Southern California - Visit the Redondo Beach Pier & Boardwalk

I discovered the wonders of the Pier at King Harbor in Redondo Beach probably about 25 yrs ago. Being a tourist at heart, this was a wondrous discovery indeed. Southern California has many, many such wonders, but Redondo Beach is near the top of my personal list. I live in Sweden now, but had the opportunity to wander the pier & boardwalk while on a trip to visit my son a few weeks back. It is just as good as it ever was.

I booked my hotel to be within handicapped walking distance from the pier. Hobbling down the 2 short blocks from PCH on Torrance Blvd was a very easy stroll, and when the sign came into view, it brought a huge grin to my face. This area is, of course, on the Pacific Ocean. When you crest a hill and the water + pier come into view it is breathtaking.

The first part of this adventure is entering the main pier. There are multitudes of touristy goodness kind of shops, along with a fabulous selection of restaurants. I walked the pier oohing & ahhing at what a great job they had done restoring it after the huge fire of 1988 (which came on the heels of 2 horrible winter storms.) You can not tell there was ever any damage today... unless, of course, you knew it well beforehand. Some businesses, like Cattleman's, chose not to rebuild, but the mainstays like Old Tony's are thriving once again.

Speaking of Old Tony's on the Redondo Pier, this is where you want to go for the best seafood around. I like the New Tony's as well, but it will never compare to its predecessor. Why they have two, I'll never know... but there ya have it. If you prefer a less formal setting, there are numerous places offering fresh lobster, crab, and shrimp. You pick it, they steam it. Just looking at those cases and tanks of live shellfish will have you drooling.

Fishing is allowed along the pier and locals do take advantage of that. Watching them is in and of itself worth the visit. Occasionally you will see a manta ray get reeled in along with other oddities. Because of the fishing´and location, huge sea birds also call this home. The day I chose to wander aimlessly there was one fat & happy gull sitting in the sun smack in the middle of the walkway, totally oblivious to all us humans. Talk about your Kodak moment! It was brilliant.

After a few hours of ogling and feasting, make your way down the ramp at the far end of the pier. You will know it when you see it. There is a big touristy sign listing what is to follow. This will take you to the underside of the pier, or what they call the Boardwalk. It is totally handicapped accessible. I was pushing my walker this day and had no problems anywhere.

On the Redondo Boardwalk you will find the tour boats, fishing boats, more great food options, more great touristy crap shops... and the awesome arcade. I'm a kid at heart. This has not changed in 52 years of life, and I hope it never does. Growing up is soooo over rated. This arcade is a kidlet's dream, no matter your age. They have pretty much every game you could want from old school pinball to the newest and coolest video games, along with a round-about kinda ride at the entrance. I could have spent all day in there... and have in decades past.

As far as operating hours, the Redondo Beach pier is open 24 hours for walkers and sightseers. Most of the businesses have individual hours, but there are a few great bars and nightclubs there offering live bands on the weekends that are open until the wee hours for your enjoyment.

The bottom line is this: if you plan to visit the South Bay area of Los Angeles, then you must set aside some time for the Redondo Beach Pier & Boardwalk. I can't wait for my next visit!