Redondo Beach blends classic California beach-town soul with easy access to Los Angeles. Once part of Rancho San Pedro, its waterfront boomed in the early 1900s with the Red Car line, bustling wharves, and the original wooden pier. Today, the horseshoe-shaped Redondo Beach Pier, King Harbor, and miles of The Strand pathway set the stage for a week of sun, surf, and seaside eats.

Expect mellow mornings, marine wildlife (sea lions are regulars), and a food scene anchored by fresh seafood and inventive coastal restaurants. The South Bay communities—Hermosa and Manhattan Beach to the north; Palos Verdes to the south—are next-door adventures with distinct vibes, from surf breaks to clifftop trails and tide pools.

Plan for cool mornings and a possible marine layer (“June Gloom”), then bright afternoons with breezes year-round. Pack layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes for biking or hiking. Driving is convenient, but you’ll love e-bikes on the beach path. For family trips, note seasonal openings like Seaside Lagoon (typically late spring to early fall).

Redondo Beach

Redondo is the South Bay’s easygoing anchor—home to the historic pier, working marinas, and relaxed neighborhoods. Stroll Riviera Village boutiques, spot pelicans and sea lions by the harbor, and catch sunset along The Esplanade while surfers trace the last light.

• Top sights: Redondo Beach Pier and Boardwalk, King Harbor Marina, The Esplanade oceanfront walk, Riviera Village, Seaside Lagoon (seasonal), Hopkins Wilderness Park.
• Best for active days: The Strand bike path to Hermosa/Manhattan Beach, surf lessons, kayaking and paddle boarding in the harbor, coastal hikes on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
• Where to stay: Walk-to-beach stays near the Pier/King Harbor; boutique and condo options around Riviera Village. Search stays on VRBO or compare hotels on Hotels.com. For families, look for kitchens and parking; for couples, consider ocean-view suites near the pier.
• Getting there: Fly into LAX (20–40 minutes by car off-peak) or Long Beach (30–50 minutes). Compare fares on Kiwi.com and Trip.com. Rideshare from LAX typically runs ~$30–$60 depending on time of day.

Eat and drink highlights: Seafood shacks on the pier (Quality Seafood), waterfront dining (Bluewater Grill), modern Californian plates (The Hook & Plow), refined Italian (Bettolino Kitchen), casual classics (Eat at Joe’s), craft beer on the marina (Naja’s Place, King Harbor Brewing). For coffee, Two Guns Espresso (Manhattan Beach) and Yellow Vase (Riviera Village) are reliable nearby favorites.

Day 1: Arrival, Riviera Village, and a Sunset Stroll

Morning: Fly into LAX or Long Beach. Book flights via Kiwi.com or Trip.com. Grab a rideshare to Redondo Beach (20–40 minutes off-peak). Drop bags and refresh.

Afternoon: Ease in with a wandering browse through Riviera Village—boutiques, beachwear, and gallery browsing within a few walkable blocks. For a late lunch, try Bettolino Kitchen (house-made pastas like lemon spaghetti and creative bruschette) or The Hook & Plow (crispy Brussels, seared scallops, local-catch tacos).

Evening: Stroll The Esplanade for sunset color, then head to King Harbor for dinner. Bluewater Grill does mesquite-grilled swordfish, cioppino, and oysters with marina views. Nightcap at Naja’s Place with an excellent craft beer list steps from the water.

Day 2: Pier, Harbor, and a Glass-Bottom Boat

Morning: Classic diner breakfast at Eat at Joe’s (since 1969)—think hearty scrambles and pancakes. Walk the Redondo Beach Pier for sea breezes, arcades, and pelican spotting; if it’s warm season, pop by Seaside Lagoon for a safe saltwater swim area (typically late spring to early fall).

Afternoon: See the underwater scene without getting wet on the Glass Bottom Boat Ride in Redondo Beach (great for families; frequent departures near the pier). Book here: Glass Bottom Boat Ride in Redondo Beach.

Grab lunch at Quality Seafood, a beloved pier market where you pick fresh crab, shrimp, or uni and have it cooked to order—grab a picnic table and dig in.

Evening: Wander the boardwalk lights and listen for buskers. For dinner, try Old Tony’s for ocean views and retro surf-town vibes—order the clam chowder and sand dabs. Dessert at Handel’s Ice Cream in nearby Riviera Village.

Day 3: Kayak with Sea Lions + Beach Time

Morning: Coffee and gluten-free pastries at Kirari West, then head to King Harbor for a guided paddle: Kayak with Sea Lions in a Calm, Beautiful, Redondo Beach Harbor (beginner-friendly; calm waters, great wildlife). Book here: Kayak with Sea Lions in a Calm, Beautiful, Redondo Beach Harbor.

Afternoon: Beach time south of the pier toward Avenue I, or continue to adjacent Torrance Beach for gentler crowds. Lunch at Captain Kidd’s Fish Market & Restaurant—pick your fish by the case; try the grilled halibut plate or a lobster roll.

Evening: Head into Hermosa Beach for dinner at Baran’s 2239 (seasonal small plates; Bib Gourmand favorite) or RYLA (Cal-Asian dishes like uni pasta and miso-glazed chicken). Check Saint Rocke for live music; end with a sunset walk on the Hermosa Beach Pier.

Day 4: E‑Bike the Coast to Santa Monica

Morning: Fuel up at Two Guns Espresso (try the flat white) and hop on a guided coastal ride: Coastal Adventure: Guided E-Bike Tour From Redondo-Santa Monica—a photogenic journey up The Strand through Hermosa, Manhattan, Venice, and to the Santa Monica Pier. Book here: Coastal Adventure: Guided E-Bike Tour From Redondo-Santa Monica.

Afternoon: Along the way, pause in Manhattan Beach to see the Roundhouse Aquarium on the pier and grab a bite—Fishing With Dynamite (oysters, chowder, a stellar key lime pie) or all-day The Kettle for classic Californian comfort.

Evening: Return to Redondo and keep it casual: grab beach-view tacos and aguas frescas from a local taqueria or hit El Burrito Jr. for a massive burrito. Cap the day with a golden-hour walk from King Harbor to the pier as the lights flicker on.

Day 5: Learn to Surf + Palos Verdes Clifftops

Morning: Time to ride your first wave with a Private Group Surf Lesson in Redondo Beach—great instruction and ocean-safety focus for all levels. Book here: Private Group Surf Lesson in Redondo Beach.

Afternoon: Drive 20–30 minutes to the Palos Verdes Peninsula for cliffside vistas and trails. Explore Abalone Cove at low tide for tide pools; watch for dolphins offshore. Pack a picnic or stop back in Riviera Village for salads and sandwiches at Yellow Vase.

Evening: Dress up for The Strand House in Manhattan Beach (Pacific views; short rib pappardelle and wood-fired mains) or opt for a steakhouse night at The Arthur J (retro-luxe, perfect martinis). Sunset on the Manhattan Beach pier is a classic finale.

Day 6: Markets, Parks, and Brewery Views

Morning: If it’s Sunday, browse the Riviera Village Farmers Market (local berries, baked goods, flowers). Any day, stroll shaded Hopkins Wilderness Park—a lovely urban nature break with ponds and redwoods. Coffee and a pastry flight at Yellow Vase or a breakfast burrito at Phanny’s in Hermosa.

Afternoon: Back to the water for a mellow harbor session—rent a paddleboard or pedal boat to meander past sailboats and sea lions, or beach-read with your toes in the sand near Avenue I. Late lunch at Riviera Village: try The Hook & Plow’s seasonal bowls or a fish sandwich.

Evening: Golden-hour beers at King Harbor Brewing’s waterfront taproom, then dinner on the pier. Quality Seafood is perfect for a second round—Dungeness crab by the pound and ceviche. If you prefer a sit-down spot, Bluewater Grill’s seafood pasta and key lime pie deliver.

Day 7: Last Swims, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: One last swim or beach walk—collect a few polished stones near the breakwater. Brunch with ocean breezes at Old Tony’s (omelets, seafood scrambles) or head to Bettolino Kitchen for lemon-ricotta pancakes and espresso.

Afternoon: Pick up souvenirs in Riviera Village and check out. Rideshare to LAX or Long Beach (budget 45–75 minutes in peak traffic). Compare any last-minute flight options on Kiwi.com or Trip.com.

Where to Stay (quick picks): For walk-to-water convenience, search near “Redondo Beach Pier/King Harbor.” For a quieter, village feel, look in “Riviera Village/South Redondo.” Browse homes and condos on VRBO or compare hotels on Hotels.com.

Insider tips: Check surf, wind, and tide times before lessons or tide-pooling; pack light layers for breezy evenings. The Strand path is shared—keep right, use your bell, and watch for sand patches. Parking near the pier fills on sunny weekends; arrive early or walk from your stay.

This 7-day Redondo Beach itinerary balances harbor adventures, coastal rides, and slow-burn sunsets with great seafood and neighborhood gems. You’ll leave with salty hair, sea lion photos, and a South Bay rhythm you’ll want to replay on your next California beach vacation.