Best Coin Store – Meridian
Taking pride in its knowledge, market information and trade experience, Meridian offers a level of expertise to educate customers of all levels. CEO David Cloyed and senior numismatist Brett Renuad have more than 30 years of professional experience buying, selling, trading and researching all U.S. and world numismatic items. The store’s website frequently includes updates […]
Best of the Beach 2016, Best Health Club: Bay Club
Last year, Northern California’s Bay Club purchased Spectrum Health Clubs, and though signage has changed, the quality of the three South Bay-area clubs has remained, while vast upgrades are in progress. Locations in El Segundo, Rolling Hills Estates and along the Redondo Beach waterfront are still high-quality fitness centers with reams of classes and amenities […]
Best Sports Retailer – Sports Authority
Located near the intersection of Hawthorne and Torrance boulevards, Sports Authority employs a staff that is customer-service oriented and experts in designated areas. A full range of equipment and products helps customers discover what sport can do for every athlete and their family.The store plays an active role in the community, partnering with local youth […]
Best of the Beach 2016, Best Martial Arts Center: Elite Training Center
Six years ago, LOTAR Self-Defense became Elite Training Center, expanding its curriculum and making it more palatable for the average, everyday person. “Before, you could come in as a soccer mom, stepping on the mat with special forces,” said Sean Derhammer, an instructor at Elite. “It was intimidating.” And intimidation isn’t the goal — it’s […]
Best of the Beach 2016, Best Private School: Rolling Hills Prep
The South Bay is a cradle of excellent educational institutions, with multiple districts being named among the best in California and the United States at large. That’s why Peter McCormack, Rolling Hills Prep’s Head of School, considers this acknowledgement by our readers to be such an honor. “It provides great affirmation for us regarding the […]
Best Gold Store – South Bay Gold
As the biggest gold dealer, buyer and refiner in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, South Bay Gold guarantees the best prices for both buying and selling gold, silver and platinum at three local locations. Free testing is available to verify gold and silver items and the store offers one of the largest selections of coins, […]
Best Dentist – Beach Teeth
Located in Metlox Plaza, Beach Teeth specializes in general, cosmetic and implant procedures. Family dentists Dr. Anne-Norris Ozer and Dr. Steven Ozer explain treatment options and inform patients of additional preventative care helping relieve the stress of dental therapy. 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach. (310) 545-4440. Beachteeth.com
Best Used Car Dealer – Jama Auto House
Jama Auto House, a family-owned business, has been selling pre-owned luxury cars since 1983. With a full service department, buyers become a member of “Club JAMA” entitling owners service at a rate of $65 per hour, a fraction of the standard hourly rate qualified service shops charge. “What makes us unique is that we hand […]
Best of the Beach 2016, Best Door and Window Shop: Cook’s Doors and Windows
Cook’s understands fixtures. Not only regarding a home’s doors, windows and mouldings, either; Cook’s is a fixture of our Best of the Beach awards, and a fixture of the South Bay itself. “It’s a great compliment for us,” said Aimee Cook, whose great-grandfather Bert opened the store as Cook’s Lumber, in 1923. She recently stepped […]
Best New Car Dealer – Manhattan Beach Toyota
Serving South Bay motorists since 2006, the family-owned and operated dealership stocks numerous makes, models and styles for drivers looking to purchase a new or pre-owned car, truck, SUV or minivan. Financing, maintenance and repair work available, and the business is open seven days a week. “The Best of the Beach award means so much […]
Best of the Beach 2016, Best Jewelry Store: Morgan’s Jewelers
Morgan’s Jewelers, since 1946, has been offering their clients a unique and personal buying experience by combining an impressive selection of fine designer jewelry, on-site custom jewelry design and fine Swiss timepieces. “Our certified Swiss watchmakers and our knowledgeable GIA-trained staff assure customers of the highest caliber of products and services,” said president Russ Varon. […]
Best of the Beach 2016, Best Women’s Boutique: Papillon

Papillon’s purpose isn’t just to sell clothing; it’s to help women style themselves in a way that actually contributes to their lives, said owner Krushenka Cevallos. “I want customers to look beautiful; when you look good, you feel good,” she said. Her shop, which carries everything from work outfits to party attire, makes a point […]
Best of the Beach 2016, Best Pet Store: Petco
Petco is a ubiquitous brand in the United States; never mind the L.A. metro area, Petco is everywhere. But that doesn’t mean each store doesn’t have its quirks. Petco manager Vincent Smith came to Redondo from one of the smallest, strongest Petcos in Southern California a few months ago, and he’s seeing a lot of […]
Best of the Beach 2016, Best Domestic Auto Repair: Ocean Tire
Two things keep Ocean Tire manager Steve Save coming into work each day: working at shop that’s only few blocks down from the beach, and dealing with locals — and very often, it’s people that keep coming back to Ocean Tire, time and time again for their repair work and fair pricing. “People aren’t coming […]
Best of the Beach 2016, Best Snowboard Shop: ET Surf

When walking into ET Surf, it’s hard not to notice the entire section dedicated to Snowboarding. On top of that, a shop grom takes on the task of fixing, cleaning and re waxing snowboards.
Best of the Beach 2016, Best Foreign Auto Repair: Independent Repair
Mike Grady, Independent’s general manager, has been with the company for more than 30 years, working his way up the ranks after starting as a service technician in 1985. During that time he’s dealt with hundreds of customers — some of whom are still bringing in cars that they’ve put more than 500,000 miles […]