Family Friendly Things to Do in Redondo Beach

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Looking for things to do in Redondo Beach? My town is a family-friendly city that offers many activities for all ages.

With plenty of attractions to keep everyone entertained, there’s something for everyone in this coastal city.

Ask anyone and you’ll find that I’m a vocally proud Californian that can give a million reasons why I think where I live is the best in the US, after all, I live where everyone else vacations!

Fun Trivia: Way back in 1887, Redondo was described as “The Gem Of The Continent”. It was also used for the filming of the TV series “Baywatch”.

A Local’s Favorite Things to Do in Redondo Beach

I’ve been a Los Angeles South Bay (Manhattan / Hermosa / Redondo Beach) resident since I first discovered this little pocket of paradise in 2005.

Having lived in various spots in Southern California my entire life, I’ve had the pleasure of growing up with year round sunshine and the smell of the ocean on the breeze.  

I could give you a list a mile long of my favorite things to do in the South Bay, but for today I’ll try to stick with giving you a short local’s guide to family friendly things to do in Redondo Beach.

Watch dolphins surf at RAT Beach while getting fit

The southern portion of Redondo Beach starts as a wide stretch of sand sprinkled with lifeguard shacks separating the Pacific Ocean from the picturesque cliffs just north of Palos Verdes known as “RAT (Right After Torrance)” Beach.

Also known as the “Avenues”, there is plenty of metered parking on Esplanade Street starting at Avenue A and going all the way down to Vista del Mar just after Avenue I.

A gorgeous walk in itself, the bench lined sidewalk sits high above the shore along the cliffs with daily free showings of dolphins playing in the surf.

things to do in redondo beach

While there certainly *must* be days when they can’t be seen frolicking, I can attest that I have yet to be disappointed with a non-sighting.

This is one of the reasons we chose this specific stretch of beach to say our wedding vows – where else can you say your witnesses were a family of dolphins?!

Right at Esplanade and Avenue C, you will find the local fitness attraction referred to as the Redondo Beach Stairs. A steep incline of 72 steps takes you from the sidewalk down to the sand and guarantees a heart pumping workout when climbed repeatedly. Much better than the stair climber at the gym, this is a popular meet up spot for everyone who loves working out with one the world’s best views!

things to do in redondo beach

Spend the day at Seaside Lagoon

Tucked away where Beryl Street meets PCH at Redondo Beach King Harbor, you’ll find a great family play zone called Seaside Lagoon.

Open during summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year, this large saltwater lagoon is enclosed in a park-like setting at the edge of the harbor and requires a small fee for entry.

things to do in redondo beach

While at first you might wonder why in the world someone would want to pay to come here rather than just go to the free beach around the corner, there are plenty of benefits that are worth the $6-7 entry fee.

With trained lifeguard supervision, the lagoon is free of unpredictable waves or undertow, offers both sand and grassy areas for lounging, a playground, volleyball courts, water slides and you can bring in your own food for a picnic.

When my son was younger, I felt much more comfortable bringing him here, than to the open beach because we could gently play in the calm water and wander as deep as we wanted.

Redondo Beach Seaside Lagoon

The beaches are usually filled with beach volleyball players during the summer months so this is a great place to avoid some of the craziness if you’re just looking for some more mellow family time.

It’s also a great place to throw a summer birthday party because you can rent a picnic table with BBQ for a reasonable amount.

Catch the sunset with your dinner on the pier

The Redondo Beach Pier has a multitude of restaurants to satisfy just about any craving you may have. One of my favorites is Oriental Breeze.

things to do in redondo beach

Only open for dinner, it is located about midway down one leg of the pier. Shabby and unassuming from the entrance, once inside you are faced with and immediately greeted by the Sushi Chefs and bar.

Take a walk to the right into the dining area and be prepared to be pleasantly surprised by the cozy chic lounge dining tables along a wall of floor to ceiling glass. 

Perched west-facing with the Pacific Ocean’s waves crashing under the pier below, this is the perfect spot for a romantic sunset dinner.

Redondo Beach sunset

This is the real deal folks – an authentic Japanese Restaurant where the menu is written in Katakana and Kanji and photos of the dishes are needed. 

If you’re a fan of Sake and Soju (the Korean version of Rice Wine), Oriental Breeze has a great selection and offers almost all by the glass.

Veterans Park and Memorial

Located at the corner of South Catalina Avenue and Torrance Boulevard, Veterans Park is a gorgeous spot to walk, play, read or just pay homage to those who have served our country.

This large grassy area has a fantastic view of the ocean, a playground, the Veterans Park Community Center and the Veterans Park Senior Center.

things to do in redondo beach

TIP: Visit the Redondo Beach Farmers Market in front of Veterans Park every Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Stand Up Paddle Board in King Harbor

Something I always tend to relate with Hawaii, stand up paddle boarding is quite popular here in Redondo Beach.

Not only is it an excellent workout that is pretty easy to get the hang of, but you just can’t beat the serenity and calm you can experience – especially at sunset.

The rental is reasonable at about $15 and some facilities also offer a guided tour.

Redondo Beach King Harbor

If you have your own paddle board, you want to launch out of King Harbor at the boat launch dock. There is a small walking dock next to the boat launch in King Harbor, just south (or to the left of) Samba by the Sea restaurant. 

If you have more than one person going and have a vehicle, it is helpful to drive right up and unload your boards. Then take the car to find a parking spot while one person waits at the dock with the gear.

It is $2/hour to park in this lot and it’s cash only :)

things to do in redondo beach

Most people paddle around the marina in a loop. It takes about an hour or so.

There are a lot of fish to see, especially by the rock wall separating the ocean – Garibaldi, octopus, rays, leopard shark, halibut just to name a few!

You can also go out into the ocean, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re a strong paddler. It’s pretty choppy out there.

things to do in redondo beach

Quite a few California Sea Lions call the Redondo Beach Harbor home so as an added treat you may be able to paddle your way by a few lounging on the buoys in the sun.

Don’t get too close though, they might get aggressive. You’ll know when they really start barking at ya!

Enjoy a walk and looks for animals

The Hopkins Wilderness Park in Redondo Beach is a great spot for kids who love hunting for bugs and love animals. It’s a fantastic little taste of the great outdoors in the middle of a beach town.

Just to the left of the entrance is a picnic area and natural pond where kids can watch koi fish and turtles. The largest is a locally famous soft-shell turtle named Scary Larry.

We’re guessing he earned this moniker because he seems to be the boss of the pond – all the smaller turtles run when he’s nearby.

There are plenty of trails to walk, an outdoor stone amphitheater, and facilities for grilling. Camping is allowed at the park, and there are several times each year when overnight family programs are conducted with on-site rangers who will guide various activities.

The Get Water Smart garden is planted with drought-tolerant plants native to our region in order educate the community about their importance and California’s native plant life.

This is probably to small of a park to spend a whole day, but a few hours or an overnight experience is definitely worth it.

Day and overnight camping is available for a fee by reservation. There is no entrance fee for families wishing to visit but you may need to make a reservation.

Locals tip: The park is closed on Wednesdays.

How will you spend your day in Redondo?

Redondo Beach is a great place for families to spend the day together. There are plenty of places to go and things to do with kids of all ages in mind.

Whether you’re looking for something new or just want some fun memories, Redondo has it all.

21 thoughts on “Family Friendly Things to Do in Redondo Beach”

  1. It must have truly amazing living where people vacation, I would love to visit California one day and do any of these shared items.

    Reply
  2. You guys did an amazing job on the house!!! What a beautiful place to live it is all breathtaking and great place for working out!

    Reply
  3. Wow! Such lovely images of a beautiful place. I love the blue cottage! It seems like such a nice place to get away to. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

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