My son and I traveled to the area and staying with Kai in Hawthorne was great. It is recommended you have a rental car. We hit Redondo Beach, Santa Monica pier beach, universal hollywood, the Angels, the Dodgers, the USS. Iowa, Labrea Tar Pits. There is a Mexican walk up restaurant just down the street that is open late that is great. The room was awesome, private and served my trip perfectly. I would recommend staying with Kai . He is a great host.