With more than 50 oceanfront dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities, this South Bay landmark is considered a one-stop destination for all things fun and interesting. The Redondo Beach Pier also is a great place to take in some panoramic and coastline ocean views while on a leisurely stroll, enjoy a variety of water activities, hear some live music and pick up a souvenir for someone special. Here are some of the great things to do at the Redondo Beach Pier, plus directions for getting there and more. If you haven’t been to the Pier, it’s a definite must when visiting sunny Redondo Beach!
Most Popular Restaurants for Dining Out
The Pier offers numerous dining choices for every taste and budget from casual to fine dining, and with many establishments boasting panoramic ocean views. Some of the most popular restaurants include:
Tony’s on the Pier
Diners at this family-owned and operated restaurant established in 1952 will find a duo of bars, seafood specialties, and a variety of fresh fish, pasta and steak selections. A highlight of the spot known as “Old Tony’s”? The second-floor “crow’s nest-lookout” room featuring breathtaking views from Palos Verdes to Malibu and Catalina Island, and the perfect place to enjoy a Mai Tai served in a souvenir glass that’s yours to keep. Don’t miss Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and Monday-Thursday from 3-10 p.m.
El Torito
This casual eatery has been serving up authentic meals that resemble what you might come across in a traditional Mexican hacienda since 1972. Also on the menu: expansive ocean views, as well as the Weekend Brunch Buffet with made-to-order omelets, a decked-out taco and burrito bar, and more; Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 3-7 p.m. in the cantina; and Taco Tuesday from 3-10 p.m. in the cantina. As a special treat, children 12 and younger can enjoy one kid’s meal for $1 every Wednesday with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Kincaid’s Fish, Chop & Steak House
Expect elevated seafood and steak options, along with ocean views for days, an outdoor patio, daily dining room specials, and a buzzing happy hour daily in the bar area from 3-6:30 p.m. and after 9 p.m. The lounge also a great spot for live music Wednesday from 6-9 p.m., and also for Sunday Brunch from noon-3 p.m.
Activities and Spots you Won’t Want to Miss
There’s plenty to see and do on and around the Pier. Among the activities and spots you won’t want to miss:
Redondo Beach Marina
Found adjacent to the Pier, the Marina offers a variety of ocean-oriented activities for the entire family. Included is sport fishing; romantic gondola cruises; kayak, paddle boat and stand-up paddleboard rentals; the “Looking Glass,” a 19-passenger, USCG-inspected, semi-submersible underwater viewing boat; and seasonal whale-watching excursions.
Once night falls, it’s the ideal place for twilight fishing, spectacular sunsets, delicious dinners and more.
Redondo Fun Factory
There’s still time to enjoy lots of fun at this longtime International Boardwalk establishment before it closes its doors on Labor Day, Sept. 2, 2019. It’s referred to as the largest indoor family entertainment center on the West Coast, complete with rides (think the Tilt-a-Whirl), and arcade and carnival games like Skee-Ball.
Summer Events
The Pier is home to Summer of Music, the biggest free summer concert series in the South Bay, featuring live performances by nationally touring artists July 4 through Aug. 31, Thursday and Saturday from 6-8 p.m. Concerts are held at the west end of the Pier (behind Tony’s) and on the Boardwalk (below Kincaid’s). Coming up: performances by South Bay indie rock band Big Mess, followed by a fireworks display at 9 p.m. (July 4), along with tributes to the Police (July 27), Beatles (Aug. 8) and Eagle’s (Aug. 31). Be sure to bring your low-back chair or beach blanket, and visit the website for a full lineup! Parking will be a $20 flat rate on the Fourth of July and all other times; parking at the north or south structures of the Redondo Beach Pier is $2 per hour.
Another fun activity is the Redondo Beach Pier Association and Cancer Support Community’s Yoga on the Octagon the second Saturday of each month (starting July 13) from 10-11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and take part in this all-level yoga class where the International Boardwalk meets the Redondo Beach Pier (the octagon below Kincaid’s). Participants should bring a yoga mat, towel and bottled water.
Shopping on the Pier
Whether you’re seeking beautiful fresh-water pearl jewelry, a one-of-a-kind T-shirt, or a great selection of other unusual gifts and souvenirs, you’ll find it at one of the shops on the Pier. To find something for yourself or someone else, here are just some of the spots you should be sure to visit:
Chic at the Beach
Featuring Caps, T-shirts, sweatshirts and jackets, many with a “Redondo Beach” logo perfect for a gift or souvenir.
Kobe Pearl & Gem Co.
Customers can hand-select an oyster, with every oyster containing a cultured pearl, or if you’re lucky, a rare black pearl. Kobe will then hand-set your pearl in yellow or white gold, or sliver.
Mermaid’s Dowry
A great place to find photo frames, boogie boards, candy, beach toys and more, all to remind you of your trip to the Redondo Beach Pier.
Slightly Different
For more than 30 years, this shop has been mesmerizing guests with an eclectic collection of jewelry, fairies, dragons, and other unique and affordable gifts and souvenirs.
T’s Toe Rings & Gifts
The place to go for a handmade, custom-fit toe ring in sterling silver, gold-filled and solid gold. Unique island style jewelry, gifts, handicrafts and interior decor also are available.
Tony’s Hats ‘N Things
A fun variety of caps and hats for all ages, along with many other souvenir T-shirts and classic Hawaiian shirts.
Public Artwork
While at the Pier, be on the lookout for the Whaling Wall, a life-sized mural depicting the California gray whale migration painted by Laguna Beach artist Wyland in 1991. In 2011, Wyland updated the mural in honor of the 20th Anniversary. The Whaling Wall can be seen on the AES Power Generating Plant, at Harbor Drive between Herondo Avenue and Beryl Street.
Nearby Hotels
Thinking of staying over during your visit to the Pier? Check out one of these area hotels located within walking distance from the Pier, or just a short drive or bike or cab ride away:
- Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach & Marina Hotel
300 N. Harbor Drive - Days Inn
4111 Pacific Coast Hwy. - The Portofino Hotel & Marina
260 Portofino Way - Ramada Limited Redondo Beach
435 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. - Redondo Beach Hotel
400 N. Harbor Dr., - Redondo Pier Inn
206 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. - Shade Hotel
655 N. Harbor Drive
For More Information
The Redondo Beach Pier is at 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, at the end of Torrance Boulevard, west of Pacific Coast Highway. The Pier is open 24 hours a day for walkers, fishermen and business patrons. The shops and restaurants will have varying hours; some opening early in the morning and some open until 2 a.m.
How to Get To Redondo Beach Pier:
- From the Harbor (110) Freeway – Exit Torrance Boulevard west to the Redondo Beach Pier.
- From the San Diego (405) Freeway – Exit Inglewood Boulevard south to 190th Street, west to Pacific Coast Highway, and veer left on to Catalina Avenue to the Redondo Beach Pier.
- From Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy. 1) – Veer right on Catalina Avenue if you are driving south, or turn left on Torrance Boulevard if you are driving north to the Redondo Beach Pier.
Parking Rates:
- Pier Parking Structures – $2 per hour, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year
- Redondo Beach Marina – 4th of July, $20 flat rate
- Alternative parking nearby – various privately-operated parking lots are available throughout the northern half of the Harbor Enterprise (along North Harbor Drive, Marina Way, Yacht Club Way and Portofino Way) at varying rates. These lots are convenient to restaurants, marinas and general recreation areas.