As a born-and-bred Angelino, I know the county of Los Angeles very well, but it’s always a thrill to stumble across a special place that I didn’t know existed. In a popular, touristed city like Los Angeles, buried treasure is not easy to find. And yet I discovered a little-known seaside sanctuary at the only oceanfront hotel in Redondo Beach.
The Portofino Hotel and Marina is a breezy, romantic hideaway off the beaten path of a bustling beach town in the South Bay. Located on its own peninsula tucked on the oceanside behind a sleepy marina, the low-rise hotel provides marina-front serenity, Pacific Ocean views, a peaceful pool garden, and a King Harbor-side restaurant with a delectable menu.
But then again, maybe I’m just the last in the know. The property has won accolades on “Best Hotels” lists, and weddings keep the hotel’s romantic event spaces booked. And apparently Hollywood has known about the place since it opened in 1962 by racecar enthusiast Mary Davis. The inn drew thousands of visitors for a three-day welcome celebration for the King Harbor opening and soon became a hangout for racers including Peter Revson, an F1 Grand Prix Winner. The Cannonball Run, a car race from New York to Los Angeles turned feature film, was first run in 1971 with The Portofino (then called The Portofino Inn) as the final destination.
Today, The Portofino Hotel & Marina is proud Noble House hotel, still provides a chic and serene escape from the city. Highlights include Baleen Kitchen, a marina-side restaurant and lounge with scenic waterfront views and locally sourced cuisine. Visitors and locals enjoy post-dinner drinks and local music in the lounge, and celebrate milestones like birthdays, anniversaries and private events.
With private balconies offering refreshing Pacific Ocean or King Harbor Marina views, The Portofino Hotel’s elegantly appointed oceanfront and marina-side guest rooms and suites provide refreshing sea breezes and an elevated sense of comfort and romance. For special guests and special occasions, suites offer spacious luxury with separate bedroom and living rooms, clawfoot bathtubs, fireplaces, and double balconies.
Knowledgeable hotel staffers help guests discover the best of the iconic South Bay lifestyle with their curated list of top restaurants, activities, shops, beaches and more. Here’s what they recommend for sun seekers, with most suggestions within walking distance.
Redondo Beach
Your Southern California adventure starts here. Redondo Beach is a family-friendly seaside playground packed with activities and a wide sand beach. A surfing and beach volleyball mecca, Redondo Beach was home to the original Baywatch TV series.
Stroll Redondo Beach’s Horseshoe Pier
The one-of-a-kind U-shaped pier is packed with restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops, one of which features a 16-and-a-half-foot-long Great White shark on display. For the adventurous, rent a fishing pole or surfboard and give it a try. Do it for the ‘Gram.
Dockside Adventure Center
Embark on a waterfront adventure at The Portofino, an ideal spot for ocean activities and sports. The hotel’s Dockside Adventure Center provides everything from kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to boat charters and bike rentals.
Sail Away on a Catamaran Party Boat
Charter a chic party for up to 50 people or a romantic sailing for two aboard the Portofino’s own El Rey catamaran. It’s an unforgettable way to celebrate birthdays, bachelorette or bachelor parties, or a captivating sunset cruise.
Ride the Strand
Nicknamed “The Strand,” the Marvin Brad Bike Trail is one of California’s favorite paved bike paths, and it’s just steps from The Portofino. The epic, oceanfront path stretches for 22-miles along California’s Golden coast. Grab one of the hotel’s complimentary cruisers and go for a memorable spin.
Seaside Lagoon
Just outside the Portofino saltwater lagoon, the Seaside Lagoon offers lifeguard-monitored safe swimming (especially great for children) plus sandy sunbathing and volleyball courts for everyone.
Whale Watching
Redondo Beach is a whale watching hub, a seasonal home to majestic humpback, orca, gray, and minke whales. When they migrate along the SoCal coast, Redondo Beach Whale Watch and Nature Cruise Boat offer expert tours off the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the beautiful South Bay. Bonus sightings: lots of dolphins, pelicans, and sun-seeking sea lions, too.
Getting there is easy. Located on the coastal edge of Los Angeles County, Redondo is just 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles and seven miles south of Los Angeles International Airport.
