The Portofino Hotel & Marina
South of Malibu, Santa Monica and Venice, beach cities continue to uphold Los Angeles’ easy breezy nature. Less renowned, but just as great, Playa del Rey and Redondo, Manhattan and Hermosa Beaches are must-visit destinations. Here’s everything to do there.
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Website / 3110 N Sepulveda Blvd. 90266
With fresh ingredients, a skilled sushi chef and taking inspiration from California, Sushi Roku prides itself on its unique creations by incorporating ingredients from Latin America and Europe into its sushi. Dine-in or take-out to try its cold and hot appetizers, robata skewers, sushi and sashimi, entrees and its signature or classic rolls.
Website / 119 Culver Blvd. 90293
If you’re looking for one location with a variety of options along Playa Del Rey, check out Top Chef winner Brooke Williamson’s Playa Provisions, inclusive of four different restaurant concepts. Visit King Beach cafe for breakfast and lunch, Dockside for a California-inspired intimate beachside dinner, house-made ice cream at Small Batch and dark spirits at Grain Whiskey Bar.
Website / 1148 Manhattan Ave. 90266
Enjoy quality seafood by Manhattan Beach at Fishing with Dynamite, serving a diverse menu of traditional dishes as well as innovative and worldly takes on the cuisine. Try its famous oyster bar or appetizers like its Parisian tuna tartare, Mexican white shrimp ceviche or wild Spanish octopus.
Website / 117 Manhattan Beach Blvd. 90266
Family-owned, The Strand House offers a classic coastal Californian cuisine served with hospitality beside panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Reserve a table for brunch, lunch or dinner to explore its menu of everything from seafood to pizza.
Website / 39 Pier Ave. 90254
For Mexican food with a home-style twist made with fresh, quality ingredients as well as a premium selection of tequilas and wines, Palmilla Cocina y Tequila is the perfect place to enjoy amazing traditional food from tacos and enchiladas to quality meats like filet mignon steps away from a stunning oceanside ambiance.
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Website / 260 Portofino Way 90277
Less than two miles from the picturesque Redondo Beach Pier, this four-star hotel drops you in the middle of prime SoCal living. The Portofino Hotel & Marina is right on the marina as the name promises, offering guests beautiful views of the sea through floor-to-ceiling windows and from private balconies. What’s more, the Portofino team helps guests find the ultimate beach activities (think kayaking, shopping and more) and there is the can’t miss BALEENkitchen and BALEENlounge for dining and drinking.
Website / 435 Culver Blvd. 90293
Quaint and peaceful, the Inn at Playa Del Rey boats an East Coast charm. The B&B-styled hotel has views of Marina Del Rey and the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve and is just miles from both LAX and the beach, making it the ultimate homebase for visitors. Guests can also enjoy rooms that feature fireplaces, jacuzzis and decks.
Website / 1300 The Strand 90254
Hermosa Beach’s four-star boarding is a boutique oceanfront hotel that welcomes guests the opportunity to experience spa retreats, romantic getaways and coastal escapes. At the Beach House, you’re in for a well-rounded vacation.
Website / 300 N Harbor Dr. 90277
Flanked by the Pacific and hills of Palos Verdes, a stay at Sonesta is tranquil as it is breathtaking. The four-star hotel has multiple on-site eateries and is four miles away or less from the piers at Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan Beaches.
Website / 1221 N Valley Dr. 90266
With a prime location in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach, guests at the Shade Hotel can enjoy a stay in a guest room, accessible room or luxury suite— all complete with Tempur-Pedic beds and a balcony overlooking the expansive Pacific Ocean. The hotel also hosts a terrace and lounge with small plates and cocktails, as well as a rooftop Skydeck to relax during the day or enjoy a nightlife atmosphere.
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Website / 12000 Vista Del Mar 90293
Host a bonfire or picnic, take a bike ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, play a game of volleyball or just enjoy a relaxing walk along the shore at the gorgeous Dockweiler State Beach. With 3.7 miles of ocean frontage and 288 acres of beach, there’s an endless amount of activities to do to unwind and have fun.
Website / 1242 Hermosa Ave. 90254
Taking inspiration from yoga, functional fitness, dance and pilates, SoHo Yoga hosts a range of classes fit for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Enjoy peaceful ocean sounds and a beachside environment during a beach yoga session.
Website / 1807 S Catalina Ave. 90277
Offering services from hair & makeup, skin, tanning and nails, Salon Riviera is a one-stop shop for your beauty needs. Located between a European-style bakery and a flower shop, pick up a pastry and admire stunning bouquets before you enjoy a facial or a nail treatment.
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Website / 3200 N Sepulveda Blvd. 90266
Located right beside downtown Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Village offers Southern California favorite eateries like BOA Steakhouse and Sweetgreen alongside fitness centers like Corepower Yoga and Coreology Fitness and essential stores like Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie.
Website / 1799 S Catalina Ave. 90277
Three miles south of King Harbor, Riviera Village hosts art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, salons, spas and fitness classes. Its many small, unique shops and businesses are perfect to spend the day exploring; it even hosts a farmer’s market on Sundays and happy hours.
Website / 850 S Pacific Coast Hwy. 90245
Start your day with an early morning SoulCycle class and enjoy a classic Cava bowl or a sandwich from Mendocino Farms before shopping at Madewell or Lululemon and enjoy ice cream from Van Leeuwen all at The Point located on the famous Pacific Coast Highway.
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Website / 260 Portofino Way 90277
Located at the Portofino Hotel & Marina, BALEENkitchen offers a chic fine dining experience while overlooking the marina and enjoying great food. It also has an upstairs bar that is complete with waterfront views, fireside sofas and chairs. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner here at BALEENkitchen with specially curated menus for each time of day.
Website / 13534 Bali Way 90292
Within the Marina del Rey Hotel, SALT is run by chef Sean Collins who takes pride in preparing timeless dishes and classic recipes. He adds in modern techniques and bold flavors to offer a slight twist on these classic dishes. You can also enjoy weekday brunch and happy hour here at SALT. There are also gorgeous waterfront views to take in while enjoying your food.
Website / 2130 E Maple Ave 90245
Offering New American cuisine, Flora has a variety of small plates options for your enjoyment. Flora also has beautiful views that you can experience up on its garden rooftop. On weekends, guests can check out its comfortable cabanas and relax with glows from the firepit and listen to live music. While visiting, trying its signature Flora truffle fries along with your cocktail of choice.
Website / 4360 Via Marina 90292
A combination of exquisite views of the marina and delectable food, Brizo brings an unforgettable culinary experience to its guests. Offering a Southern California coastal cuisine, Brizo crafts its healthy and yummy food from locally sourced ingredients for all meals of the day. Chef Chris Houlihan brings his mastery of French cuisine and combines it with his Southern California upbringing to create pristine dishes.
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Website / 30 Pier Ave 90254
The Lighthouse Cafe is a nice spot to enjoy a few drinks and live entertainment. It offers happy hour Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and also has plenty of events throughout the week to keep you entertained. You should also check out the Lighthouse Fries or chorizo nachos.
Website / 4211 Admiralty Way 90292
This speakeasy is hidden behind a moving wall of wine racks and is truly a hidden gem of the town. Within the venue, there are large plush booths and Timothy Alton Chesterfield leather sofas, which brings the VIP experience to every table. This intimate venue is the perfect spot for date night, private gatherings or just grabbing drinks with friends.
Website / 53 Pier Ave 90254
Located in Hermosa Beach, Tower 12 is a beach-town casual kitchen and bar that serves up yummy meals that are California-inspired and updated twists on American classics. The bar specializes in handcrafted cocktails and wine and is home to 30 local brews on tap.
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Website / 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd 90278
The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center offers over 40,000 square feet of room for various special events programming, patron amenities and plenty of activities for all age groups. They offer different theater productions, dance performances and much more for your enjoyment.
Website / 140 Richmond St 90245
Old Town Music Hall is home of the mighty Wurlitzer theater pipe organ. Located in El Segundo, this music hall offers showings of silent and sound films, presents live concerts by some of the world’s finest musicians ranging from jazz, ragtime and other popular musical genres of the past. It’s a unique experience and has the ability to transport you back in time.
Website / Manhattan Beach Pier 90266
The Roundhouse Aquarium offers different exhibits like the marine habitat gallery, education gallery and the marine science gallery. There are also different types of classes to learn about sea life and how to care for the ocean and its treasures. It’s a great educational experience that’s appealing to all ages.
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Website / 128 Pier Ave 90254
The Curious Workshop is a queer-owned vintage home decor and novelty shop that is located in Hermosa Beach. You can shop here for jewelry, crystals, books, furniture and much more. You should plan to spend a good amount of time here and looking through everything they have.
Website / 1236 N Peck Ave 90266
Located behind Polliwog Park, the Manhattan Beach Botanical Gardens is a non-profit public education organization. Anyone is welcome to come and volunteer at the garden and participate in its events that are frequently held. The garden itself is gorgeous and is home to many different flowers and plants.
Website / 936 Hermosa Ave 90254
The Practical Magic Apothecary offers a bewitching experience where guests can shop for jewelry, candles and ritual items, books, journals and tarot and oracle decks. While visiting this shop, guests can also book a tarot or oracle reading.
For exploring other parts of Los Angeles, check out our guides to Pasadena, Silver Lake, downtown, Venice, Malibu, Hollywood, Mid-City and West Adams, the Eastside, Santa Monica and the Pacific Palisades, West Hollywood, Brentwood and Westwood, the Valley, Culver City and Beverly Hills.
Photography by: Courtesy of The Portofino Hotel & Marina
