park's collection of toys. What's good about this park is that it is 100% enclosed by a chicken wire fence. Or at least it used to. There is now a 2'x2' whole in a side of the fence that is facing Prospect Ave. Another good thing about this park is that there are always toys for young kids to play with. The unspoken agreement is that you bring your old toys here for others to enjoy. No taking them home, please! There is also a water spout for the water table / sand pit. This can be a pro and con as some kids use this as a tool of mass terror. What I dislike most about this park is that it's become bad nanny squatter central. I don't mind that these nannies bring lawn chairs and cover the entire north side of the park, gossiping loudly for hours - it's a public park for everyone to enjoy. I DO MIND TERRIBLY that they do not look after those in their care, they litter and they don't pick up afterwards. They leave small pieces of trash (plastic covers of juice box straws, water bottle tops, yogurt tops) that get stuck in the grass. Of course, my little one sees it, picks it up and puts it in his mouth. Those lazy bad nannies! #$&%@#!!! A friend said they saw a nanny peeing behind a bush. There are no bathrooms here and certainly no areas where you can afford to have a puddle without a kid eventually stepping in it. Totally revolting! YUCK!!! What a way to ruin a local gem. We now come here once on a blue moon now, even though we live just blocks away. That and I'll never look at a nanny the same way...

Sea View Park has no sea view, haha. The hedges are so high, it would be impossible even if it was…read morean otherwise unobstructed vantage point (see photo). The hedges block out the view of Prospect Ave. too, and the street noise...a good thing. It insures that the little space is quiet and secluded. I never knew it was there, actually, until I found it by accident. It gets better: the park is a pesticide free zone. Good, 'cause all there is inside the fenced area is a kids playground. No potty, no nothin' 'cept that, and a grassy space, and some big beautiful trees. Oh, and a small picnic area with one bar-b-q. It's quite nice for a neighborhood park. On Saturday there was only one visitor when I was there, a woman reading a book. 6 photos

Lots of fun. Great place. A hidden gem for people who want their kids to experience a outdoorsy…read morepark that is kinda different than other parks that just have grass. This place has hills, a stream and places for kids to explore. Definitely a great alternative than to have them entertained by stimulation rather than nature. Seems they have programs for kids too although when we went there wasnt anything going on. Check it out

Whoever heard of a park called Fort Lots Of Fun! That's just…read moreabout the coolest name under the sun I just had to drive over and have a look Now I will post the 4 photos I took A sign on the gate says the park has no potty Don't wet your pants, now that would be naughty The park consists of a play area that's fenced With lovely shade trees the space is enhanced It's a nice place where kiddies can run Around, while parents relax 'till they're done To top it all off, the piece de resistance Is an ocean view, off in the distance Small but cool, it's a park on a hill At Fort Lots Of Fun your bad moods will be nil