Day Trip: Redondo Beach Pier: Family Activities and More

The Redondo Beach Pier and its surrounding area offer a variety of activities for a fun and memorable day trip. The Pier was initially built to facilitate timber delivery from ships to trains in 1889; over the years, 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.

Activities and Nearby Attractions

Various family-friendly ocean-oriented activities, including sports fishing, harbor cruises, boat tours, and seasonal whale-watching excursions.

Seaside Lagoon: A short walk to the north of the Pier brings you to Seaside Lagoon and Veterans Park. A saltwater lagoon offers swimming, a large sandy area for sunbathing, children’s play equipment, volleyball courts, a snack bar, and a grassy area with a luau shelter where you can picnic and enjoy ocean views.

Water Activities: The Redondo Beach Marina and King Harbor, located near the Pier, are popular spots for water sports. You can enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding by renting kayaks or stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) from the marina’s Dockside Adventure Center. Other outfitters, such as Paddle House and Tarsan Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, also offer rentals. Some rentals are dog-friendly, and LED-lit night tours are also available.

The Redondo Beach Boardwalk section of the Pier is located on the lower level. It features a unique blend of quirky little shops alongside open-air eateries, where a variety of fresh seafood can be purchased, steamed right on the spot, and enjoyed. The Pier transforms from the seaside playground into a twilight paradise, starting each evening with a spectacular sunset over the Pacific.

Beach Activities at Redondo Beach State Park: Just south of the Pier, Redondo Beach State Park offers a wide sandy beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or beach volleyball. Lifeguards are on duty to ensure safety. Build a sandcastle, fly a kite, or join a pickup volleyball game.

Fishing: Fish off the Pier (no license required) or book a half-day sportfishing trip from the marina for catches like halibut or yellowtail.

Popular Dining Options Near the Redondo Beach Pier

There are numerous dining, entertainment, and shopping choices to accommodate all budgets, and all are within walking distance.

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 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 are honored by their presence on the walls of the spiral staircase leading up to the Bar. Website.

Kincaid’s Fish Chop & Steak House: Another favorite that consistently pleases the palate is Kincaid’s Fish Chop & Steak House. Their menu constantly evolves with fabulous new pieces alongside the stable favorites of king crab, sea bass, salmon, prime rib, and filet mignon. A must-try is the Kobe meatloaf sliders on a soft Hawaiian roll. Website.

The Redondo Farmers Market, located at Veterans Park, is open every Thursday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. A favorite of Redondo locals, you will find a wide assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, and more.

Redondo Beach Pier in the Movies & TV

The Pier has become well-known for its appearances on the hit television show “The O.C.” Its unique design, featuring sails that resemble the Sydney Opera House in Australia, makes it easily recognizable. Additionally, the Pier has been a filming location for movies such as “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003) and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” (2006). Notably, scenes featuring the Black Pearl were filmed at King Harbor in Redondo Beach, which is located next to the Pier, showcasing the ship’s dramatic arrival.

Getting There

The Pier is located at 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach, California. There is ample parking available at the Pier, and you can receive one hour of free parking with validation from various merchants from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Parking: Pier parking lots (north and south) charge $ 2 per hour, with handicapped parking and elevators available. On July 4th, the marina lot has a flat rate of $20. Metered street parking is also available on Catalina Avenue.

Los Angeles Day Trip Ideas

Hermosa Beach Day Trip

Newport Beach Day Trip