Redondo Beach is not your typical Los Angeles County beach city. The 6.2-square mile community starts inland by the Interstate 405 to the north, before eventually weaving toward the water just south of Hermosa Beach. This demarcation line, Anita Street, also represents the separation between the distinct neighborhoods of North Redondo and South Redondo. 

While North Redondo Beach is home to a fair share of townhomes, malls (South Bay Galleria), and industrial, and commercial spaces, South Redondo Beach is much more in line with a perception of beachside living. Single-family homes are more prevalent. National chain restaurants are fewer and far between. Once you get to the iconic entry point to King Harbor (right at Anita Street), the Pacific Coast Highway is your thoroughfare to the rest of what South Redondo has to offer. Which, coincidentally, is quite a bit.

Below you’ll find a guide to South Redondo Beach’s top attractions, grouped geographically to avoid zig-zagging around that busy stretch of PCH.

King Harbor / Redondo Beach Pier

Aerial view of King Harbor and Redondo Beach Pier

The triangular pier is an active marina but also a hub of bars and restaurants. Numerous fish markets line the northern portion pier and are at their most active during Redondo Beach’s many food-focused celebrations in the harbor — especially September’s lobster festival. One of the larger restaurants there is R10 Social House, featuring waterside views, fresh seafood, and a large drink menu. Some other notable food stops include Kincaid’s and Bluewater Grill.

But if it’s beer you want, look no further than the famed Naja’s Place, widely considered among the best beer bars in Los Angeles with nearly 100 brews on tap. Redondo’s King Harbor Brewing Co. also has a small tap room on the pier, though the main brewery is in North Redondo.

Eventually, the pier does lead you to the sand. Redondo’s thinner sliver of beach may be tiny in comparison to Hermosa or Manhattan Beach, but it’s less chaotic as a result. For a pick-me-up by the water, Kona Coffee is one of a couple different options for a serving of caffeine

On and Around PCH

Courtesy of Phanny's / Facebook

As you make your way from the pier to Riviera Village, your route is lined with quite a few places to eat and shop. On Torrance Boulevard, just off PCH, is Addi’s Tandoor — regularly rated among the best Indian restaurants in LA. Back on the main road, you’ll find tapas at Dominique’s Kitchen, breakfast at Phanny’s, burgers at the Standing Room, and/or coffee at the Boy & the Bear. 

Shops also populate the area, with numerous antique and consignment storefronts, and women’s wear outlets like Frou Frou Fashion.

Riviera Village

Courtesy of Visit Redondo

Redondo’s premier entertainment district includes easy beach access and about 300 storefronts, including plenty of shopping, food, and drink. For some finer fare, Suburbia brings a world-inspired menu and creative cocktail list (try the Notebook for an inspirational “quote” from Ryan Gosling with each beverage). At Chez Melange, oysters pair with beer and spirits, and Bottega Romana tries its hand at traditional Italian cuisine with a wine bar vibe. 

Turquoise has been regularly rated among the South Bay’s top Mediterranean restaurants, largely for its attentive service. Or for something more laid back, Good Stuff provides a local diner atmosphere and breakfast all day. 

For drinks in the area, Select Beer Store features beer (obviously) both on tap and to-go from many of LA’s top breweries. To enjoy a drink and catch a game on TV, however, Rebel Republic Social House or Redondo Beach Brewery become the watering holes of choice.

For visitors more in the market to shop, there’s a wide range of both men’s and women’s clothing stores, jewelry boutiques, and home decor options as well. Check out ActivFever for running and biking gear, Heavenly Couture for new fashions, or Always Fabulous for consignment. Also, The Catalina Cooking Store offers kitchenware, spices, and various other items for those who’d rather spend the evening trying their hand at a new dish.