“The tide was low, my shoulders were loose, and suddenly nothing needed to be urgent.” Redondo Beach, California had that effect on me—a place where ocean breeze replaces small talk, and where flip-flops and sunsets are taken seriously. Just south of L.A., it’s part surf town, part neighborhood hangout, and part postcard you can actually walk into. I came for the coastal calm. I stayed for the unexpected balance: wild spaces tucked behind neighborhoods, seafood with soul, and an easy rhythm that makes you want to match its pace.
Best Things to Do in Redondo Beach
Catch Waves and Golden Hours at Redondo County Beach
I started with a morning walk along Redondo County Beach, where the sand stretched wide and the ocean folded in quietly. A few early surfers carved through the waves while joggers passed with sandy ankles and headphones tucked under hoodies. I kicked off my shoes and let the Pacific meet my toes. The salt air smelled like sunscreen and seaweed in the best way. “This is the kind of beach that doesn't need filters,” I thought, watching a gull ride the wind like it had all day to get wherever it was going.
Stroll, Snack, and Soak in Ocean Views on the Redondo Beach Pier
The Redondo Beach Pier was next—part landmark, part local tradition. I wandered past seafood shacks, souvenir stalls, and anglers lining the rail with patient eyes. The wooden planks creaked beneath my steps, and sea lions barked somewhere below, just out of sight. I stopped to watch a man play guitar near a taco stand, his case open and a smile wide as the ocean behind him. "It’s not just a pier—it’s a stage,” I thought, dropping a few dollars in with a nod before heading toward the arcade for a blast of nostalgia.
Swim, Surf, or Just Chill at Torrance State Beach
Torrance State Beach felt like Redondo’s quieter cousin—a crescent of calm with room to breathe. I hiked a short bluff trail nearby before settling into the sand with a view of Palos Verdes hugging the coast. The crowd was smaller, the surf gentle, the breeze just right. Kids built moats around sandcastles while a pair of friends practiced yoga at the shoreline. “This is the kind of beach you whisper in,” I thought, eyes half-closed behind sunglasses, the sound of the waves doing most of the talking.
Splash into Summer Fun at Family-Friendly Seaside Lagoon
For something playful, I headed to Seaside Lagoon—a saltwater swimming spot tucked just inland from the harbor. It’s a family favorite, complete with lifeguards, slides, and shaded picnic tables. I walked the perimeter, watching kids splash and parents nap in sun-dappled corners. The lagoon had that retro California vibe—like someone pressed pause on the 1970s and never hit play again. "It’s not fancy, but it’s full of joy,” I thought, picking up the scent of grilled burgers and coconut sunscreen drifting from the snack bar.
Wander Forest Trails by the Sea at Hopkins Wilderness Park
Hopkins Wilderness Park was the surprise of the day—a four-acre pocket of trails, trees, and stillness tucked into a residential neighborhood. I wandered past campsites, ponds, and a butterfly garden, the city sounds melting away behind tall eucalyptus. Birds chirped overhead, and the dirt paths felt soft and springy underfoot. It wasn’t wild in the rugged sense, but it was calm, and that counted. "This is the kind of place you bring a book and forget to open it,” I thought, sitting on a sun-warmed bench beneath a shady pine.
Dominique’s Kitchen
Dinner was at Dominique’s Kitchen, a cozy bistro where the lighting was soft, the menu hand-written, and the portions just right. I ordered the coq au vin—chicken slow-braised in herbs and tomato-rich sauce, served over buttery mashed potatoes that carried the faintest hint of garlic. The aroma hit the table before the plate did: warm, savory, and a little sweet around the edges. The server called everyone “darling” and meant it. "This feels like being welcomed back somewhere I’ve never been,” I thought, finishing with a spoonful of velvety chocolate mousse.
Play, Picnic, and Relax Like a Local at Dominguez Park
I ended the evening with a stroll through Dominguez Park, where a small dog park buzzed with wagging tails and nearby kids zipped down slides in the golden light. The park wrapped around a gently sloping lawn and a replica of a 19th-century Morrell House—silent and slightly mysterious against the fading sky. The grass was clipped, the breeze light, and the whole place smelled faintly of cut wood and clover. “This is how a town winds down,” I thought, as a couple settled into a picnic blanket near the old oak tree.
Best Time to Visit
I’ve visited year-round, but you’ll get the best beach days from late spring through early fall (May to October). I love this window for sunny skies, morning bike rides on The Strand, and warm evenings with ocean views. You’ll want to pack light—it’s always mild and breezy.
How to Get There
- By Car: I usually drive in via Pacific Coast Highway or I-405. You’ll be there in about 25 minutes from downtown L.A., and I always enjoy the coastal approach.
- By Air: If you’re flying in, I recommend LAX. I’ve made the quick 20-minute hop down to Redondo many times—it’s super convenient.
- By Transit: When I don’t want to deal with parking, I use the Metro and local buses. You’ll find easy connections into Redondo from across the LA area.
Where to Stay
- Shade Hotel Redondo Beach – I stayed here for a birthday weekend, and you’ll love the waterfront views, rooftop cocktails, and modern rooms that feel like a splurge.
- Redondo Beach Hotel – When I want comfort near the marina, this is my pick. You’ll be steps from the action and still get that relaxed, beachy feel.
- Portofino Hotel & Marina – I’ve recommended this to friends who love boutique vibes. You’ll get coastal decor, marina or ocean views, and a quiet elegance that feels like vacation the moment you check in.
Final Thoughts
Redondo Beach doesn’t shout—it rolls in like a low tide and lingers like sunset on your shoulders. It offers beaches that feel like backyards, bistros that remember your name, and pockets of nature tucked between errands and errands forgotten. I came looking for ocean air. I left feeling like I’d borrowed a better pace. Somewhere between a swim, a spoonful, and a shaded bench, Redondo handed me a slow moment—and I held onto it just a little longer than I planned.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Catch Waves and Golden Hours at Redondo County Beach
- • Stroll, Snack, and Soak in Ocean Views on the Redondo Beach Pier
- • Swim, Surf, or Just Chill at Torrance State Beach
- • Splash into Summer Fun at Family-Friendly Seaside Lagoon
- • Wander Forest Trails by the Sea at Hopkins Wilderness Park
- • Dominique’s Kitchen
- • Play, Picnic, and Relax Like a Local at Dominguez Park