West PCH
The ultimate Redondo Beach address can be found in the section known as West of Pacific Coast Highway in South Redondo. Life is good here in this laid-back community. At any given time of day, joggers are dashing along The Esplanade, surfers are catching waves and friends mingle while dining al fresco among the bustling cafes and restaurants throughout the Riviera Village.
Draped between Pacific Coast Highway, Herondo St/Anita, the Pacific Ocean, and the outer perimeter of the Hollywood Riviera, this carefree community enjoys easy beach accessibility from most homes. These beach dwellers take advantage of outdoor life being just a few blocks from the beach and close to the Riviera Village shopping area.
Geographically, the beach in Redondo displays a bit more character than Hermosa and Manhattan with large bluffs between the flat wide beaches and the Esplanade. Along the beach, volleyball courts are filled with avid players and sun seekers. Conveniently, one can find long-standing dining institutions like the Riviera Mexican Grill which has been a South Bay favorite for Redondo Beach, Torrance, and Palos Verdes residents alike). Conveniently, the Marvin Braude Bike Path begins here and continues all the way to Santa Monica, a great way to experience the variety of beaches up and down the coast.
The Esplanade is the gorgeous strip of homes along the coast from the Riviera Village to the Redondo Beach Pier. These homes, a myriad of luxury town homes, condos, and apartment, plus a few very select homes sit up higher along the beach than the Strand homes in Hermosa or Manhattan due to the rise in the land just up from the beach. Serene vistas from these residences offer a fresh perspective from the hearty green Palos Verdes Peninsula, Catalina, and north to Malibu. While condos are plentiful in the $600,000-$1.5 million dollar range, and single family homes vary greatly from $2-$6 Million.
Meanwhile, reasonably priced single-family homes are found mostly in what is known as The Avenues. These homes have approximately 6,000 square feet lots along flat ‘avenues’ bordered with sidewalks. Ultra-wide streets allow ample parking for guests, and added space between neighbors. Many of these homes are the original beach bungalows, and often have the Spanish influence from the 1930s and 40s. However, like the rest of the South Bay, several modern homes are being built in place to add square footage and updated style.
Dining and entertainment are easily at hand, as well as the typical beach activities. Riviera Village at the southernmost point of this section is a fun place inhabitants come to relax, enjoy time with friends, and get refreshed. The Village is filled with boutiques, spas, and even a wine tasting room. Luxuriate in the sun over lunch in Redondo Beach’s first ever dining parkette at the Rebel Republic or hear live music at the famous, and infamous, Bull Pen while devouring a bacon wrapped filet.
Throughout the year, the Village plays host to a weekly farmers market, and seasonal events like Holiday Shopping events, and Halloween Trick-or-Treating to name a few. Delighting both children and adults, the annual Riviera Village Summer Festival entertains throngs of locals with live music, art and craft vendors, carnival rides and a beer garden.
Likewise, the northern tip of the West of PCH section offers even more opportunities for entertainment of all ages. The Pier/King Harbor, the largest privately owned marina from Marina Del Rey to Newport Beach, is filled with dozens of restaurants, bars, ice cream shops and a massive arcade. Meanwhile, the annual Lobster Festival held at the Seaside Lagoon is the perfect event to close out the summer. Held each September where, hungry patrons nosh on surf and turf while enjoying music from South Bay mainstay bands like Wayward Son, the 80’s rock cover band. Redondo Beach Pier Concert Series feature bands throughout the summer in Veterans park July to September to keep the locals dancing all season long.
Children in this area attend award-winning Alta Vista or Tulita Elementary School, Parras Middle School, and Redondo Union High School. Also for the kiddos are oodles of parks and recreational activities like Veterans Park, King Harbor, the Seaside Lagoon and the Redondo Pier that has a game arcade and is filled with food stands, restaurants, and fish markets. One can’t miss the yearly kite parade near the Pier or the 4th of July Fireworks extravaganza.
