Redondo Beach + Pier

Sister to Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach is one of the three beach cities of Southern California’s South Bay. Originally developed in 1889, the pier was reconstructed in 1995 into a unique horseshoe shape. Quintessentially SoCal, the lifestyle is a mash-up of beachy activities, meanderings along a packed pier, and excellent people watching.

Redondo Beach claims to be the original home of surfing in the contiguous United States, and as such, it’s a rare day that the waves get too tumultuous for the local professionals and expert surfers. Naturally, there are numerous outfitters along the beach who are eager to instruct new surfers in the typically friendly waves.

The wide, flat sand beaches are home to seemingly endless beach volleyball courts that feature permanent poles and nets and are maintained by the city year round. These are some of the most manicured beach volleyball courts in the country, and this area has turned out a number of Gold Medalist Olympians, most notably Kerri Walsh and Casey Jennings. They are free for public use, and it’s quite easy to find an amiable and welcome crew to jump in with.

Beginning below the cliffs of Palos Verdes on the southern end, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as The Strand, follows the length of Redondo Beach and continues up through Santa Monica to Will Rogers State Beach. For those after a more relaxed experience, the Redondo Pier offers an excellent location for a scenic stroll, dining and shopping with sweeping views, and a number of water activities. There are seasonal farmers markets that crop up, all which offer a unique sampling of California’s natural products. Seasonal whale watching cruises are a favorite among tourists, and kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available year round (though in the winter months, it’ll be highly necessary to procure a wetsuit).

Many flock to Redondo because of its proximity to LAX and for its notable appearances in Hollywood movies. It’s been featured as a set for Marvel’s “Agents of Shield,” for “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and from the original “Point Break.” If you are interested, it’s a likely place to get a glimpse at the stars.