NEIGHBORHOODS: Redondo Beach

For the record: an earlier version of this story listed the chef at Baleen Los Angeles as Daniel Peters. His name is Daniel Roberts.

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.

FOR THE RECORD:
Redondo Beach: The Neighborhoods article about Redondo Beach in Tuesday’s Calendar identified the chef at Baleen Los Angeles as Daniel Peters. His name is Daniel Roberts. —

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 Roberts 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.

calendar@latimes.com