Redondo Beach Day Trips: Top 5 Exciting Getaways

So, you know, Redondo Beach is, in a way, a great spot all its own, very charming, with its pretty harbor and that pier that’s just full of life, right? But what if you wanted to, perhaps, spread your wings just a little bit, actually see what other cool places are within easy reach for, like, a single day’s outing? Well, luckily for you, there are very appealing day trip possibilities that start basically right at your doorstep. Get ready; this is five super appealing and accessible escapes. So, pack up the car because a great outing is coming!

1. A Coastal Escape to Palos Verdes

You know, it’s almost that a pretty fantastic trip can be made just by driving a bit up the coast to Palos Verdes. Rather than a typical beach town, what you will find are dramatic cliffs overlooking the water, right? These bluffs offer stunning, actually remarkable views of the Pacific. If you happen to want to hike, actually, there are scenic trails for those too! These go all along the coastline; these routes are just super good for all skill levels. The beauty makes this the perfect place if you just want to walk a bit or, maybe, even picnic. That is, you know, depending on whether that is up your alley. Don’t even forget to, perhaps, swing by the Point Vicente Interpretive Center, which just offers exhibits about whale watching. You could have your sights set on seeing some cool marine wildlife if the time is right! You can watch whales making their migrations at certain times.

What Not to Miss: The Point Vicente Lighthouse. You can find information to visit before you go, you see. Check the visiting info; it’s something you can see with a tour.

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2. A Stylish Adventure in Santa Monica

Santa Monica, right? Just picture it; it’s basically the ultimate SoCal beach town vibe, it’s almost iconic, if you will. You know, it’s actually super close to Redondo, making it super for, like, a day trip where you can mix beach time and shopping. In some respects, the Santa Monica Pier might be a place for a nice wander, too, maybe go for a ride, and, yeah, just soak it all in. Check out the street performers and enjoy the carnival atmosphere. If, actually, you want to go into town just a bit, like, the Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian-only shopping area, is rather cool with boutiques, major retailers, and lots of dining options. The people-watching is also very fun. Plus, you can always do things like go relax on the beach, if that is your kind of fun! The beaches are big and are usually popular but usually don’t get overcrowded, very much.

Don’t Miss: The original Muscle Beach is just south of the pier! People sometimes still work out there.

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3. Explore Catalina Island

Really, Catalina Island might seem super far away, but you see, you can actually get to it by ferry pretty easily from Long Beach or San Pedro, right? You are not wrong to wonder; this destination is truly its own separate thing. It’s good for, like, a really different kind of day trip than one spent totally in the city. Actually, the main town is Avalon; it’s very walkable, it is picturesque, it has cool shops, restaurants, and even art galleries. Lots to see and do. To explore a bit, actually, you can do some hikes to the interior, there’s also a zipline adventure or you can just hang at the beach! Actually, you can go for a glass-bottom boat tour to see the underwater marine life, that too. The island has a certain charm. One finds something a bit different from the city rush here; that is for certain.

Don’t Miss: Book your ferry tickets in advance because they can get sold out, and you also need to plan activities. Maybe rent a golf cart to get around!

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4. Culture and Cuisine in Long Beach

Long Beach, actually? Very accessible and so full of culture. It is also easy to spend a whole day checking this place out; very conveniently located a quick trip from Redondo. Arguably, you could start by going to the Aquarium of the Pacific. That’s, like, a top-notch aquarium with all sorts of marine animals and ecosystems. To make that kind of thing happen you want to see if they’re having some special event or, that, perhaps, works with your visit dates. After the Aquarium, wander around Shoreline Village; you will find quirky shops, restaurants, and harbor views, too, actually. Then, it might be nice to visit the Queen Mary. It’s that historic ocean liner. Tours will bring its story to life. The East Village is rather a good place if you wish to just browse shops, coffee spots and cool places. This pretty exciting and hip scene is, I mean, it’s really there if that is what is interesting to you. Also, the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) offers a culturally enriching experience.

What not to miss: Rosie’s Dog Beach is one of the few spots where dogs can roam free by the ocean.

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5. Discovering San Pedro

Seemingly San Pedro is not so well known compared to, you know, Santa Monica, yet this spot is often kind of awesome if what is of value to you is a real maritime atmosphere. Just so, to see the massive ships as you cruise around might blow your mind. If, perhaps, you were inclined to get nautical, you can tour the Battleship Iowa, right? Explore its decks; it’s great if you care a little for naval history, it could even be really engaging if you were so inclined! After this activity, check out the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and the tide pools, for certain. To visit Point Fermin Park is quite good as well; you can watch the sunset there and see stunning views of the coast. Pretty special thing to witness, for real. For lunch, you know, venture around the waterfront spots around there.

Don’t miss: The Korean Bell of Friendship is just lovely, it can offer up some really pretty picture possibilities.

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