Visitor’s Guide 2-18 – Places to GO Things to DO
The Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach pier is scheduled to reopen by the end of September, after a $2 millio remodel by Cambridge 7, the architectural firm that designed the acclaimed Boston Aquarium. Until then, the aquarium is operating out of trialers at the start of the pier (310) 379-8117. RoundHouseAquarium.org.
Places to GO Things to DO
El Segundo
Old Town Music Hall
140 Richmond St., El Segundo
Concerts on one of the world’s few remaining 2,000 pipe, Mighty Wurlitzer Organs played by theater owner Bill Field are followed by follow-the-bouncing-ball sing-a-longs, then classic silent movies accompanied by the Wurlitzer and early talkie films. Fri. 8:15 p.m., Sat. 2:30 & 8:15 p.m. Sun. 2:30 p.m. $10. $8 for seniors 62 and up. Cash only.
(310) 322-2592, OldTownMusicHall.org
El Segundo Museum of Art
“An art laboratory, not a museum
208 Main St., El Segundo
“We don’t call what we do exhibitions because for us it’s more experiences,” El Segundo Museum of Art director Ronald Bernhard said when this museum opened in 2013. “Everybody who enters the space should feel like they’re coming to an art laboratory where something’s going on within – and not just hanging placidly on the walls.”
Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Monday through Thursday by appointment. Free.
(424) 277-1020, ESMoA.org
Automobile Driving Museum
610 Lairport St., El Segundo
The Automobile Driving Museum is the only auto museum in the world that takes guests for rides in cars from its collection of 130 magnificent vehicles. Joseph Stalin’s 1936 Packard and a “Back to the Future” 1982 DeLorean are among the most popular cars. Rides are Sundays only from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. for guest 10 years of age and older. Tues. – Sun. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed Mondays. Donations accepted.
(310) 909-0950, automobiledrivingmuseum.org
El Segundo shopping and dining
Main Street downtown; Rosecrans and Sepulveda Blvd.
ElSegundo.org
ElSegundoChamber.com
Plazaelsegundo.com
Thepointsb.com
Though known as the Mayberry of the South Bay, El Segundo’s downtown has quietly become a dining and entertainment center. Kiss’s Gene Simmons has partnered with local impresario Michael Zislis for the rock-themed Rock N’ Brew. Petros Kafe offers artisan Greek cuisine and the El Segundo Brewery is leading the craft brew renaissance. Richmond Street Bar & Grill and the Purple Orchid keep the downtown’s old school tradition alive. Brewport offers a 60 tap iPourIT system that allows guests to pour their own, beer, wine and even kombucha.
More upscale restaurants can be found along Rosecrans Boulevard, including P.F. Chang’s, Houston’s, and Fleming’s. On the highway, El Segundo Plaza and its neighbor, pedestrian friendly The Point have added destination shopping to El Segundo’s attractions. Whole Foods’ 65,000 sq. ft. store offers shoppers everything from freshly made soups, roasted meats and pizza to exquisitely crafted pastries, gelato and candies. The Point offers delicious, farm-to-table restaurant choices, dessert, fashion and day spa options.
Flight Path Learning Center-Museum
6661 W. Imperial Hwy. Los Angeles
Exhibits of airplanes, crew uniforms, and the history of flight. Free admission. Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free parking.
(424) 646-7284, flightpathmuseum.com
Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau
1007 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach
(310) 376-095. HBChamber.net
The Hermosa/Manhattan Strand
South Hermosa to North Manhattan waterfront walkway
For nature lovers, this oceanfront walking and bicycling path offers views of surfers, fishermen, dolphins and migrating whales, plus a chance to see the elusive green flash at sunset. For architectural fans, The Strand offers the opportunity to view the work of renowned architects from modern pioneers such as Richard Neutra and Ray Kappe to contemporary proteges, including Dean Nota, Patrick Killen, Grant Fitzpatrick, Louie Tomaro, Larry Peha and Michael Lee.
Surfing
Any beach from South Redondo to North Manhattan
Locals claim if you can surf South Bay waves you can surf anywhere. It’s not because the surf is so big, though 20-foot faces are common in the winter. It’s because the surf is so unpredictable. On the positive side, the waves are rarely crowded because one block is as good as the next. If the waves in front of the parking lot at 45th Street in Manhattan are crowded, simply move a block north or south. In summer, Manhattan gets the best of the south swells. Hermosa and Redondo pick up the smaller west swells. All three cities pick up north winter swells. Early is better because the westerly wind usually kicks in by 10 a.m. Medium tides are generally best. Summer water temps are in the mid 60s to low 70s. Wetsuits are recommended, year ‘round.
Surfboard rentals are available at Jeffers (310) 372-9492, 14th St, Hermosa, next to The Strand and Noble Park. Tarsan Stand Up Paddling (831 N. Harbor Dr., Redondo, (310) 798-2200) rents SUPs and offers lessons, as does Nikau Kai Surf (919 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach (310) 545-7007) and Olympus Boards (4807 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, (310) 214-1800). Most local surf shops, including Spyder Surf and Pier Surf on Pier Plaza, Becker on upper Pier, Jack’s on PCH and ET on Aviation Boulevard rent stand-ups and surfboards. Dive N’ Surf in Redondo Beach also rents SUPs, which may be paddled in King Harbor with a personal flotation device. If you’ve never surfed or stand-up paddled, take a lesson. It’s not as easy as it looks.
Beach volleyball
Volleyball courts spread out on either side of the pier and are open to anyone with their own ball. Most summer weekends, pro and amateur tournaments are held on the courts immediately north of the piers. The California Association of Beach Volleyball holds tournaments almost every weekend. The AVP Hermosa Beach open, featuring the world’s best volleyball players is July 26-29.
Beach tennis
The first permanent beach tennis courts on the West Coast were established in Hermosa Beach, at 14th Street just five years ago. There are five courts in Hermosa at 14th St., and three courts at Seventh St. in Manhattan Beach. The sport is played with rackets and balls similar to paddle tennis equipment. Local players are always very welcoming to new players. For more about the sport visit BeachTennisUSA.com. Sexy Tennis, a retail store dedicated to the sport is a block from the beach at 1248 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach, (772) 444-7399.
Pickle Ball
This fast growing sport, particularly among old tennis players, may be played in Hermosa Beach at the Kelly Courts and in Manhattan Beach at Manhattan Heights Park. The Hermosa courts have night lighting. The sport resembles paddle tennis, but is slower because it is played with a wiffle ball rather than a tennis ball. Kelly Courts, 861 Valley Dr., Hermosa Beach. Manhattan Heights Park, 1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach.
Comedy & Magic Club (and Museum)
1018 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach
Mike Lacey’s Comedy and Magic Club is known worldwide for presenting Jay Leno most Sunday nights and being a favorite club for stars such as Jerry Seinfeld, Alonzo Bodden, Bob Saget, Elayne Boosler. They favor the club for developing new routines in front of a live, non Hollywood audience. Between sets, study the museum-quality exhibit of legendary movie costumes, including Charlie Chaplin’s Little Tramp, Jerry Seinfeld’s puffy shirt, Oliver Hardy’s giant pajamas, Bob Hope’s “Fancy Pants,”, Mike Myers’s Austin Power Man of Mystery suit, Robin Williams’ bumper car from “Toys” and Eddie Murphy’s Nutty Professor shirt and suspenders.
(310) 372-1193, ComedyAndMagicClub.com
Downtown Hermosa
dining/nightlife
Pier plaza/Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach
Dozens of fine, chef-owned restaurants and hopping nightclubs make downtown Hermosa one of Southern California’s hottest entertainment destinations. Chef Melba’s, Rebel Republic, Zane’s, La Playita, Laurel Tavern,, Dia Del Campo, Palmilla Cocina y Tequila and the Tower 12 are among the many restaurants with offerings ranging from traditional Mexican and Italian to cutting edge cuisine. Rock music of every permutation, from pop to punk, may be heard every evening clubs such as Hennessey’s, Saint Rocke (up the street, on Pacific Coast Hwy.), Patrick Molloy’s, Standing Room and the Lighthouse Cafe. The legendary Lighthouse Cafe was featured in the Academy Award winning 2016 film La La Land and still presents great jazz. Those who miss “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” can see him live almost every Sunday night at the Comedy and Magic Club. Next door to Comedy and Magic is Live at the Lounge, a showcase for traveling musicians and local stars, including tenor Dennis McNeil and jazz pianist David Benoit. Parking in Hermosa is a challenge and there is zero tolerance for drunk drivers. Take a cab, ride share, or better yet, bicycle.
Downtown Hermosa Shopping
Hermosa and Pier avenues, between The Strand and Ardmore/Pacific Coast Hwy., from First Street to 12th Street.
Hermosa may be the most pedestrian and bike friendly city in Southern California. Because the city is only 1.3 square miles and parking is a challenge, residents prefer to park their cars on Friday and not move them until Monday. They don’t need to. Shops range from the second generation Seymour’s Jewelers to the trendy gift and clothing store Wicked. Hermosa has the largest concentration of surf shops, possibly in the world, including Spyder, ET, Pier Surf, Jack’s and Becker. Hermosa’s surf shops are ground zero for men’s and women’s California fashion trends. Those long, baggy board shorts started here and now they’re over, replaced by shorter shorts made of fast drying, hi-tech material. Globe, the giant, Australian-based surf apparel brand, opened its first U.S. retail store in downtown Hermosa last summer. All the shops sell and rent locally built, custome surfboards, which are works of art. For the ultimate California fashion statement, get a tattoo. Hermosa has four highly regarded tattoo parlors: Hermosa Ink at 8th and Hermosa Ave., Yer Cheat’n Heart on Pier Plaza, Third Street Tattoo at Fourth and Pacific Coast Hwy., and Lovesick Tattoo at 1010 Aviation Blvd. Now you’re ready to walk home. If it’s December, don’t miss the tree lighting on Pier Plaza. Santa arrives aboard the Hermosa Fire Department’s hook and ladder and listens to kids wishes.
HBChamber.net.
Hermosa Beach Historical Museum
Community Center, 710 Pier Ave.
Surfboards by legendary board builders Greg Noll, Dewey Weber, Hap Jacobs, Dale Velzy and Bing Copeland, photos from Hermosa’s storied musical past, including the Lighthouse Jazz Café and punk pioneers Black Flag make this a must stop for anyone interested in Southern California’s surfing and music culture. The museum is also home to the California Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame. Olympic medalists Kerri Walsh-Jennings, Eric Fonoimoana, Mike Dodd and Holly McPeak have all contributed to the museum. Free. 2 – 4 p.m. Sat., Sun. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Wednesdays.
(310) 318-9421, HermosaBeachHistoricalSociety.org
Hermosa Beach Playhouse
Community Center, 710 Pier Ave.
Prior to its renovation, this was the Pier Avenue Junior High Auditorium, where countless surf films played for stoked teens. Today the 500-seat theater is home to a wide range of touring and locally produced theatrical and musical productions.
HermosaBch.org, (310) 318-0265
Second Story Theatre
Community Center, 710 Pier Avenue.
Performances are offered almost every weekend at this 80-seat, equity waiver theater, thanks to the resident Surf City Theater Group and April Fools Improv Troupe, student theater academies and touring shows. Hermosa Beach has a long history of great small theaters, dating back to the experimental Burbage Theater in the early 1970s, the Neal Reck Theater, James Blackman’s Hermosa Beach Playhouse and playwright Angelo Masino’s Theater.
(310) 318-0265, HermosaBch.org
Hermosa Beach Skate Park
710 Pier Ave.
Though slightly smaller than Manhattan Beach’s skate park, it offers similar stairs, grind ledges and and pool drops. And it’s just blocks from the beach. Open daily noon to 7 p.m.
HermosaBch.org
Hermosa Murals Project
Downtown Hermosa Beach
HermosaMurals.org
Beginning in 2009, a group of civic minded Hermosa Beach residents made plans to commission one new downtown Hermosa Beach mural a year, for 10 years. Seven of the murals have been completed, all within walking distance of one another. The eighth, by an as yet, unidentified local artist, will commemorate Hermosa’s punk music culture.
Mural #1 “Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza, Circa 1924”
14th Court and Hermosa Avenue.
Renowned muralist Art Mortimer spent two months on a scissors life painting Hermosa Beach’s Pier Plaza, as it appeared in the 1920s.
Mural #2 “Hermosa ‘Splash’ Circa 1909”
Manhattan and Pier avenues
Hermosa Beach artist Chris Coakley’s whimsical depiction (that’s his daughter throwing the bucket of paint) shows a very early Hermosa Beach when sand dunes outnumbered residents.
Mural #3 “Hermosa Beach West Coast Jazz”
1007 Hermosa Avenue
Artist John Pugh’s trompe l’oeil of a trumpet player blowing a horn with a 10-foot diameter bell appears to hover over the street. The mural depicts jazz greats Chet Baker and Gerry Mulligan, who played at the Lighthouse with bassist Howard Rumsey and the Lighthouse All-Stars. Mural Mural #4 “Hermosa Swimwear Evolves”
500 Pier Avenue
Artist Steve Shriver records the evolution of the swim suit, from the city’s founding in 1909 through to today. Be sure to study the mural frame, which is as provocative as the figures.
Mural #5 “Hermosa’s Great Wave”
14th Street and Hermosa Ave.
John Van Hamersveld’s “Hermosa’s Great Wave,” is a 75-foot long, 19-foot tall psychedelic representation of the three great eras of Hermosa surfing. Van Hamersveld grew up surfing in the South Bay and earned early acclaim for his “Endless Summer” movie poster and numerous 60s rock album covers
Mural # 6 “Volleyball in Hermosa”
13th Street and Beach Drive
This two-story-high image by extreme sports photographer Bo Bridges depicts a dynamic women’s volleyball game at sunset.
Mural #7 “Lifeguards in Hermosa (before 1935)
Beach lifeguards enjoy hero status in the South Bay for saving lives almost every day. Their work is commemorated in a mural by Joanna Gare.
Manhattan Beach
ManhattanBeachChamber.com
Beach volleyball
Manhattan Pier Beach Volleyball Walk of Fame
The history of beach volleyball was written in the sand at the Manhattan Beach pier. The 2017 Charlie Saikley Six man Volleyball Tournament (Aug. 3 and 4) at the Manhattan Beach Pier is one of the sport’s most colorful (teams play in costumes) and competitive amateur tournaments. The professional AVP/IMG Manhattan Beach Open (Thurs. – Sun., August 16 – 19) is known as the Wimbledon of beach volleyball. Winners are honored with a bronze plaque on the Manhattan Pier Volleyball Walk of Fame, the sport’s second highest honor, after Olympic gold. Beach City volleyball players have medaled at almost every Olympic since beach volleyball became an Olympic sport in 1996
Manhattan Beach resident Mike Dodd won a silver medal at the 1996 Olympic. Hermosa Beach resident Eric Fonoimoana won gold at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. Manhattan Beach resident Holly McPeak won bronze at the 2004 Olympics in Athens and Manhattan Beach resident Kerri Walsh-Jennings won gold at the 2004, 2008 and the 2012 Olympics.
In the spring and summer Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach are to beach volleyball what Arizona is to baseball. China, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Great Britain and other nations send their teams here to train.
For recreational players, courts are available every day somewhere on the beaches in Hermosa, Manhattan and Redondo. Jumping and diving in the soft sand make this one of the most physically enjoyable sports on the planet. It’s also one of the few sports that can be enjoyed by players at every level of ability. In the many, colorful summer tournaments, teams are commonly assigned A, B, C, and D players. The nets are always up and balls may be rented from Jeffers Beach Rentals (39-14th St., Hermosa Beach, (310) 372-9492). The beach city recreation departments offer lessons through the summer, as do many local pro players.
Downtown Manhattan Beach dining
Manhattan & Highland Avenues
Manhattan Beach Blvd. from the beach to Pacific Coast Highway
In the 1970s, Manhattan Beach blocked McDonalds, and by extension other chains from opening in its downtown. As a result, downtown Manhattan developed a tradition of innovative restaurants. Nonetheless, it remained a backwater on the greater LA culinary map, until recently. Now, it’s home to more celebrity chefs than the Cooking Channel. Among them MB Post’s Chef David LeFevre and Little Sister’s Chef Tin Vuong. Time will tell if celebrity chefs will have the staying power of the downtown’s many widely admired longtime chefs such as Darren’s chef Darren Weiss and old favorites such as Uncle Bill’s Pancakes, Sloopy’s and the Kettle.
Downtown Manhattan shopping
Skechers, whose corporate headquarters are in Manhattan Beach, has its flagship store in downtown Manhattan, with over 250 models of shoes to ponder. Other national fashion leaders in the downtown include the Trina Turk showroom, LF Stores, and Splendid. But what makes the downtown unique are the many longtime, independent stores. Generations have grown up wearing beach fashions from Rose Jacobson’s Cotton Cargo, which opened in 1975. Photographer John Post also began in the mid 1970s, documenting the beach cities with his panoramic camera. More recently extreme sport photographer Bo Bridges opened a downtown gallery with photos that include local surfers and big wave rider Garrett McNamara surfing waves in Valdez, Alaska, generated by a calving glacier. At Pages bookstore, everybody knows your favorite author. Metlox Plaza, a European style dining and shopping plaza is anchored by the boutique hotel Shade, the #6 reason to visit Los Angeles, according to Conde Nast Traveler. Trilogy Spa in the Metlox Plaza is popular among residents for its rejuvenating treatments. On Tuesdays the downtown hosts a farmers market. If it’s December, don’t miss the community caroling followed by the city tree lighting and a holiday fireworks show off the pier.
Manhattan Village Shopping Center
3500 Sepulveda Blvd. Shopmanhattanvillage.com
Legendary shopping center builder Alexander Hagen designed Manhattan Village in the 1970s as a cross between a traditional downtown and the then new enclosed shopping malls. What’s a shopping center without an Apple Store. And for the more practical computer nerds, a giant Fry’s Electronics is next door. The large parking lot is broken up by free standing restaurants and specialty stores, including See’s Candy, Tin Roof Bistro and Brickworks Roast House & Grill. Many of the stores, such as SuperSports, are independently owned by local residents. The center is undergoing a major remodel, which includes the addition of a new 65,000 sq. ft. Village Shop featuring luxury shops and open air dining. The original Macy’s is being replaced by a 168,000 sq. ft. store adjacent to four stories of parking.
(310) 426-6313, Shopmanhattanvillage.com
Manhattan Beach Historical Society
601 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
The best thing about the Manhattan Beach Historical Society Museum is its home, a beach cottage, featuring board and batten walls (no studs or plaster) with a cladding of red shingles. The roof has lower eaves on the south side to minimize sand from piling up on the windward side. It was built in 1905 for $600 on a lot that cost $140. The museum features an extensive collection of Metlox Pottery (makers of the Poppytrail line), which was produced at the Metlox factory in downtown Manhattan Beach until the 1970s. Open Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 3 p.m.
(310) 374-7575, ManhattanBeachHistorical.org
Roundhouse Lab and Aquarium
Manhattan Beach Pier
The Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach pier is like a glass bottom boat ride across the Santa Monica Bay. Sharks, white sea bass, eels, halibut and other locals swim the aquariums while a touch tank allows kids to feel sea stars, sea anemones, crabs and more. The aquarium is in temporary facilities now while it undergoes an extensive remodel through the end of summer 2018. Expect the remodeled museum to be world class. The $2 million remodel is being designed by Cambridge 7, the architectural firm that designed the acclaimed Boston Aquarium.
Open to the public free of charge Monday — Friday 2 p.m. — 5 p.m., Saturday – Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Suggested donation: $2 per person or $5 per family. The aquarium also offers camps for children ages 4 – 10 from July through mid August.
(310) 379-8117, RoundHouseAquarium.org
Roundhouse Lab and Aquarium
Manhattan Beach Pier
The Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach pier is like a glass bottom boat ride across the Santa Monica Bay. Sharks, white sea bass, eels, halibut and other locals swim in the floor to ceiling aquarium while a touch tank allows kids to feel sea stars, sea anemones, crabs and more. The aquarium is scheduled be closed for remodeling from January – June 2017. Expect the new museum to be world class. The $2 million remodel is being designed by Cambridge 7, the architectural firm that designed the acclaimed Boston Aquarium.
Open to the public free of charge Monday – Friday 2 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday – Sunday 10 a.m. sunset. (For holiday hours or changes due to weather or classes, please check the website or Facebook) Suggested donation: $2 per person or $5 per family. The aquarium also offers camps for children ages 4 – 10 from July to mid August.
(310) 379-8117, RoundHouseAquarium.org
AdventurePlex
1701 Marine Ave.
This 16,000 square-foot facility operated by the Beach Cities Health District is designed to make kids want to leave their virtual world for the real world of rock climbing, rope courses, running, jumping, swinging, sliding and zip lining through a play structure that would amaze X Game athletes. Kids play grown ups in Toddler Town’s farm and a grocery store. There’s also the more traditional basketball, volleyball, floor hockey and workout facilities. $10 per child. The Courtside Café offers fruit smoothies, fresh-baked muffins and cookies without the unhealthy, processed ingredients. Sun. – Thurs. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fri. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
(310) 546-7708, AdventurePlex.org
Polliwog Park
1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
This 18 acres of grass and wildlife refuge includes a pond that is a resting point for migratory birds. The Sunday evening concerts in summer are one of Manhattan’s most popular community events. For the kids, there’s a lighthouse-inspired play area, and an area for kids with disabilities. A 1905 beach cottage houses the city’s historical museum. The botanical garden showcases native plants. Plus the park has one of the area’s few dog runs.
Manhattan Beach Skate Park
1625 Marine Ave., Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach’s 5,000 sq. ft. skate park enables 50 skaters at a time to jump stairs, slide down rails, grind ledges and drop into pool sections. Open daily 8 a.m. to dusk.
CityMB.info
Manhattan Beach Creative Arts Center
1560 Manhattan Beach Boulevard,
between Redondo and Peck Aves.
This city-owned art center across the street from Polliwog Park features exhibits by exceptional regional artists. Shows range from surf art to cutting edge, with frequent assistance from prominent guest curators such as Homeira Goldstein and Easy Reader arts editor Bondo Wyszpolski. Tuesday and Thursday – 2 p.m. 6 p.m. Wed. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sat.1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sun., Mon., Fri. Free.
Citymb.info, (310) 802-5440
Redondo Beach
Whale Watching
Redondo Beach Marina, King Harbor. rbwhales.com
The California gray whales’ annual migration brings them close to the South Bay shoreline. King Harbor’s whale watch ship Indian offers daily whale watching cruises December through April. Dolphins surfing Indian’s bow wake are as inspiring a show as the whales. You are most likely to encounter gray whales but recent years have also brought Blue whales, the world’s largest mammal, and spyhopping Humpback whales to the South Bay. Pelicans, cormorants, night herons and of course seagulls offer plenty of entertainment on the way out to the whales. Indian departs 7 days a week.
(310) 372-2111
Sport fishing
Redondo Beach Marina
RedondoSport Fishing.com
White sea bass, sand bass, calico bass, and halibut are plentiful in the Santa Monica Bay. All it takes is a good skipper to show you where they are. Redondo Sport Fishing’s skippers have been masters of the bay for generations and don’t mind sharing their knowledge. Half-day and all-day boats leave daily from King Harbor, by the International Boardwalk. For gear and local advice, visit Just Fishing by Pete, 2427 190th St., Redondo Beach, (310) 376-7035.
King Harbor Boating, Biking
If you’re a boater, you can be out of King Harbor and in the open ocean within five minutes of leaving the slip. The prevailing westerly winds are a consistent 6 to 15 knots, year round, which makes for fun, but not too challenging sailing. Marina Sailing (310) 318-2772, and South Bay Sailing (310) 937-3180 offer lessons and charters. Tarsan Stand-up Paddleboards offers both board rentals and lessons. If you prefer to enjoy the boats from shore, dozens of restaurants on the pier and in the four marinas offer views of the harbor. Another way to enjoy the view is to rent a bike or skates at Marina Bike Rentals, across the street from the Redondo Beach Hotel (MarinaBikeRentals.com). Sport fishing and whale watching boats leave daily (310) 374-3481. The harbor also offers a glass bottom, semi submarine ride, (310) 909-3170. Romantics can book a tour of the harbor on a gondola, (310) 376-6977. Kayaks, pedal boats and jet ski rentals are also available.
visitredondo.com
Skin diving/Scuba diving
Dive N Surf. DiveNSurf.com
504 N. Broadway, Redondo Beach
The edge of the Redondo Canyon, just south of the Redondo pier and just 200 yards off the beach ranges in depth from 15 to 40 feet, with the canyon wall dropping down 1,200 feet. The area is famous for day and night dives and a wide range of marine life.
Cable Car Reef north of the Hermosa Pier, and a few hundred yards offshore is in 60 feet of water and gets its name from the streetcars dumped there in 1960, along with 14 automobiles, and 330 tons of quarry rock.
Also within a mile of the Redondo coastline are a number of wrecks popular with divers. The Sacramento, the “world’s largest fishing barge” accommodated up to 500 fishermen and women until she sunk during a storm in 1968 (fortunately, she was closed for the winter). Today, the wreck of the Sacramento remains relatively intact. Divers can explore her ornate wood carvings, beautiful stained glass, brass relics, and the hyperbaric chamber.
Chewing gum magnate William Wrigley’s Avalon ferried 3,000 visitors a day from Los Angeles Harbor to Catalina Island during the 1920s. The Avalon sunk in a storm in 1964, long after its storied career had come to an end.
The 441-foot USS Palawan Liberty Ship was sunk in 1977 in 110 feet of water to serve as an artificial fishing reef. The reef is known locally as the spot where Dive N’ Surf owner and wetsuit inventor Bob Meistrell celebrated his 82nd birthday in 2010 by diving to 100 feet, joined by three generations of his diving family.
Thanks to a 1996 kelp restoration project by the environmental group Santa Monica Baykeeper, some of the most beautiful diving in the world can be found within swimming distance of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Swimming through the flickering, golden light filtered by the giant kelp fronds has been compared to a walk through the redwood forest.
Dive N’ Surf, the country’s oldest dive shop, founded in 1953 by the Bev Morgan, Hap Jacobs and the Meistrell twins Bob and Bill. The Meistrell family still owns the store, which offers dive gear rentals, air, charter, lessons and expert advice.
(310) 372-8423.
Redondo Beach Historical Museum
302 Flagler Lane. RedondoHistorical.org
Redondo’s Historical Museum home is a lovingly restored, 1904 Queen Anne house, next door to a lovingly restored, 1906 Queen Anne house, surrounded by a rose garden. The city’s colorful history, including its former commercial harbor and new recreational harbor, California surfing pioneer George Freeth and 1940s brothel owner Madam Fifi are documented in photos, newspapers and other memorabilia. Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m and on weekends from noon to 4 p.m. Privately scheduled group tours are available by request.
(310) 318-0684.
Redondo Pier & International Boardwalk
Torrance Blvd., west of Catalina Ave. Redondopier.com
The next best thing to being on the ocean is looking out on it. There’s no better place than the Redondo Beach pier. Summer concerts on the Pier are presented Thursdays and Saturday evenings, through Labor Day. As the sun sets, slip into Tony’s Fish Restaurant for a mai tai or, for the adventuresome, Tony’s signature Fire Chief (finish it and keep the glass), while watching sail and fishing boats pass in and out of the harbor. Fish is also the speciality at Kincaid’s and the R10 Social House. More fish is available just north of the pier at Blue Water Grill and Captain Kidd’s, where you can pick out a filet of locally caught halibut and have them prepare it for dining in or taking out.
Quality Seafood on the International Boardwalk also sells and prepares fresh fish. The Boardwalk, where the commercial fishing boats tie up is a craft beer devotees destination. Naja’s has been offering over 100 draft beers for decades and King Harbor Brewery has a tasting room just a few doors away. Next door are Polly’s on the Pier, a breakfast institution and Basque Kitchn, a passion project of celebrity chef Bernard Ibarra.
Redondo Fun Factory
123 International Boardwalk
This is a window into the past, where a few quarters will have kids and adults alike screaming with excitement. The arcade offers over 300 games, ranging from traditional pinball to the latest, total immersion race car and action sports games. Remember the Tilt-A-Whirl and Skee Ball? They’re still here. Don’t leave without winning a life-size teddy bear.
(310) 379-8510, redondofunfactory.com
Riviera Village dining
Catalina Avenue, between Avenue I and Palos Verdes Blvd.
A good argument can be made that contemporary California cuisine, that hard to define mix of international cuisines with the California influence on fresh seasonal produce and artisan cheeses, accompanied by boutique wines, began in Riviera Village in 1982 in what was once a hotel coffee shop. A few years ago, Michael Franks and chef Robert Bell moved their Chez Melange restaurant to a new location with a new emphasis on sea food, but it remains a foodie’s pilgrimage stop. Chez Melange set a high bar and its neighbors responded enthusiastically. Hermosa’s Bottle Inn celebrated its 40th anniversary three years ago by opening a Riviera Village location. Paul Hennessey, who made his fortune serving pub food and beer at his Hennessey’s taverns up and down the coast, accepted the challenge. He installed a top chef in a failed upscale restaurant with a big patio, renamed it H.T. Grill and reclaimed his former tavern customers, who had moved into their more responsible and discerning years. Danny and Mary Louise Williams’ Riviera Mexican Grill have elevated Mexican food to an uncommonly high level, with a boost from their award winning, freshly made Margaritas. Most Riviera Village restaurants offer outdoor dining, which elevates the enjoyment of any meal.
Rivieravillage.net
Redondo Riviera Village shopping
Riviera Village is what shopping was like before malls. but with a contemporary edge. Sidewalk dining, men’s and women’s specialty shops, unique gift boutiques, a farmers market Friday afternoons and a scattering of medical and professional offices combine for a small town feeling with a sophisticated style. The 300 stores and restaurants are almost all independently owned, which accounts for both their unique offerings and personal service. The streets close the last weekend in June for the Riviera Village Summer Art Festival and again on the Fourth of July for the Village Runner Firecracker 5K. In October, the street closea for a Halloween costume party and kids trick or treating. If it’s December, don’t miss the Holiday Stroll with carolers and a chance for kids to visit Santa.
RivieraVillage.org
South Bay Galleria
1815 Hawthorne Blvd.
The three story atrium is topped by a glass ceiling that showers light like diamonds over the 140 fine retailers, ranging from Macy’s to Abercrombie & Fitch and Zumiez. A dozen restaurants, including California Pizza Kitchen and the Nestle Toll House Café complement the food court. The latest movie releases show at the AMC 16. Indulge in nostalgia with a Dairy Queen banana split and an Orange Julius.
SouthBayGalleria.com
Redondo Performing Arts Center
1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
This 1,400 seat theater is home to the Los Angeles Ballet, musicals by 3-D Productions and the Distinguished Speaker Series. It has plenty of free parking.
(310) 318-0644, Redondo.org
SeaLab
1021 N Harbor Dr.
Enjoy marine conservation and education programs at this hands-on science center. Touch tanks and aquariums are accompanied by explanatory descriptions of the marine life. SeaLab is also home to white sea bass and halibut breeding programs and an experimental desalination plant. Suggested donation: $2.
(310) 318-7438, lacorps.org/programs/sea-lab
Nearby attractions
Port of Los Angeles
San Pedro. SanPedro.com
One of the world’s largest working ports is also a world class visitors’ destination. The USS Iowa, the “World’s Greatest Naval Ship,” went on display during the summer of 2012 for the first time (PacificBattleship.com) and remains a popular attraction.
Ride the waterfront Red Car or run, walk or play bocce ball at the 16-acre 22nd Street Park or jump in the water at the 30-acre Wilmington Waterfront Park.
The famous Ports O’Call is currently being replaced by a new development which will include LA Waterfront Sportfishing, the San Pedro Fish Market, Cafe International and, the Crusty Crab. The Ports O’Call Restaurant remain open. Harbor cruises, whale watching and sport fishing trips depart on a regular basis from LA Waterfront Cruises (LAWaterfrontCruises.com)
International Printing Museum
315 W. Torrance Blvd., Carson
It’s one thing to read about Benjamin Franklin in a history book. It’s another to see him in a “most unusual” exchange, which is why Phil Soinski’s one man Benjamin Franklin performances makes the museum a favorite place to visit. Ben and his “Confounding Brothers” Thomas Jefferson and John Adams perform regularly at the museum. Visitors can also design and print their own postcards on rare printing machines that have appeared in Hollywood movies, including “The Master” and “Inception.”
(310) 515-7166, PrintMuseum.org