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Redondo Beach Breakwall beach in Redondo Beach, CA
Photo: Christian
View of Redondo Beach Breakwall in Redondo Beach, CA
Photo: Kevin Powers
View of Redondo Beach Breakwall in Redondo Beach, CA
Photo: keyuan chen

Redondo Beach Breakwall

4.7(77 reviews)FreeActivity
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 1-8. Toddlers and preschoolers can safely wade in the shallow, calm water, while elementary-aged kids love exploring the tide pools and searching for sea creatures. The gentle waves make this ideal for children who might be intimidated by rougher surf.

About

Redondo Beach Breakwall offers the perfect introduction to beach fun for little ones, with calm, protected waters that are gentle enough for toddlers just learning to splash. The natural tide pools provide hours of exploration where kids can discover crabs, sea anemones, and small fish, while parents relax knowing the breakwall keeps the waves mellow and manageable.

Highlights

  • Protected calm waters perfect for nervous swimmers and toddlers
  • Fascinating tide pools filled with sea stars, crabs, and anemones to observe
  • Soft sandy beach ideal for sandcastle building
  • Nearby harbor walkway with sea lions to watch
  • Family-friendly pier with fishing and oceanfront dining just steps away

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive at low tide (check tide charts beforehand) for the best tide pool exploration,you'll find the most creatures and the calmest water conditions
  2. 2.Park at the Redondo Beach Marina parking structure on Yacht Club Way for easy access; it fills up quickly on summer weekends, so aim for before 10am
  3. 3.Bring water shoes or old sneakers for tide pool exploring to protect little feet from sharp rocks and barnacles
  4. 4.Pack a mesh bag for collecting shells and treasures,just remember to leave living creatures in their pools
  5. 5.The grassy area near the parking lot is perfect for a post-beach picnic and has outdoor showers to rinse off sandy kids

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings from 9-11am offer the best experience with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Summer mornings provide warm water and sunny skies, while spring offers excellent tide pooling with less congestion. Avoid summer weekend afternoons when parking becomes challenging and the beach gets packed.

What to Know

Beach access is free, but parking at the marina structure costs approximately $3-8 depending on duration. The breakwall area has restroom facilities nearby and plenty of casual dining options within a short walk along the harbor.

Seasonal Notes

Summer (June-August) offers the warmest water temperatures and sunniest days but brings the biggest crowds. Winter tide pools can be especially rich with marine life, though water is chilly. Spring break and holiday weekends get very busy. The beach is accessible year-round with no seasonal closures.

Nearby Eats

The Redondo Beach Pier, just a 5-minute walk away, offers multiple family-friendly options including Seaside Lagoon Café for casual fish and chips, and Kincaid's Fish, Chop & Steakhouse which has a kids' menu and harbor views. For quick bites, grab tacos at one of the harbor-side vendors.

More Activities Near Redondo Beach

Adventure

Endless Summer Surf Camp

$$

Endless Summer Surf Camp brings the classic California beach experience to life for families at beautiful Redondo Beach. With patient instructors who specialize in teaching kids and beginners, your family can catch their first waves together in a safe, supportive environment. The camp offers flexible options from single family lessons to week-long surf camps, making it perfect whether you're locals or visiting for vacation.

Activity

Redondo Beach Pier

4.6Free

Redondo Beach Pier is a classic Southern California destination where kids can experience the excitement of a working pier alongside family-friendly entertainment. With arcade games, fresh ocean breezes, restaurants serving everything from fish and chips to ice cream, and the thrill of watching sea lions lounging beneath the pier, it offers the perfect mix of nature and nostalgia that keeps families coming back.

Park

Veterans Park

4.6Free

Veterans Park is a beloved oceanfront destination where kids can enjoy multiple playgrounds, watch skaters at the skate park, and play basketball,all while you soak in breathtaking Pacific Ocean views. This well-maintained Redondo Beach gem offers something for every age group, from toddlers to teens, making it perfect for families wanting outdoor fun just steps from the sand.

Theater

Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center

4.6$

Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center brings the magic of live theater to families with a rotating calendar of children's shows, musicals, and youth performances. With its welcoming community theater atmosphere and high-quality productions, it's a wonderful way to introduce kids to the performing arts without the intimidation or high prices of larger venues.