Nestled along the glittering Pacific coastline, Redondo Beach is a quaint seaside town that offers the perfect blend of sun, surf, and scenery. Whether you want to lounge on the sand, ride the waves, shop, dine, or take in the dazzling sunset views, Redondo Beach has something for everyone. Here are 12 can’t-miss activities to make the most out of your Redondo Beach getaway:
Take a Stroll on the Redondo Beach Pier
Horseshoe-shaped and dotted with attractions, Redondo Beach Pier stretches well over the ocean, serving up spectacular views. Take a leisurely stroll to the very end of the 1,400-foot-long pier to watch surfers bobbing in the waves, see fishermen reeling up their catches, and spot dolphins playing in their natural habitat. Enjoy authentic churros, tacos or some saltwater taffy as you take in the sights. Don’t forget your camera!
Hang Ten at a Local Surf Spot
With its prime beach location, Redondo Beach offers awesome surf breaks for catching waves. Head over to Topaz Jetty to ride right point breaks or stop by Avenue I for some nice lefts. King Harbor Jetty and The Hole are other popular surf spots frequented by locals and visitors. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro surfer, the consistent swells will keep you hanging ten all day long.
Go Whale Watching
Between December to April, majestic gray whales make their annual migration south toward Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Hop aboard a whale watching cruise that departs from King Harbor to spot these breathtaking leviathans as they voyage along the coastline. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of whales breaching, tail slapping and blowing water from their blowholes. Don’t forget your binoculars and zoom lens!
Shop ’Til You Drop Along the Pier and Harbor
Boasting a quirky array of indie boutiques, surf shops, beachwear stores and seafood markets, Redondo Beach Pier and King Harbor make for a fabulous shopping destination. Pier Avenue offers the widest selection of stores, like surf-inspired Sun & Sea Beachwear and M Boutique with its laidback SoCal styles. Meanwhile, King Harbor hosts colorful open-air shops peddling everything from homemade fudge to novelty gifts.
Sample Regional Cuisine with an Ocean View
From the pier to the harbor, Redondo Beach is packed with restaurants serving up impressive oceanfront settings and menus focused on fresh regional cuisine. Splurge on steak and seafood at Bluewater Grill overlooking King Harbor Marina. For killer views of the Pacific and superb California fare, check out The Bull Pen, Te’kila orisance Restaurant. Seafood lovers adore the lobster, crab and oysters at The Lost Knight.
Visit Morrell House and Gardens
History buffs will love this Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion situated cliffside above the Pacific Ocean. Built in 1896 as the vacation home of Minnesota lumber tycoon George Morrell, this perfectly preserved house gives you a glimpse into old Redondo Beach. Wander through the lovely English gardens in full bloom before venturing inside to admire the antique interior furnishings. Don’t miss the unprecedented ocean views!
Play Seaside Mini-Golf at Gondola Getaway
Located at King Harbor along the waterfront, Gondola Getaway isn’t your average mini-golf course. Designed to emulate the streets of Venice with gondolas, bridges over canals and Italian architecture, this fun attraction will instantly transport you across the globe. Play a round as the sun sets over the Pacific for a magical evening under the stars. It’s mini golf with a unique twist!
Catch a Show at Riviera Village Jazz Club
Boasting top-notch entertainment seven nights a week, Riviera Village Jazz Club adds sizzle to Redondo Beach’s nightlife offerings. From smooth jazz ensembles and funk bands to blues vocalists and pop acts, you’re sure to be impressed by the diverse roster of talent. Enjoy a martini or glass of wine alongside gourmet flatbreads and small plates as vibrant music fills the chic and cozy venue. It’s the hottest ticket in town!
Picnic at Vista Del Mar Park
If you’re seeking sweeping coastal views, head to Vista Del Mar Park atop the towering cliffs of South Redondo Beach. The four-acre green space features lush grassy areas ideal for picnics, barbecues, sunbathing and flying kites. Let the kids roam free at two playgrounds or bring your pup to the designated off-leash dog zone. The park also connects to picturesque coastal trails with epic scenery.
Pedal Along The Strand to Hermosa Beach
Redondo Beach’s beachfront bicycle path stretches over 20 miles from Torrance to Pacific Palisades, granting access to neighboring beach towns. Rent a beach cruiser and pedal south along The Strand to quirky Hermosa Beach Pier to check out the surfers, boutiques and bars that give this hip neighborhood its liveliness. Stop for some cold brews and Mexican fare at Abigaile Restaurant right on the sand.
Catch a Concert at Saint Rocke
Hosting live bands every night of the week, intimate music venue Saint Rocke brings some of the best emerging and established artists to Redondo Beach. Grab a craft beer and secure a cozy table near the stage to watch talented musicians rock the night away with everything from indie and blues to rockabilly and punk beats. With top-notch acoustics and talent, Saint Rocke consistently thrills its audiences.
Watch the Sunset at Redondo Beach Pier
As the golden sun begins its descent over the Pacific’s sparkling waters, head to Redondo Beach Pier for an unforgettable sunset spectacle. Find a bench along the pier or a patch of sand below and watch in awe as vibrant hues of orange, pink and purple boldly streak across the early evening sky. For spectacular reflective views of the sunset, sit facing inland toward the gleaming waves and let the dazzling colors dance on the ocean’s surface.
With its laidback seaside vibe, stunning shoreline setting and fabulous attractions, Redondo Beach delivers big on fun and scenery. Surf the waves, shop the boutiques, dine by the harbor and soak up those legendary sunsets during your California coastal getaway. Use our handy guide to experience the very best of this sensational beach town!
With a degree in Environmental Science and over 5+ years of experience in beach travel and exploration, Sophia is the dedicated curator behind fancybeaches.com. Driven by a passion for discovering the world’s most breathtaking beach destinations, Admin combines academic knowledge with firsthand experiences to deliver reliable, authoritative travel advice. Fancybeaches.com is a trusted resource for beach enthusiasts, offering detailed travel guides, safety tips, and sustainable travel practices. Connect me here-n sophiawanders_
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