It’s not named Redondo Beach for nothing: Several stretches of sand surround LA’s coziest seaside city. But which one fits your needs the best? Here, we profile a handful of them for The Portofino Hotel & Marina guests and highlight the visitors they cater to the most.
Hermosa Beach
Distance from Portofino Hotel: 1.3 miles
Best for: Restaurant and bar hopping
You don’t need to be into traditional beach activities to enjoy Hermosa Beach. What we mean by that: With a bustling pedestrian-only promenade (known as The Strand) and many walk-to restaurants (like Dia de Campo, The Hook and Plow, and Chef Melba) and bars, there’s more to this two-mile stretch of sand than beach volleyball and paddleboarding. Also: the 1,328-foot Hermosa Beach Pier was beautifully featured in the Emma Stone/Ryan Gosling almost-Oscar-winner La La Land.
Torrance Beach
Distance from Portofino Hotel: 4 miles
Best for: Relaxing
This long, wide sandy beach doesn’t get the same attention that some of its neighbors enjoy. It doesn’t have the piers and boardwalks (that generate a lot of foot traffic) that others do, either, but that’s precisely the draw for many. This laid back, less-populated beach is the perfect spot to post up with plenty of room for sunbathing, kicking back with a book, and taking a swim (lifeguards are on staff). To access, use one of the parking lots along the bluff and take one of the ramps down to the beach.
Manhattan Beach
Distance from Portofino Hotel: 3 miles
Best for: Surf & Shopping
This 2-mile stretch of 115 acres of groomed sandy beach offers some incredible surfing at the north end of the beach (in an area known as El Porto), but it also boasts an array of upscale retail options. Manhattan Denim, Surf Concepts, Wright’s, Katwalk, and Pages are just a few of the stores that make the Manhattan Beach shopping scene so vibrant.
Santa Monica State Beach
Distance from Portofino Hotel: 15 miles
Best for: Being Active
Santa Monica is home to an artsy coastal community and one of Los Angeles’s most popular beaches. It’s a haven for those seeking outdoor fun – volleyball, biking, outdoor chess and other games, the boardwalk, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier (including a Ferris wheel and roller coaster) are just some of the things to check out on any given day. Don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two.
Redondo Beach
Distance from Portofino Hotel: .5 mi
Best For: Families
What sort of list would this be if we didn’t include Redondo Beach itself? This picturesque mile-and-a-half-long beach was depicted on the ‘90s TV series Baywatch and is known for its surfing, beach volleyball, and family-friendly nature. The kids may enjoy a trip on the Looking Glass, known as a “semi-submarine,” visit the SEA Lab, or even taking a surfing lesson.
The Portofino Hotel & Marina
