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Redondo Beach is one of the South Bay beach cities of Los Angeles County, along Santa Monica Bay between Hermosa Beach and the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The name comes from Rancho Sausal Redondo, the round willow grove of the Mexican land grant. In the 1880s the town grew as a busy shipping port and a seaside resort, with a grand hotel and a saltwater plunge, and it was incorporated in 1892.
Redondo Beach is often called the birthplace of surfing on the mainland, as George Freeth gave surfing demonstrations here in the early 1900s. The Redondo Beach Pier and the horseshoe-shaped pier area are filled with seafood restaurants, shops and arcades, next to King Harbor with its marina.
The Esplanade runs along the bluffs above the beach, and the historic Queen Anne cottages of the Historical Museum stand in Dominguez Park. Wilderness Park, the Strand bike path and nearby Palos Verdes add to a relaxed seaside visit.
The Redondo Beach Pier is a horseshoe-shaped pier with seafood restaurants, fish markets, souvenir shops, fishing spots and arcades, and views of the coast toward Palos Verdes. Fresh crab and shrimp are a local tradition. Fishing from the pier requires no license, and parking in the pier structure is easier on weekdays.
King Harbor is Redondo Beach's marina, home to sailboats, sportfishing boats and harbor seals and sea lions lounging on the docks. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards, take a harbor cruise or eat at waterfront restaurants. Morning is calm for paddling, and sea lions are easy to spot near the breakwater.
Redondo State Beach stretches south of the pier along the city's shore, with wide sand, lifeguard towers, volleyball courts and good waves for bodyboarding. Water is cooler than visitors expect, even in summer. Arrive early on sunny weekends for parking, and swim near a staffed lifeguard tower.
The Esplanade runs along the bluff above Redondo State Beach, with a walkway and benches looking over the sand and ocean toward Palos Verdes. Stairs lead down to the beach at intervals. It is a favorite spot for watching sunsets and passing dolphins, and street parking along it is metered in places.
Seaside Lagoon is a sandy, protected saltwater swimming area at King Harbor, popular with families because it is calm and lifeguarded in season. It has a beach area, play features and nearby restaurants. It opens mainly in summer and charges a small entry fee, so check opening dates and hours before visiting.
Riviera Village is a walkable shopping and dining district in south Redondo Beach, with boutiques, surf shops, cafes, bars and restaurants on a few blocks just up from the beach. It hosts summer festivals and holiday events. Park in the public lots and pair a visit with a walk down to the beach at sunset.
Veterans Park sits on the bluff by the pier with lawns, trees, a playground and ocean views, around the historic 1930 Redondo Beach library building. A farmers market sets up here on Thursday mornings. It is a good picnic spot, and the walkway along its edge leads straight down to the pier.
The Redondo Beach Historical Museum occupies a 1900s cottage in Dominguez Park, with exhibits on the old Hotel Redondo, early surfing legend George Freeth, the Red Car line and the town's port history. A volunteer staff shares local stories. It opens on limited days, so check hours before you visit.
Sportfishing and whale-watching boats leave from the Redondo Beach pier area, taking visitors out to fish for bass and rockfish or to look for gray whales in winter and spring and dolphins year-round. Trips last from a couple of hours to a full day. Book ahead in whale season, and take seasickness medicine if needed.
The Redondo Beach Lobster Festival is held in late September near the pier, with whole Maine lobster dinners, live bands, beer and family activities over a weekend. It is one of the town's most popular events. Buy tickets online to save money and time, and arrive early in the day to avoid long lobster lines.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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