One of my favorite ways to spend a Summer day either with visitors or by myself is by taking a walk or a bike ride on the strand from Redondo Beach to Manhattan Beach.
As you make your way through Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan just steps from the sand, you will have gorgeous ocean views and plenty of great pit stops along the way.
In this article we give you our recommendations for the perfect day hacking the strand between Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan.
1 – Park near Veterans Park
Description:
Veterans Park is a nice grassy park with a playground, bathrooms and picnic tables right above the Redondo Beach bike path and Pier.
If you are starting your adventure from the Redondo side of the Strand we recommend starting here because of the ample and relatively cheap (meter) parking.
You will find that the bike and walking path right by the Beach and the beautiful Pier is just right below you steps away.
Location:
309 Esplanade, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Pic Credit:@gmzabos
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Even better than the meter parking which only takes coins and has limits to how long you can park is the nearby street parking. If you go just a few blocks from this park in the resedential neighborhoods you can usually find a free spot that will also relieve the worry of constantly running back to refill the meter.
2 – Stop @Tonys on the Pier
Description:
Old Tony’s on the Pier is an institution in Redondo and you won’t need to go far from Veterans park for this first stop on our trip down the Strand.
Tony’s sits right on the Pier and it’s popular spot partially because of its romantic seaside dinning that offers unbeatable views of the Pacific Ocean. Inside you will find an old fashion restaurant/bar serving seafood and slinging drinks.
You cannot miss the iconic ‘Tony’s’ sign especially at night when its neon lights up the Pier.
Location:
210 Fishermans Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
PIC Credit:@lifehacksla
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No stop at Tony’s is complete without ordering a FireChief. The massive Mai Thai is known as the SouthBays strongest drink and it has for sure earned its repuation. Another cool thing is they allow you to keep the glass with the signature ‘Tony’s’ logo stamped on it as a souvenir.
They say they give away the popular keepsake so you can remember that you were there. LOL
3 – Early Lunch at Quality Seafood
Description:
After getting loose with a drink at Tony’s make your way down to the lower part of the Redondo Pier for a seafood snack at Quality Seafood.
This remarkable Seafood market is a Redondo beach landmark drawing big crowds of people who come daily to slurp oysters and crack shells.
Come on over and indulge your palate, from oysters snacks to full trays of shrimp or lobster this place will leave you satisfied.
Its old fashion style with the food spilled out on paper spread out over concrete tables. Its a messy but very fun meal!
Location:
PIC Credit:@sandiieats
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Hungry for seafood you might be tempted to try one of the other nearby spots when you see the long lines at Quality Seafood. Trust us.
The line is there for a reason and worth it as the other places do not compare to this local legend.
4 – Bike or Walk to Hermosa Pier
Description:
Sandwiched between the Redondo and Manhattan Beach Piers is Hermosa. This little beach town might end up being your favorite of the three.
The charming little walkable strip leading up to the Pier is packed with great restaurants, bars, and boutique shops.
And you can walk just a few feet from this lively little area to the end of the pier for some peace and tranquility of the Ocean waves.
Location:
PIC Credit@luv2eatplayrun
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Forgot your sunglasses or some other beach day necessary item? I have found that the little tourist knick-knack shops in Hermosa are actually quite affordable.
Unlike other beach locations (talking about you Venice)they dont try to gouge you with inflated tourist prices. I have picked up sunglasses here a few times.
5 – Grab Dessert at @theBakedBear
Description:
Need a sugar rush after all that walking? You might just need a Monster size ice cream sandwich! The cookies at the Baked Bear are baked daily and their craft ice cream is made with all natural ingredients.
Do not worry, if the size of the sandwich is too big for your taste, you can always enjoy the ice cream in a cup instead.
Location:49 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
PIC Credit:@thebakedbear
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When they ask you if you want your Ice Cream Cookie sandwich warmed up. Just do it. Trust me.
6 – Manhattan Beach Aquarium
Description:
After gorgeous Hermosa make your way to the end of the Manhattan Pier and The Round House Aquarium which is a non profit educational facility.
Inside the aquarium there are viewing tanks displaying a wide verity of marine fish. There are also touch tanks.
The aquarium is right at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier and it’s free to the public.
Location:Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
PIC Credit:@fatmansmile
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The Aquarium on the Pier was shut down for a really long time due to construction. But as of this writing (07/2019) it is opened and better than ever!
Make sure you check out the newly constructed Aquarium.
7 – Watch Volleyball on the Beach
Description:
If you had enough exercise yourself you can sit back on the sand and watch some others work up a sweat with some beach volleyball.
Year round there are some amazing volley ball players showing off their skills for all to see.
And if you want to see the real pros the Manhattan Beach Open volleyball tournament is held every year in the summer. It began in 1960 and now it’s the most prestigious volleyball tournament in the USA.
AVP Gold Series – Manhattan Beach Open is a super event, almost 200 teams competing for the 2019 Gold Series big rewards ( points and purse values are even higher than other tournaments).
Join the fans from August 16-18 at the Manhattan Beach Pier.
Location:Manhattan Beach, California
PIC Credit:@elxobernal
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Manhattan Beach is the home of beach volleyball. But that dont let that intimidate you. The city of Manhattan Beach offers affordable classes for kids, teens and adults! You can find our more and register ont their website. -> Manhattan Beach Volleyball Classes
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!