Road Trip to Redondo Beach

Kathy Condon / Freelance Writer

Living in Palm Springs, we revel in our 350 days of sunshine, but that doesn’t mean we never want to leave Coachella Valley. Anyone would tell you it doesn’t take long for me to get antsy and want to explore more of our great state of California.

I was all over it when I was asked if I wanted to stay and write a review of Sonesta Redondo Beach and Marina. I had to look on the map to see where Redondo Beach is located. It is about eight miles south of Los Angeles International Airport.

I set out to take the 120-mile journey from Palm Springs early one morning. In good traffic, it would take two hours. The route would bring me by the Nixon Presidential Library. I had been there before, so stopping in Loma Linda this time was unnecessary.

If you have never been to a Presidential Library, I urge you to stop, regardless of your political persuasion. Presidential Libraries have numerous facets and reveal many things you did not hear on the news.

ARRIVAL

The traffic was light, and my mission was accomplished. It took me two hours to arrive at Sonesta. With my bag unloaded, I accepted the valet’s ticket for my car and was pretty confident that, after looking around, I wouldn’t need the car during my stay.

Check-in was a breeze. Then, I was directed to my 6th-floor room. I opened the door and marveled at the ocean view. I smiled with delight when I saw the patio. There, a table and chairs were waiting for me. It is the perfect spot to have my morning coffee or a cocktail in the evening.

PRO NOTE: The hotel was designed in a U-shape so that more rooms could have an ocean view. However, the elevators are only on one side, so IF you have room on the other side of the U, you may have a long walk to your rooms. Thus, wear comfortable shoes when you arrive, and have to pull your suitcase around the perimeter of the building.

TIME TO EXPLORE

Setting out on foot, I immediately noticed the fresh ocean air. It smelled fresh, and brilliant sun gleaming on the water made me smile as I set off to explore. I strolled to Captain Kidd’s market, where fresh seafood was plentiful to purchase. A large restaurant is attached to the market area, and one could sit outside. The word is they also have great breakfasts.

Venturing down the path, I marveled at the murals along the walkway to Redondo Beach Pier. On a level above the Pier were contemporary architecture houses, retail stores and offices. I took an elevator down to the original Redondo Pier. There were the usual trinket shops and beach clothing shops. However, I think it may have had more restaurants that offered cuisine from different ethnic groups. I chose to find a restaurant with my standby’s simple seafood—fish and chips. Tony’s had a weathered sign announcing its presence at the Pier since 1952. Thus, I found an ocean-view window table and thoroughly enjoyed my meal while watching the waves crash on the nearby boulders.

HARBOR BAR & BISTRO

Back at the hotel, I saw the Harbor Bar & Bistro as I walked to the elevators leading to my room. There was laughter flowing through the air, so I figured it had to be a fun place. I sat down at the bar and it was easy to become involved in a conversation.

This was because the outgoing bartender took it upon himself to introduce me to the people sitting there. They were locals who said they came here regularly for the food and conversation. My sandwich from Harbor Bar & Bistro was huge, so I appreciated having a refrigerator in my room for a snack later. Though I have to say I scarfed up the French fries. Surrounding the bar area were several different seating configurations. A person was in the far corner on his phone. A group was obviously having an impromptu meeting, and another person was reading a book in a nearby nook.

AN EVENING OF RELAXING

My room was the perfect place for me to decompress. I had been on the go before I arrived and could tell it was time for me to chill. The harbor lights lit the evening sky, revealing slightly swaying palm trees nearby.

I crawled underneath the luxurious sheets and found a movie on the large television screen. Ahhh, I couldn’t help but think how everything anyone could want was at my fingertips. What stood out to me was the walls were graced with photography—all depicting ocean scenes, including beach discoveries of shells.

TOUR OF THE HOTEL

Since I had been invited to the hotel, a lovely woman was assigned to take me on a tour of the premises. We started in the meeting rooms, which could be varied in size because of the flexible walls.

As one would expect from a resort offering all services, there is a beautiful outdoor space for a wedding. The ocean view location is adjacent to the pool. Thus, creating a magical atmosphere for weddings or special parties makes it the perfect place to bring people together.

A surprise space was a Calming Room, specifically for staff. The administration recognizes people may have a difficult challenge at home or with guests and need a place to decompress. This room has ceiling drapes with fabric, lounge chairs, and a water feature with soft music playing.

PRO TIP: One of the things one notices at this hotel is that the staff has smiles on their faces and is more than ready to help you with any of your needs. Is the Calming Room helping to create such a helpful atmosphere? My guess is that it is having an impact.

DINNER AT SOL RESTAURANT

Adjacent to the resort is SOL. This rustic yet classy restaurant is truly a hidden gem. Recently opened, I had dinner here, and every morsel seemed better than the other.

Operated under the watchful eye of Sonesta Redondo Beach Marina Food and Beverage Manager Addison, no detail is left unchecked. For example, the rustic picnic-like tables have fresh flowers adoring them. Their Chef creates the menu with everything made from farm-to-table or freshly caught from the sea.

I am told the wontons in the fabulous soup were created by hand by the Chef.

My walnut shrimp arrived on a small charcuterie board. There was far more than I could eat, leading me to share with you: when you come here, bring a friend. Order a couple of different dishes and plan to share.

Opting for an Espresso Martini for dessert was a good choice and maybe the best one I have ever eaten. Feeling stuffed and satisfied, I returned to my room for another restful sleep.

HEADED HOME

With the car loaded, it was time to head out. I followed the beachfront road and then parked the car. I walked down about 100 steps to join others, enjoying the beautiful day, and took a long walk on the beach. I counted 60 surfers waiting to catch the perfect wave. Roller skaters and bicyclists share the ribbon of the paved path that stretches up to Malibu.

With the drive ahead, I knew I had to get on my way. Instead of the steps, I used the steep incline that was built to provide access for wheelchairs. I thought to myself, I wouldn’t want to be the person pushing the wheelchair up the long, steep slope. Yet, how wonderful people with disabilities do have a way to access this beautiful beach.

Since I had heard about it, I made one last detour to see where the Redondo Beach Performing Art Center was located. I saw only the outside, but the building was beautiful and prominent. I made a note to check their schedule the next time I visit Redondo Beach.

The drive back to Palm Springs was uneventful. We mean when we say that here, there was no significant traffic. In addition, it means we are able to soak in the beauty of the countryside as we travel through it on our way to our beautiful ocean beaches.

Noting the width and cleanliness of Redondo Beach, it appears this area takes pride in its position on the Pacific Ocean. You should consider this area if you want to relax and meet people who proudly call this area their home. Coming back relaxed and happy to have the experience and wanting more time supports my belief this ocean community is accurate, using a cliché: It is a hidden gem.