Historic Places

For more than one hundred years, Redondo Beach has captured the imagination of travelers from around the world. Modern surfing was born here. Boards, Baggies and bikinis became industries, and the Beach Boys pounded out a surf beat that lured a whole generation to enjoy the West Coast promise of freedom.

Redondo Beach has hosted many colorful visitors, including natives, wranglers, ranchers, railroad barons, rumrunners and a gangster or two—not to mention the beach revelers who rode the Pacific Electric Railway Red Cars for a weekend away from the heat of the Los Angeles Basin.

Discovered by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, the Santa Monica Bay and environs remained largely untouched until the Dominguez Rancho was established in 1784 as a farming and grazing area.

Fast-forward to the boom of 1800s when land was cheap and Los Angeles needed a Port for shipping and passenger travel. Redondo Beach served that need until the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro ended its shipping trade.

The reputation of Redondo Beach as a resort and recreation area stayed on through the trials and tribulations of the Great Depression, world wars and the dreaded Prohibition—which led to the demise of the beautiful beachfront Hotel Redondo. During the 50s and 60s Redondo Beach once again became a popular resort city as well as a great place to live work and play.

Historic Riviera Village

The first inhabitants of the Hollywood Riviera, now known to locals as the “Village”, traveled nomadically, followed food sources, and were scantily clad. Not much has changed in the 6,000 years or so since the coastal natives camped on the shore. You will see our natives in beachwear, enjoying the sunny weather, and dining outside. Our local seafood is among the best in the world.

The original developer of the Hollywood Riviera was entranced by the movie business and felt that the seaside properties would be a natural location for the Hollywood “set” to buy and build. A few movies were made in the thirties and few smart producers bought properties, but the Hollywood scene never materialized. What did material are delightful cluster of shops, restaurants, café bistros and galleries.

The Village is located in and around the area between Torrance and Palos Verdes Blvds. It’s a perfect place for strolling and stopping for en espresso and dessert. The shops are a lively mix of swimwear, sport wear, objects d’art, antiquities and California original art.

Old Historic Pier

Redondo Beach Historic Museum

The museum houses local artifacts, photographs and memorabilia recalling the city's rich history as a port of call and popular seaside resort. A museum within a museum, the collection is displayed in a restored Queen Anne Victorian home built in the early 1900's. Free admission, open Wednesday 10am-1pm and Saturday & Sunday 12pm-4pm. Located in the Dominguez Park Heritage Court, 302 Flagler. Information: 310-318-0610 ext. 3252.

The Morrell House is a 1906 Victorian with Craftsman details, originally located on Catalina Avenue. It was saved from demolition and painstakingly restored by many dedicated volunteers. Now, under the custodianship of the Redondo Beach Historical Society, the Morrell House has been furnished as a living museum, with furniture, photos and local artifacts from the turn-of-the-century through the early 1940’s. The Historical Society is currently developing a library on the second floor where patrons will be able to view articles, photographs, interviews, and research. Free admission; open most Saturdays & Sundays 12pm-4pm. Located in the Dominguez Park Heritage Court, 298 Flagler. Information: 310-372-0197.