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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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King Harbor Redondo
Beach Pier
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By Matthew
Martz |
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 accommodations.
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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. |
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Redondo Beach Pier |
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.
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Kings Harbor |
View From Redondo Beach Pier |
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, best of all there is no
cover charge.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. |
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Seal
Beach is the perfect blend of rustic
old surf town and a modern upscale community. |
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Malibu
Beach home to some of the world’s
most spectacular beaches and views. 21 miles of
coast. |
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Venice
Beach is a one-of-a-kind location and
a must see for both locals and out of town visitors. |
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