Here's How You'll Spend The Best Weekend in Redondo Beach

If there’s one thing that’s quintessential Southern California, it’s charming beach towns. Laid-back vibes and stunning coastal views fill the air, calling your name to go on romantic strolls by the shore. No matter which coastal town comes to your mind right now, no place is as charming as Redondo Beach. A go-to destination for many, the city boasts fantastic watersport opportunities and outdoor recreation. 

What we’re trying to say is, pack your beach essentials, because you know where you’re heading now. 

Day 1

Arriving

Redondo Beach, California is adjacent to Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Long Beach. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll find yourself in the gorgeous beachside city. While it won’t take you long to get there, it’s always smart to get an early start to make the most of your stay in Redondo Beach. 

If you’re looking to spoil yourself, the Portofino Hotel and Marina is what you’re looking for. Get ready to experience the authentic Southern California lifestyle at this awesome Redondo Beach hotel. The floor-to-ceiling windows expose you to gorgeous views of the beach and the hotel’s private marina. Your stay at this top-rated SoCal hotel puts you in close proximity to the best restaurants, shops, and beaches. 

However, if you’d rather opt for a vacation rental, go for the bright and beautiful Breezy Cottage. This awesome Airbnb is also close to the coolest attractions in the area, giving you a lot of room to experience the city on foot. 

As soon as you've settled in, put on your sturdy shoes—it’s time to explore Redondo Beach.

Afternoon

Any trip to Redondo Beach requires a stop at Eat at Joe’s. Everyone’s favorite pick on the menu is the tex mex bowl that’s prepared with chicken, Spanish rice, black beans, lazy salsa, and guacamole. If you’re following a certain diet, try the healthy quesadilla. This meal is made of scrambled egg whites, spinach, and mozzarella cheese with lazy salsa and fruit on the side.

With food out of the way, make your way to the Redondo Beach Historical Museum to learn about the city you’re vacationing in. The museum features a series of artifacts, photographs, memorabilia, and historic documents regarding Redondo Beach.

When you’re done admiring the past, head to Veterans Park in Redondo Beach for a stroll. The gorgeous park overlooks the ocean—the views follow you every step of the way. Don’t forget to visit the veteran’s memorial to pay respects. 

Evening

Redondo Beach is famous for being one of the most incredible places for whale watching in California, and RB-Whales promises the best tour in the city. During the two-and-a-half-hour whale watching tour, you’ll spot gray and sperm whales, humpbacks, as well as pelicans, seals, and flying fish. You can also choose the shorter 45-minute tour, where you’ll encounter many dolphins and sea lions.

Before calling it a night, stop by the Riviera Village in Redondo Beach. This is the place to be for the best shopping and fine dining experience in the city. Look for souvenirs, trinkets, and get a little something for yourself to take back home. When you’re done, go to Riviera House to enjoy a hearty meal. Start with chowder tots, which is a New England-style clam chowder with crispy bacon. For your main dish, order the salmon BLT—this is prepared with grilled salmon, applewood smoked bacon, tomatoes, pickles, mixed greens, house aioli, and sourdough. 

Make sure you get a good night’s sleep, because day two is going to be filled with even more adventures.

Day 2

Morning

Rise and shine, adventurer—it’s a new day in Redondo Beach and there’s a lot of fun to be had. Start your day with Dive N Surf; a scuba diving experience is exactly what you need for a change of scenery. If you haven’t tried your hand at the sport, Dive N Surf offers a safe learning environment to hone your skills. 

Later on, head to the Redondo Beach Pier to stretch your legs and buy more souvenirs. Afterwards, walk towards Jade Snow, the best beachfront breakfast spot in the area. Their espressos and boba teas will definitely wake you up, and their acai bowls will keep you refreshed all day.

Afternoon

From the pier, walk south towards Redondo County Beach, one of the coolest sandy stretches in Southern California. Compile a beach playlist beforehand, lather on sunscreen, and sunbathe at this rad surfing destination in Los Angeles. When it starts getting too hot, cool off in the warm waters before showing off your skills on the surfboard. If the caffeine you consumed earlier still has you full of energy, join the locals in a volleyball game.  

All the splashing around will get you hungry—good thing the City of Redondo Beach is full of delicious lunch spots, and Blue Salt Fish Grill is waiting for you. Expect to have the best fish in Southern California at this local favorite restaurant. The battered shrimp and chips served with lemon and cocktail sauce are heavenly, and the Chilean sea bass fresh off the grill is out of this world.

Evening

Before calling it a day, there are a few more stops to make. First, visit the Jill Sanders Gallery, a famous photography and art showroom in Redondo Beach. This is easily one of the top art museums in California. Second, make your way towards Little Sisters, Redondo Beach’s coolest Southeast Asian dining spot. Order the Shaky Shaky beef with watercress, baby tomatoes, and burnt butter soy. But, if you’re feeling more seafood, try the pork, shrimp, and crab dumplings with spicy black vinaigrette dressing, chives, spinach, and peanuts. Lastly, watch the sun go down at Hopkins Wilderness Park in Redondo Beach before saying goodbye. 

It’s getting dark outside—it’s time to pack and leave. It’s okay, Redondo Beach isn’t going anywhere.  Whenever you feel like getting out of your routine, you can always drive back and stay here another weekend.