Traveling and walking in Redondo Beach, the best things to do
Situated just south of Malibu and Santa Monica, in LA’s delightful South Bay area, Redondo Beach is a charming yet often overlooked spot in the Greater Los Angeles area, and one of the loveliest spots on Santa Monica Bay.
Long Beach, Malibu, and Playa del Rey might gobble up the plaudits and recommendations, and they are absolutely deserving of the attention. But if you are looking for the quintessential LA beach experience that isn’t quite as crowded as your average Santa Monica stretch of sand, then Redondo Beach might be exactly what you are looking for.
So if you are cruising from California and looking to pack in a little beach time before you set off, check out the best things to do in Redondo Beach.
Hit the beach
Redondo Beach’s main attraction is, unsurprisingly, its beaches! There are a few to choose from, depending on what you are looking for, and these are some of the best.
Redondo County Beach
Redondo Beach itself is probably the main attraction in the area, 1.5 miles of delightful golden sand, along with a beautiful vintage pier full of great entertainment options. The beach is calm and laid-back, and far quieter than most South Bay beaches, which make it a great choice for anyone looking for peace and quiet.
Torrance State Beach
For even more tranquility, head to Torrance State Beach and get to grips with the true natural beauty of the area. This long, wide stretch of sand is perfect for just lying back and relaxing to the sound of the waves, but there are plenty of exciting activities like surfing to take part in if the mood takes you.
Seaside Lagoon
This large saltwater lagoon is a great alternative to the (slightly) rougher waters of the Pacific Ocean, and a great choice for families looking for somewhere to take the kids. It is open throughout the summer, and boasts a great adventure playground for your little ones, a surprisingly excellent sandy beach, and lifeguard-patrolled safe swimming areas. More active visitors will enjoy the volleyball courts, and the addition of a great restaurant means this can easily be an all-day attraction.
Explore the cultural side
For a small town, Redondo Beach has a surprisingly large cultural side, and no trip to the area would be complete without a little history and art.
Gallery JS
The project of Joshua Serafin and Jill Sanders, Gallery JS is the cultural highlight of Redondo Beach. Sanders is a photographer who spent her formative years in Europe after graduating from Parsons School of Design, snapping her way around the continent. The gallery now showcases her work, in innovative metal format, and is a great opportunity to enjoy a unique take on photography from a local artist.
Redondo Beach Historical Museum
If you are more in the mood for a little history, then head over to the Redondo Beach Historical Museum. This excellent local history museum, set in the 1904 Queen Anne House, tells the story of Redondo Beach through its varied collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and local records.
Enjoy the green spaces
Sometimes the perfect thing to do when visiting a new place is to find the nearest green space and wander, getting in touch with nature and getting a feel for the environment and ambiance of your destination. Redondo Beach is blessed with several excellent parks which are well worth checking out.
Veterans Park
Boasting some gorgeous ocean views and perfectly kept lawns and gardens, Veterans Park is a wonderful option if you feel the need to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take in the somber memorial, and let your kids blow off a little steam at the playground area.
Dominguez Park
24 acres of beautiful grassland and shaded woods, Dominguez Park is large enough to be full of surprises. Boasting two separate Little League baseball fields, as well as some stunning historic architecture in the form of the Queen Anne House (home to the local history museum) and the Morrell House, both of which were moved to the park to prevent demolition.
Hopkins Wilderness Park
Despite only coming in at 11 acres, Hopkins is a stunning wilderness that allows you to experience the great outdoors in all its glory without leaving the city. Full of wildflower meadows, fast-flowing creeks, and some surprisingly dark and adventurous forests, it is the perfect place to explore the natural beauty of the area, hike a few decent trails, and learn about the flora, fauna, and local ecology of Redondo Beach and the greater LA area.
Go whale watching
The last (and arguably most exciting!) thing to do in Redondo Beach is to get out on the water and see the amazing marine life that calls this part of the Pacific coast home. Whale watching trips leave from the pier throughout the year, and offer the chance to get up close and personal with these magnificent gentle giants in their natural habitat. Redondo Beach is home to gray, minke, humpback, fin, and sperm whales, as well as sharks, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and a whole host of gorgeous sea birds, making this an experience not to be missed!