King Harbor Redondo Beach Pier California
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Redondo Beach
Pier was originally built to facilitate timber delivery from
ships to trains in 1889, the Redondo Beach pier has undergone
six transformations, surviving a series of storms, fires and
demolitions throughout the 20th century on the way to its current
design -- a large horseshoe shape structure that has been given
the name – the "endless" pier. In recent years
the pier has gained notoriety as a location that has been used
countless times on the hit television show, "The O.C.”,
and is easily distinguished by its design of sails along on
the pier that resemble the opera house in Sydney, Australia.
With the exception of a modest parking fee, the pier is free
and is packed with a variety of family-friendly ocean-oriented
activities from sport fishing and harbor cruises to penny arcades,
glass bottom boat tours and the seasonal whale watching excursions.
There are over 50 dining, entertainment and shopping choices
to accommodate all budgets, and all are within walking distance
to beautiful nearby seaside accommodations. A short walk to
the north of the pier is Seaside Lagoon and Veterans Park. The
manmade saltwater lagoon offers swimming, a large sand area
for sunbathing, children's play equipment, volleyball courts,
snack bar facilities, and a grassed area and luau shelter where
you can picnic and enjoy ocean views. Open every Thursday 8:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m is the Redondo Farmers Market at Veterans Park.
A favorite of Redondo locals, you will find a wide assortment
of fresh fruits, vegetables, cut flowers and more. |
The boardwalk section
of the pier is located on the lower level and is a unique blend
of quirky little shops including one that will let you take a
peak at a 16-and-a-half-foot long great white shark for a dollar.
Alongside are open-air eateries where a variety of fresh seafood
can be purchased, steamed right on the spot and enjoyed. The main
attraction for families on the boardwalk is the Redondo Fun Factory,
a 1920s boardwalk style amusement center and penny arcade that
has over 300 games, a Tilt-A-Whirl, ad numerous kiddy rides. As
you casually walk along taking in the fresh ocean breeze, it’s
not uncommon to catch a man who plays guitar and sings sea shanties
as well as other interesting street performers along the way.
The pier transforms from seaside playground into a twilight paradise
starting each evening with a spectacular sunset over the pacific.
You’ll want to start your evening with some delectable dining,
and there are two places that are tops on the list. Old Tony’s
on the Pier is a great place to dine with family, friends or that
special someone. Opened in 1952 by Tony Trutanich the restaurant
is the oldest on the pier and still one of the best places to
find the “freshest catch of the day.” The signature
entrée is the linguini with huge chunks of lobster -- or
scallops upon request. Above the restaurant is Top o' Tony's Bar,
which has a view from Palos Verdes to Santa Monica. Many famous
people who have visited Tony's grace the walls of the spiral staircase
leading up to the bar. Another favorite that never fails to please
the palate is Kincaid's Fish Chop & Steak House. Their menu
is always evolving with fabulous new pieces along side the stable
favorites of king crab, sea bass, salmon, prime rib, and filet
mignon. A must try is the Kobe meatloaf sliders on soft Hawaiian
roll. For after dinner entertainment there’s Brixton’s
South Bay, a small underground venue that seats around 450 with
live shows by fresh local bands as well as nostalgic artists from
the 60s, 70s and 80s. But if a more laidback atmosphere is what
you’re looking for, than head over to the Starboard Attitude,
the oldest "live blues club" in the South Bay. You can
pull up a seat, sip on your favorite cocktail, relax & and
enjoy a live the show or if your in the mood, karaoke all week
long. Best of all there is no cover. Finally, if a romantic interlude
is what you’re searching for to cap of your day, then take
your sweetie on a cruise aboard an authentic Venetian gondola,
adorned with flowers, and stocked with a basket of fresh fruit,
bread, cheese and wine glasses. All you need to do is bring your
favorite Vino. You can bring your own music, too, or they can
provide. |
Redondo Beach Pier is located
40 minutes North from Orange County and 30 minutes South of the
San Fernando Valley, where Torrance Boulevard meets the sea. There
is plenty of parking and it costs 50 cents per 20 minutes or $3
a day on weekdays and $5 a day on the weekends. During the summer,
add $5 more. You can get an hour free with validation from various
merchants during the weekdays 11am-7pm. - Article By Matthew Martz |
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