Why visit
The Redondo Beach Pier serves up the most food-and-fun-focused of the South Bay piers, blending fresh seafood, harbor views, and family activities in a relaxed waterfront setting. It is a free landmark to explore where you can eat well, watch boats and wildlife, and easily extend the day along the boardwalk.
Distinct among South Bay piers for its U-shaped, multi-level design, the Redondo Beach Pier is a lively waterfront complex of casual seafood restaurants, fish markets, bait-and-tackle shops, and arcades wrapped around the harbor. Visitors can sample fresh seafood, watch anglers and pelicans, and take in sweeping views of the marina and open ocean.
The pier connects to the broader Redondo waterfront, including the International Boardwalk and nearby beaches, making it a hub for strolling, fishing, whale-watching cruises, and harbor activities. Family-friendly and full of seaside character, the pier offers an unpretentious, all-day coastal outing where eating, shopping, and ocean views come together.
History
Redondo Beach was an important early shipping port and resort town, and piers have stood here since the late 1800s, evolving through fires, storms, and reconstruction. The current horseshoe-shaped pier reflects mid-20th-century rebuilding efforts, and the surrounding harbor and boardwalk have long made the area a popular destination for fishing, dining, and seaside recreation.
Insider Tips
- ✦Explore both pier levels to find the best seafood and views.
- ✦Combine your visit with a walk along the International Boardwalk.
- ✦Consider a harbor or whale-watching cruise departing from the marina.
Photo Tips
- 📸Capture the curved horseshoe pier and harbor from the boardwalk.
- 📸Shoot the fishing boats and pelicans around the marina for local color.
- 📸Frame the open ocean at golden hour from the pier's outer edge.
Before You Go
- ✓Plan for paid parking that gets pricier on busy weekends.
- ✓Come hungry, as the pier is full of seafood and casual dining options.
- ✓Check schedules in advance if you want a whale-watching or harbor cruise.
Visiting with family
Arcades, casual seafood stands, and harbor wildlife make the pier easy and fun for families, with plenty of snack options for picky eaters.
Where to Eat Nearby
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Redondo Beach Pier FAQ
Is the Redondo Beach Pier free?
Yes, walking the pier is free; you pay only for parking, dining, shopping, and any cruises or activities you choose.
What makes this pier different?
Its distinctive horseshoe shape and dense mix of seafood restaurants, shops, and harbor activities make it the most bustling South Bay pier.
Can you go fishing or take a cruise?
Yes, the pier and harbor support fishing as well as whale-watching and harbor cruises, with bait shops and operators nearby.
Nearby Neighborhoods
South BayHermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach is the most carefree of the South Bay beach cities, a compact town where the pier, the sand, and a buzzing nightlife strip all sit within a few blocks. It's known for surfing, beach volleyball, live music, and an easygoing party energy. Pier Avenue is the lively heart of it all.
South BayTorrance
Torrance is a spacious South Bay city pairing a quiet, walkable beach with leafy residential neighborhoods, a thriving Japanese-American community, and some of the region's best ramen, sushi, and craft beer. It's an easygoing, family-oriented base just south of LA's busiest beach towns.
More Beaches in LA
BeachesVenice Beach Boardwalk
The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a vibrant, eccentric oceanfront promenade famous for street performers, artists, and the open-air Muscle Beach gym. It's a free, free-spirited slice of LA culture where the beach, the skate park, and the carnival of vendors all blend together.
BeachesMalibu Pier
Malibu Pier is a historic wooden pier reaching into the Pacific beside the world-famous Surfrider Beach, offering ocean views, fishing, dining, and easy beach access. It is a relaxed gateway to Malibu's surf culture and coastline.
BeachesEl Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is a dramatic, secluded Malibu cove famous for its towering sea stacks, sea caves, and arches carved into the cliffs. Reached by a steep trail and stairs, it rewards visitors with one of the most photogenic stretches of coastline in Southern California.
BeachesZuma Beach
Zuma Beach is one of Malibu's largest and most popular sandy beaches, beloved for its wide shoreline, clean water, and reliable surf. With ample parking, lifeguards, and full facilities, it is a go-to spot for swimming, sunbathing, and a classic SoCal beach day.
Helpful Guides
BeachesThe Best Beaches in Los Angeles
From the family-friendly South Bay piers to Malibu's cliff-backed coves, here is how to pick the right stretch of LA sand for your day.
PhotographyThe Best Sunset Spots in Los Angeles
Where to be when the LA sky turns gold and pink, from the Griffith Observatory terraces to Malibu's sea-cave coves.