11 Things to Do in Redondo Beach with Kids

Southern California presents a multitude of possibilities to every type of traveler.  Redondo Beach embodies this variety. Minutes from Los Angeles International Airport, this sleepy beach community has all the adventure without the hustle and bustle of LA. Read on to learn about the variety of things to do in this hidden gem of the LA area.

11 Things to Do in Redondo Beach with Kids

My husband and I were introduced to Redondo Beach by my aunt many years ago. On our annual trek to California, it is one of our must stop locations. It is so close to the airport (LAX), and Harbor Drive in Los Angeles County, and is such an easy little town for kids, that it keeps us coming back. With everything, including stunning views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, we think it is an overlooked treasure on the West Coast.

Here’s a list of my family’s favorite things to do in Redondo Beach with kids.

1. The Redondo Beach Pier
2. Buy, and Fly a Kite on the Beach
3. Fishing on the Pier
4. Dinner with A View of the Sunset
5. Redondo Beach Marina
6. Seaside Lagoon
7. The SEA lab
8. Redondo Beach Bike Path
9. Farmer’s Market
10. Dog Friendly Dining
11. Unique Desserts at Grail Churros & Ice Cream

1.  The Redondo Beach Pier

Built in 1889, the Redondo Pier is a main feature of the town.  The pier houses a variety of food and entertainment options that are open all year.  In April, May, and June, catch some free yoga on the pier. If that’s not your idea of fun, then I recommend the free concert series starting on July 4!  On Thursdays and Saturdays until August 31, you can enjoy live music for free. Here is a listing of all of the bands for the summer.  

Barney’s Beanery, one of my favorite places to grab an adult pear cider on draft, has recently opened at the pier. At Kobe Pearl and Gem Co, you can select an oyster, have an employee shuck it, and find a pearl inside!  It is one of my favorite things to watch. Sometimes, a lucky person gets a rare black pearl.

2.  Buy a kite from Sunshine Kite Company and fly it on the beach.

For over 30 years, Sunshine Kites, located on Redondo Pier, offers free yo-yo classes for kids and kids-at-heart every Saturday at 3 p.m.  They also host an annual kite festival in March (they just had their 45th!), and it’s just a really neat place to pick up a beach-flying kite while supporting a small business.

3. Fishing on the Pier

Rent a fishing pole and buy some bait from Redondo Coffee and Bait Shop.  Then catch something right off the pier!  Or, do what I like to do – watch the pros catching some really neat fish while I keep my clean hands warm with a hot cup of java. With the exception of toddlers, everyone can participate in the fishing, though my littlest was happy just watching all of the activity. It is such a vast difference from Marina del Rey, which is right down the street!

4.  Dinner with a view

There are so many places to eat on the water (on or near the Pier) in Redondo, but one of my favorites is Kincaid’s.  The food is always great, and the views are just incredible.  Go for happy hour, sit on the deck, and let the kiddos run around while watching the sunset over the Pacific. Win/win. Or you may want to choose a seafood restaurant, like Pacific Fish Center and Restaurant, where they have Pick-Your-Own lobster, crab and shrimp.

5.  Redondo Beach Marina

If trying stand up paddleboarding is a bucket list item, or the family wants to take a fishing boat out on the waves, or do some whale watching, the Redondo Beach Marina is the place for you.  It is also conveniently located near the Pier, so there are lots of food options for before and after.  We even saw some jet skis, though my kids are too young at 5, 7 and 9. If you have teens, this might be a fun option for you!

6. Seaside Lagoon

The Seaside Lagoon opens for the 2019 season on May 25, 2019 and will close for the season on September 2, 2019.  It is open every day in Redondo Beach, pretty close to the pier, from 10-5:45 p.m., and is the perfect spot for the whole family.  The lagoon has lifeguards on duty, a large sandy beach area, a snack bar, volleyball courts, a park play area, and really fun water play features.  The best part is that the saltwater lagoon is sheltered from the surf, it is a safer place for smaller children to play.

7. The SEA Lab

The Sea Lab is one of my favorite places for little kids in Redondo Beach. It is Run by the LA conservation corps, who are committed to giving at-risk youths job training.  Admission is free for ages 14 and younger, and $5 for everyone else, unless it is a special event day. Check the website for these.

It is a small aquarium, with guided tours every Saturday on the hour from 10 to 3. Also on Saturdays, you can feed the fish for $2. Even my 9-year-old was enthusiastic about seeing the fish feeding frenzy. The small aquarium is filled with animals that have been rescued. The Sea Lab rehabilitates and releases all that they can!

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8. Redondo Beach Bike Path

The Marvin Braude Bike Path is 22 miles of beach-front bike path, running from the Pacific Palisades, by King Harbor, through Hermosa Beach, Santa Monica, the South Bay, to Torrance (which is right next to Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes).  In Redondo, the locals refer to that area as “the strand.” All along the route, there are public bathrooms and mile markers that denote which community you are entering. The 22 mile path is a lot for us, but those with older kids might enjoy the challenge.  We like to ride bikes or even walk on the shorter path to the Pier, and grab some food or treats after our arrival. There are a ton of places to rent bikes in Redondo, and it is a very walkable little city. At Marina Bike Rentals, they even have tandem bikes, bike trailers, toddler seats, and kids bikes to rent.

9. Redondo Beach Farmers Market and Shopping in the Village

One of my favorite things about Southern California is the abundance of fresh produce at open-air markets, and Redondo Beach’s open-air market is excellent. Every Thursday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., the farmers market is open at 309 Esplanade, and it is so fun to see the variety.  Right by the market are some really cute small boutiques for shopping too!  The whole village area is full of cute shops, coffee houses, and restaurants.  Poking around the market followed by a stroll by the sea is our idea of a perfect lazy day.

10.  Dog Friendly Dining

Much of Redondo Beach is dog friendly.  In fact, you will see friendly dogs almost everywhere you go.  One of our family’s favorite brunch spots, Good Stuff has a patio that is perfect for pet watching/petting.  My kids are thrilled with petting friendly pups, and I am thrilled with a delicious, healthy menu. I highly recommend the breakfast tacos.

11.  Unique and delicious desserts at Grail Churros & Ice Cream

Unlike most of Southern California, which only has frozen yogurt and very healthy options, I can actually find a worthwhile splurge in Redondo Beach.  I happened upon Grail Churros & Ice Cream on our last visit and I was not disappointed!  Every inch of this insta-worthy ice cream shop is fun to photograph. And the churro ice-cream sandwich was my dessert dreams-come-true.  I was lucky enough to visit on a Sunday, when they have any flavor of churro for $2. Saving money on a splurge-yay!

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