On my latest trip to Los Angeles, I decided to end my week in the “City of Angels” by going off the beaten path to remind myself that Los Angeles is indeed a coastal city.  I don’t think I am alone in easily forgetting that L.A. borders the ocean. Like most, I definitely fall victim to the flash and fab vortex surrounding the Hollywood Hills and never make it to the see the great wide blue of L.A.

 

Instead of heading to Santa Monica, I journeyed further south to Redondo Beach, a relatively unknown California coastal delight. Redondo is actually a quick, straight shot south from LAX, which makes getting to the airport a hassle-free 20-minute experience, even during rush hour. In addition, this coastal area is a great spot for observing marine mammals.

 

Though Redondo lacks a five star property, the Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club (www.hotelportofino.com, 310.379-8481) is the next best thing (and they did recently add five new luxury suites as part of their 11 million dollar makeover). The Portofino is cozy, comfortable, and fits in perfectly with this seaside village and marina. The service is impeccable, the vibe totally relaxed. Half of the rooms face the rocky Pacific waterfront, inhabited by a gregarious colony of wild California sea lions.  The hotel’s ocean-inspired lobby is modern and whimsical, continuing the maritime theme of surrounding King Harbor and the gorgeous yachts lining the marina.

 

As in most beach towns, the best part of Redondo Beach is old-fashioned fun in the sun. The Portofino provides complimentary bicycles to cycle along the beachfront and to enjoy the Strand Bike Path, which runs from Redondo Beach all the way to the Pacific Palisades. If you bike north, you’ll run into this Hermosa and Manhattan beaches, respectively, two of California’s surfing hotspots.

 

If your timing is right, it’s possible to witness the Gray Whale migration. Several fishing boats from the local pier double as whale watching excursions during the migration period. The migration ends now in late April, but will begin once again in December (provided the Japan’s toxic release into the ocean doesn’t kill the whales).

 

Another great outdoor adventure near Redondo is hiking in the Palos Verdes Peninsula and meandering through the majestic tidal pools of Malaga Cove. Hiking rapture can also be achieved on a rugged trail in search of The Dominator. The Dominator was a Greek freighter that crashed on the cliffs of Palos Verdes in 1961. The remains of the Dominator still exist and can be accessed from hiking trails originating on Paseo del Mar. If you are in to golf and want to support the Tea Party Comb-over movement, you can visit the 18 hole, par 71 Trump National Golf Course (www.trumpnationallosangeles.com), which is open to the public.

 

Furthermore, Redondo has a great dining scene. The Portofino’s restaurant, BALEEN Los Angeles (www.hotelportofino.com, 877-BaleenLA) is nationally renown for its seafood-centric menu and its mesmerizing waterfront views. It attracts sizeable crowds from the greater L.A. area for an evening of seaside escapism.  My entrée at BALEEN, the “Cane Sugar-Seared Ahi Tuna” with coconut rice, spicy papaya salad, avocado/wasabi mousse, was nothing short of spectacular. Close by, Casa Pulido is a neighborhood institution that has been run by the Pulido family for years. It's a dive of a Mexican joint, but a must visit stop for a taste of Old Redondo Beach. In terms of nightlife, Redondo Beach doesn't have a nightlife scene, but Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach (near the Portifino) has bars ranging from surfer drives to trendy cocktail lounges. For a gay fix, however, you gotta head west back into West Hollywood!