Water sports, world-class food and fun

With its unique horseshoe pier and large 14-acre marina, Redondo Beach is a vibrant South Bay hub for seaside activities. Travel beyond the beach and this tight-knit community offers an array of distinctive dining and eclectic shopping options.

On the water

There’s no shortage of ways to get out on the water here, including romantic gondolas, glass-bottom boats and a high- speed racing boat. Kayak or paddle boat out to visit King Harbor’s resident colony of sea lions (rental information at www.rbmarina.com). Gear up at Body Glove (201 Herondo St., [310] 374-3441, www.bodyglove.com), the international water sports brand’s only retail outlet.

Local favorites

Polly’s On the Pier (233 N. Harbor Drive, [310] 318-3736) serves hearty breakfasts for early risers. Catalina Coffee Company (126 N. Catalina Ave., [310] 318-2499, www.catalinacoffee.com) has a comfy, homey setting and roasts its own coffee. Get fresh fish grilled to order at Quality Seafood (130 S. International Boardwalk, [310] 374-2382, www.qualityseafood.net), one of the West Coast’s largest fresh fish markets. Ortega 120 (1814 S. Pacific Coast Highway [310] 792-4120, www.ortega120.com) is renowned for its modern Mexican menu and award-winning margaritas and caipirinhas.

Updated dining

The beautifully renovated waterfront Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club is home to one the area’s best dining options with Baleen Los Angeles (260 Portofino Way, [877] 225-3365, www.hotelportofino.com). Former Asia de Cuba exec chef Daniel Peters constructs tempting fusion dishes like ginger sweet soy braised short ribs as well as inventive bento box lunches. With a spectacular seaside location, the newly opened Maison Riz (112 Fisherman’s Wharf, [310] 379-1300, www.maisonriz.com) is shaking up pier-side dining with its modern French Japanese menu. Mainstay Chez Melange recently added a casual dining section, Bouzy Gastropub (1611 S. Catalina Ave., [310] 540-1222, www.chezmelange.com), which has been an instant hit with its comfort food dishes like Southern fried chicken salad and truffle Parmesan fries.

Riviera Village

Take a relaxing stroll down the Mediterranean-inspired Riviera Village with its unique gift shops like Harmony Works (1705 S. Catalina Ave., [310] 791-7104, www.harmony-works.com). Sample inventive gelato flavors like chocolate lavender and wasabi raspberry at 22 Degrees (1820 S. Catalina Ave., [310] 944-3773, www.22degrees.net) or lunch at newly opened Turquoise (1735 S. Catalina Ave., [310] 373-3234, www.turquoise-restaurant.com), serving an organic Middle Eastern themed menu including a wide variety of tapas.

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