By Jen Caskey Group
The Redondo Beach Pier is one of the South Bay's most beloved destinations, and it has been drawing locals and visitors to the waterfront for generations. With over 30 dining and drinking establishments, a full calendar of activities on and around the water, and a setting that faces west into the Pacific, the Pier delivers a complete day or evening out without requiring much planning. Here is what to know before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the Pier's dining scene, from fresh seafood at Quality Seafood and Kincaid's to casual waterfront bites, sweet treats, and everything in between.
- Learn what the Pier's bars and social spots offer, including Naja's Place, The Slip Bar & Eatery, and Scholb on the Water.
- Find out what activities are available on and around the Pier, from glass bottom boat tours and whale watching to kayak rentals, E-bikes, and free yoga on the boardwalk.
- Understand why the Redondo Beach Pier is a central part of the lifestyle that makes living in Redondo Beach so rewarding.
Dining at the Pier
The Pier's dining lineup is one of the most varied on the South Bay waterfront. Fresh seafood is the clear anchor, but the options span Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Thai, Korean, and classic American bar fare, with sweet treats scattered throughout for good measure.
Restaurants Worth Knowing
- Quality Seafood is a Pier institution, a market-style seafood counter where guests choose from fresh catches displayed on ice and have them cooked to order, a format that has kept regulars coming back for decades.
- Kincaid's Fish, Chop & Steakhouse is the Pier's most upscale dining option, with ocean views, an extensive wine list, and a menu that handles both a business dinner and a special occasion equally well.
- Tony's on the Pier is a longtime Redondo Beach favorite known for its waterfront setting and seafood-focused menu, with a loyal following that fills the room on weekend evenings.
- Redondo Beach Crab House draws crowds for its Dungeness crab and fresh shellfish, and the outdoor seating along the water makes it a natural stop on a warm South Bay afternoon.
For more casual visits, Pier Bakery & Churros, International Ice Cream, and Baelato handle the sweet side of the menu, while CalMex Cantina, El Cinco de Mayo, and El Torito cover Mexican fare at multiple locations across the Pier and boardwalk.
Bars and Social Spots
The Pier's bar scene has its own distinct character, with a mix of longtime neighborhood institutions and newer spots that have become part of the regular rotation for South Bay residents.
Where to Drink at the Pier
- Naja's Place holds one of the most impressive beer selections in the South Bay, with over 80 taps and a laid-back atmosphere that has made it a destination for craft beer enthusiasts well beyond the immediate neighborhood.
- The Slip Bar & Eatery is one of the newer additions to the Pier, with a sharp cocktail program, a full food menu, and a space designed for lingering over a meal or a drink with a view of the marina.
- Scholb on the Water is a brewpub with waterfront patio seating, serving craft beers brewed on-site alongside a food menu that makes it a solid all-in-one option for an afternoon at the Pier.
- R10 Social House and Project Barley round out the bar options with their own distinct vibes, giving visitors enough variety that repeat trips to the Pier can produce a different evening each time.
Activities On and Around the Pier
The dining and drinking are the most visible part of the Pier, but the activities on offer extend the experience well beyond a meal. The Pier and surrounding King Harbor offer a full range of water and land-based recreation that keeps the area lively across every season.
What to Do at the Pier
- Glass bottom boat tours depart from the Pier and offer an underwater viewing experience of the local sea life, a crowd favorite for both first-time visitors and longtime residents looking for something different.
- Whale watching cruises run from December through April, with humpback and gray whales making their seasonal migration through the Southern California coast within viewing range of King Harbor.
- Kayak, pedal boat, and stand-up paddleboard rentals through Pedal Port give visitors a self-guided way to explore King Harbor at their own pace.
- E-bike rentals are available for those who want to extend the day up the Strand toward Venice Beach or down toward Palos Verdes, one of the most scenic coastal rides in Los Angeles County.
- Gondola Amore offers private gondola rides through King Harbor's marina channels, a romantic and unhurried way to see the waterfront from the water.
- Free yoga classes on the boardwalk run on a seasonal schedule and reflect the active, wellness-oriented culture that defines South Bay living.
- The Redondo Pier Skate Park sits adjacent to the waterfront and gives skaters a well-maintained facility with ocean views that most inland skate parks cannot offer.
Visiting the Pier
The Pier is located at 100-500 Fisherman's Wharf in Redondo Beach, on the border of South Redondo Beach between the Esplanade and Redondo Beach Marina. Parking is available in the surrounding lots and structures. Most dining establishments serve lunch and dinner, with several offering breakfast daily or weekend brunch, and a number of spots operate take-out windows for those who want to eat on the beach or pier deck.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit the Redondo Beach Pier?
The Pier is welcoming at any hour, but late afternoon into evening is the sweet spot. The sunset from the west-facing deck is worth timing a visit around, and the combination of the cooling marine layer, the golden light, and the options for dinner and drinks makes the early evening the most popular window for both locals and visitors.
Is the Redondo Beach Pier good for a full day out?
Completely. Between the dining options, the water activities, the boardwalk shops, and the beach itself, a full day at the Pier passes quickly. Arriving in the morning for coffee at Kona Koffee, spending midday on a kayak or paddleboard in the harbor, grabbing lunch at one of the boardwalk spots, and finishing with dinner and drinks at one of the Pier's restaurants covers the full range of what the destination offers.
Is there parking at the Redondo Beach Pier?
Yes. Parking is available in the lots and structures surrounding the Pier at Fisherman's Wharf. The Pier's website has current parking information and directions.
The Pier Is One of the Reasons People Love Living in Redondo Beach
With a sought-after real estate market, incredible shorelines, and a tight-knit community, it's no surprise that buyers are drawn to Redondo Beach. If you've fallen in love with this city and are ready to find a home where the Pier, the beach, and the South Bay lifestyle are part of your daily life, look no further than our team at Jen Caskey Group. We know this market well and bring the local expertise and care that South Bay buyers deserve. To get started, contact us at Jen Caskey Group today.
