Whether you’re visiting Redondo Beach or are a South Bay local, a definite must on your list of things to see and do should be the Riviera Village, a charming pedestrian-friendly district offering more than 300 one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants, galleries, salons and services—all in a prime coastal locale, just two blocks from the ocean. This one-stop destination is a great place to spend a day shopping for a unique collection of clothing and gifts, dining at a wealth of eateries, pampering yourself at a salon or spa, taking part in a variety of fun activities and much more. Here are some of what you can expect to find at Riviera Village.
Shopping at Riviera Village
There’s something for everyone at Riviera Village. Think art, flowers, fashion boutiques, home décor and more. Several galleries call the Village home, including Moon Dancer (known for its eclectic mix of Native American jewelry and artifacts), Sacred Stone (with an epic collection of crystals) and Dion (specializing in the area’s local native beach/surf culture), while other interesting finds include Finley’s (a great place to pick up pre-owned watches from Cartier, Rolex, Omega and other brands); The Urban Clothes Horse (for stylish men’s and women’s clothing, as well as cowboy boots); and The Catalina Cooking Store (with everything a home chef could want or need, from cookware by Le Creuset and handmade hardwood cutting boards to cookbooks from around the world and a selection of gourmet foods). There’s also Always Fabulous (a designer women’s consignment boutique specializing in handbags, shoes, clothing, jewelry, and accessories); The Aloha Bungalow (featuring surf-inspired art by Santa Ana artist and surfer Joe Vickers); Lollipop, A Children’s Boutique (with a collection of baby, toddler, and kids apparel, accessories, baby gifts, wood toys, books, swaddles, blankets, and plush toys); and much more.
Dining
From French to Italian, there’s a restaurant at the Village that’s sure to please all tastes. Among the most popular go-to establishments: 1892 Bistro (opened as a landmark to the year Redondo Beach was established and featuring European American cuisine, including the must-try vegan “Impossible Burger,” and house-made desserts like fresh blueberry bread pudding and delicious churros); The Rockefeller (which, in addition to great food, prides itself on serving independent American craft beer); and Gabi James (where South Bay native and chef extraordinaire Chris Feldmeier serves up a tasty menu of Spanish and coastal French-style cuisine). Looking for a great Happy Hour? Be sure to visit Hennessey’s Tavern for $5 drinks and appetizers Monday-Friday from 4-7 p.m.
Relaxing and More
Feel like getting pampered? The Village has you covered with spots like the Abbracci Med Spa and Boutique (offering state-of-the-art facial treatments, laser hair removal, photo facials and injectables side by side with unique gifts, jewelry and high-end skin-care products); Indulgence Body & Skin Care (with massage therapies, body and skin-care treatments, and waxing); and Allomi (a sanctuary for holistic health and healing, complete with yoga, dance, meditation and more). The Village also offers a full lineup of professional services, offering up some of the best dentists, doctors and architects in the South Bay.
Activities
Don’t miss the 42nd annual Riviera Village Summer Festival, set for June 28-30 in the heart of the Riviera Village of Redondo Beach, at the corner of Catalina and Avenue I. Sponsored by the Riviera Village Association, the festival features more than 300 exhibitors, high-end arts and crafts booths, a beer and wine garden with live entertainment, an international food court and carnival rides for the kids. The best part? It’s always free to attend. Hours are Friday from 3-9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Other fun events include First Fridays, when participating merchants and art galleries stay until 8 p.m. on the first Friday of every month and offer live music, dining specials and sales, and the Farmers Market (Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.), where you can enjoy live music while you shop for certified California grown farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers as well prepared food from vendors, gourmet specialty foods, and arts and crafts. Located in the triangle parking lot at 1801 S Elena Ave. An added bonus? The Village is the go-to place to rent a bike or Segway and cruise the world-famous South Bay bike path, which starts just west of the Riviera Village, while nearby beaches are popular with families, surfers and volleyball players.
Getting There and Parking
Riviera Village is nestled along the Pacific Ocean, just 20 miles southwest of L.A. and minutes from LAX. Expect to find plenty of parking in the “triangle parking lot” between Avenida del Norte and S Elena Street, as well as individual spots on all streets. Many businesses in the Village have private spaces for customers behind the business, where you can quickly park and stop in to collect your items. Parking in the Riviera Village is metered parking payable by coin or credit card. For more information and a full directory of businesses, visit rivieravillage.net.