Redondo Beach, California Dining

You'll find a variety of dining options in the area. On the Redondo Beach Pier, "New" Tony's(also called Tony's Fish Market) is actually one of the pier's oldest restaurants, serving smoked salmon chowder, bay shrimp salads and fresh fish. Try for a seat next to the window, where you can look down from the pier onto the splashing surf below. For a more upscale, modern-chic dining experience, try Kincaid's Bayhouse.

For breakfast, join the locals in line at Polly's on the Pier. Two people can share one machaca (shredded beef) omelet or a plate of chorizo and scrambled eggs and still walk away stuffed. Take the warnings about Luis' salsa seriously. If Polly's served this stuff on paper plates, it would probably set them on fire.

Things to do in Redondo Beach, California

If you've chosen an ocean view room at the Portofino Hotel, you may have trouble dragging yourself away from your balcony, but if you prefer activity to idleness, you'll find plenty to do here, all within a short walk of the three hotels we recommend.

Redondo Beach: The sandy part of Redondo Beach, just south of the pier. Lifeguards are on duty here, watching kids and adults alike bobbing around in the surf.

Redondo Beach Pier: This U-shaped pier bristles with fishing poles, and once in a while you'll see someone reel in a catch. You'll also find restaurants, fast-food stands and a jazz club here, along with souvenir shops, one of which touts a 16-and-a-half-foot long great white shark on display.

Rent a Bicycle: Ride a little or ride a lot. The oceanfront bike path here is flat and runs for over 20 miles up to Santa Monica.

Sport Fishing: Half-day and longer deep-sea fishing trips. No pole? No problem. Rent equipment at their tackle shop. Catches here include halibut, mackerel, bonita, sand bass, yellowtail and more.

Rent a Kayak: The marina and nearby harbor offer plenty of room to paddle around, and lots to see.

Take a Speedboat Ride: This 70-foot, 140-passenger speedboat blasts off hourly on weekends and holiday afternoons.

Head for the Riviera: Some say this six blocks of unique, local shops, salons and eateries resembles southern France. You can get there by walking along the oceanfront sidewalk or take Beach Cities Transit bus #104 from the pier.

Go for a Swim: You can swim in the ocean here, but if you like your water calmer, Seaside Lagoon offers a salt water pool with sandy beaches.

Watch the Grunion Run: No, this isn't a 5K or a 10K. Instead, it's the mating spectacle of small, silvery fish that spawns en masse on southern California beaches shortly at high tide shortly after a full moon. The peak spawning period is late March through early June.