North Redondo Beach - Redondo Beach, CA

Native Americans occupied the Redondo Beach area in the 1700s, living off of the sea. When Hotel Redondo opened in 1890, tourists flocked to the city by train and steamboat. During this era, Redondo became the first Los Angeles County port, and three piers serviced steamers traveling between San Francisco and San Diego. Increasing numbers of visitors came to the area, drawn to the natural beauty. In 1892, Redondo Beach became a city.

Despite its beauty, Redondo has suffered hardship. During the Depression, gambling and mob shootings scathed the city, and storms have endangered the piers. Culturally, Redondo becomes more diverse as younger residents move into the neighborhoods.

Each year the Back to School Chalk Art Festival draws a crowd to Redondo Beach Pier at Fisherman's Wharf. The Pier also hosts summer concerts and a classic car show. For a touch of local history, residents visit the Redondo Beach Historical Museum.

To appeal to its ethnically diverse residents, Redondo offers an array of dining options. You have a choice of Brazilian, Italian, French and Mexican, among others. For the best in seafood, the Bluewater Grill Seafood Grill on North Harbor Drive remains a local favorite. Voted the "Best Seafood in Southern California," the Bluewater serves delectable dishes in a nautical setting. From the restaurant tables you have a clear view of yachts moored at the marina and the stunning Pacific Ocean. While you take in the view, try the Romano-crusted golden tilapia.

For a true Redondo Beach experience, get ready for an odd stop. Tucked inside a liquor store, The Standing Room fixes what everyone calls the best burgers on Earth. Don't miss the towering Napolean, a funky burger with bacon, grilled onions and cheese sitting on a bed of fries.

In neighboring Torrance, you'll find the Rain Wine Bar and Lounge, a hangout popular for its incredible ambiance. Take a seat on the outdoor patio next to the fire pits and relax with friends. Found inside the Marriott hotel, the Rain Wine Bar offers a host of drinks in a sophisticated atmosphere.

When they want to dance, locals head to O'Hearns Bar. Found on Aviation Boulevard, O'Hearns may be called a dive bar, but crowds fill the dance floor. The skilled DJ sets the party mood, while the pool tables stay packed all night.

Many residents here walk to where they need to go. Most, however, have cars and find challenges with parking. As a public beach, Redondo gets crowded a large part of the year due to the extended sunny months. The city charges to park on many Redondo Beach streets, and parking remains restricted to residents in a lot of areas.

Pacific Coast Highway, a major thoroughfare, runs through the neighborhood. Although called a highway, the street is small and congested over a large portion and causes traffic at peak hours. Redondo lies only 5 miles west of Interstate 405 and State Route 91, but travel times to these major freeways can be lengthy in high traffic.

You see a lot of bikes on the road in Redondo, usually closer to the beach where they have bike lanes. Taxis or Uber's ride-share service may be utilized by calling ahead.

Redondo pets love beach-city living. Locals take their pooches to the Redondo Beach Dog Park on Flagler Lane for a full day of canine carousing. Free to play off-leash, Redondo dogs explore their dedicated spot, located at the north end of Dominquez Park. Local owners cherish the amenities, including a 3-acre dog run, with separate areas for small and large dogs and drinking fountains for pets. The busy park even has a calendar of events with regular social activities, such as photos with Santa in December.

In this physically active neighborhood, North Redondo residents head to Alta Vista Park on South Camino Real for vast options. Here they play racquetball and tennis at the recreational facility, or they take advantage of the three multipurpose playing fields. People drive from all over the South Bay for the weekly soccer games and little league baseball. For those looking to host an indoor event, you're free to rent the Alta Vista Community Center, which comes equipped with a kitchen, restrooms and large multipurpose room. Pets must be left at home, but you find plenty of parking at the park.

Residents of Redondo pay considerably more to live near the ocean. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs approximately $1,408 and will be higher the closer you get to the beach. Compared to some neighboring cities up the coast, like Hermosa and Manhattan Beach, Redondo falls in a similar bracket.

Dining and grocery shopping run higher compared to South Bay neighborhoods found inland. Fortunately, public transportation stays reasonably priced, although drivers can expect to pay about 11 percent above the national average for gas. At a local pub, a pint of beer typically costs around $3.50.

Shopping stands out as a major attraction in Redondo Beach. The fashion-centered locale finds great choices at the South Bay Galleria on Hawthorne Boulevard. Here you'll see retail staples Nordstrom and Macy's, as well as Abercrombie & Fitch for casual apparel. However, for more unique clothing, residents of Redondo haunt the cult favorite, Aaardvark on Artesia Boulevard. At Aaardvark you'll find a treasure of vintage costumes, bygone-era clothing and rare accessories. Pick up an ugly Christmas sweater, fuchsia wig or 70s shirt. Appealing to men and women, Aaardvark offers the best in weird clothing for Redondo's eclectic crowd. Found in Riviera Village on South Catalina Avenue, Ribbons keeps up with high-end trends. The longtime family-run boutique has regular clients who look for distinct clothes that express individuality. At this stylish shop you'll find fashions offered nowhere else.

For groceries, Redondo locals have a number of choices. Whole Foods Market, Ralphs and Vons all service the neighborhood. Every Thursday, Veterans Park hosts the Redondo Beach Farmers Market, offering more than just produce. Here you'll find kettle corn, dried fruits, jams and preserves, as well as cut flowers and bedding plants.