Between Santa Monica & Long Beach Is A Laid-Back Coastal City With Waterfront Restaurants

One of the great things about California is that it has no shortage of beautiful coastal cities. Whether you're looking for a scenic vista, a relaxing stretch of sand, or a fun-filled beach town, you can find all of these in abundance. But if you happen to find yourself in Los Angeles County's South Bay, you may want to check out the city of Redondo Beach. It's roughly 20 miles from Santa Monica and 17 miles from Long Beach.

This laid-back coastal spot offers a little bit of everything. Its crown jewel is the Redondo Beach Pier, which is great for eating delicious seafood, checking out waterfront attractions, sitting next to the water, or watching for California sea lions that frequent the area.

But one interesting aspect of Redondo Beach is that it's almost like two cities in one. As a former resident, I noticed a distinction between North Redondo, which is mostly residential and features attractions like the South Bay Galleria, and South Redondo, which is focused mainly on the sand and surf around the pier. Overall, though, I found it a great place to live, and it's an excellent place to visit. So let's get into it. 

If it's your first time visiting Redondo Beach, check out the pier, where many of the city's waterfront restaurants and attractions are clustered, similar to Santa Cruz Wharf, the longest walkable pier in California. Outside peak periods, the area doesn't always feel overly crowded. One thing I appreciated about the pier when living in the city was that it often felt balmy and breezy, even when inland areas were hotter. So, if you're vacationing during the summer, spending time here can offer some relief from the heat.

As far as dining goes, plenty of options line the pier and marina. For sunset views and clam chowder, I recommend Old Tony's. The upper level is perfect for looking out over the ocean, but it does fill quickly, so try to get there somewhat early if you want to watch the sunset. Alternatively, Kincaid's Fish, Chop & Steakhouse pairs waterfront views with seafood and steak dishes, including salmon, halibut, scallops, and prime rib. Or, for a more laid-back experience, try Captain Kidd's Fish Market and Restaurant, which has been serving seafood in King Harbor since 1976. Here, you can choose from a selection of fresh fish and have it served as a sandwich, salad, or platter.

Another great reason to visit Redondo Beach Pier is its nightlife, especially around King Harbor and the International Boardwalk. For example, R/10 Social House offers a Social Hour with drink specials, small bites, beers, and oysters. For live music, walk over to Project Barley Taps and Grill, which hosts frequent live music and other events. Then, head to Next Door Bar to watch your favorite team play. 

One perk of traveling to Redondo Beach is that travelers have several airport options for flying in. The city is practically next door to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 7 miles away. It's also roughly 18 miles from Long Beach Airport (LGB), one of the most efficient and traveler-friendly U.S. airports. A farther option, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), is about 36 miles away and is slated to get a brand-new $1.3 billion terminal in 2026. Once you're in town, several hotels are situated near the pier and King Harbor, making the waterfront easy to explore on foot; some also offer ocean or marina views. Alternatively, if you prefer to book a vacation rental, there are options throughout the city so you can see more of the surrounding area. 

Although the pier is the highlight of the city, Redondo Beach itself is also worthwhile. Stretching for about 1.5 miles, I found the sand soft but dense, making it easier to walk, run, or play without getting too much of a workout. The northern section of the beach is also next to Veterans Park, a green space with picnic areas and views of the ocean. If you happen to be in town on Thursdays, browse the stalls at the Redondo Beach Certified Farmers Market, held at Veterans Park from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

As mentioned, North Redondo Beach is mostly residential, but if you want to see the rest of the city, the main highlight is South Bay Galleria. In addition to shops and boutiques, it also has a movie theater and several attractions, including VR experiences, an arcade, and a paint-and-sip studio. And finally, for a quintessential SoCal experience, Redondo Beach has its own In-N-Out Burger.