4-Day Itinerary to Explore Hawthorne, California

• Day 1: Beaches and Shopping - Start your day early by heading to Manhattan Beach to watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. Take a stroll along the pier and enjoy the scenic views. Later, visit The Point, a trendy outdoor shopping center with various luxury shops and restaurants. In the evening, explore Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza, a lively area with live music and street performers.
• Day 2: Culture and Art - Begin your day with a visit to the Hawthorne Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Hawthorne. Then, visit The South Bay Contemporary, an art gallery that features contemporary art, installations, and sculptures. Continue to explore the artistry by heading to Bergamot Station, where you can find various international contemporary art galleries.
• Day 3: Nature and Hiking - Visit the South Coast Botanic Garden featuring several sections such as a Japanese Garden, Australian Garden, Desert Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Children's Garden, and many more. Enjoy the surrounding nature and go for a hiking adventure at Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve with an awe-inspiring ocean view.
• Day 4: Theme Parks and Fun - Visit Universal Studios Hollywood, a theme park with thrill-seeking rides, movie-inspired experiences, and celebrity visits. If you want more, then head next to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for more adventures, amazing food, and magical experiences.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Manhattan Beach (2-4 hours, free)
• The Point (1-3 hours, variable)
• Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza (1-2 hours, free)
• Hawthorne Museum (2-3 hours, $5 for adults and $3 for children)
• The South Bay Contemporary (1-2 hours, free admission)
• Bergamot Station (2-3 hours, free admission)
• South Coast Botanic Garden (2-4 hours, prices vary by day check website)
• Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve (2-4 hours, free)
• Universal Studios Hollywood (full day, ticket prices start from $109 per person)
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (full day, ticket prices start from $125 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs (per person): variable based on the activity

Transportation

For those who prefer public transportation, Los Angeles Metro operates well-connected bus routes to most of the attractions. However, the most convenient option is renting a car or utilizing ride-sharing apps. Taxi services and airport transportation providers are also available. Expect to pay around $20-$30 per day for car rental and around $30-$50 for a taxi ride.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, include a visit to The Getty Villa, a museum and educational center dedicated to the study of Ancient arts and cultures. For beach lovers, Redondo Beach and Torrance Beach are must-visit places with picturesque views, great dining, and water sports activities. Additionally, The Griffith Observatory and California Science Center and IMAX Theater are other popular attractions in the area. If you have less time, consider shortening your visits or combine locations based on your interests.