Redondo Beach: the perfect place for shopping, relaxation, and VR adventures

When travelers wonder "what to do in California?", they often think of Hollywood, Disneyland, or Yosemite. But hidden just south of Los Angeles lies Redondo Beach, a city that combines the timeless charm of a seaside town with some of the most innovative entertainment options in Southern California.

Located only 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles and 15 minutes from LAX airport, Redondo Beach is a convenient starting point for exploring the best things to do in California. Here, you can wake up with a morning jog along the ocean, spend the afternoon shopping at South Bay Galleria, challenge yourself in the futuristic worlds of virtual reality, ANVIO VR for instance, and finish the day with fresh seafood while watching the sun sink into the Pacific.

Few destinations offer such variety: sandy beaches, cultural sites, culinary delights, and unique California attractions for families, friends, and solo travelers alike.

Accessibility is one of Redondo Beach’s greatest advantages, it’s located at 415 Diamond Street Redondo Beach, CA 90 277. Unlike some coastal towns that require long drives through winding roads, Redondo is directly connected by major highways:

• I-405 Freeway — linking the city to Los Angeles, Orange County, and beyond.
• Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) — a scenic drive along California’s coast, passing through multiple beach towns.

The city is also served by Metro buses, which connect Redondo to neighboring cities like Torrance, El Segundo, and downtown LA. For travelers arriving at LAX, the trip is less than 15 minutes, making Redondo one of the most accessible California things to do for international tourists.

Redondo Beach attracts visitors for many reasons:

• A calmer alternative to Venice or Santa Monica — still vibrant, but less crowded.
• Family-friendly vibe — playgrounds, calm beach areas, and plenty of kid-friendly dining.
• Balance of tradition and modernity — historic pier meets futuristic VR arenas.

Virtual reality is a technology that creates an immersive computer-generated environment, allowing users to feel as if they are inside a digital world. By using special headsets and sensors, people can look around, move, and interact with 3D objects in real time. VR is widely used for gaming, education, training, and entertainment experiences.
Whether you’re a surfer, a foodie, or a tech enthusiast searching for fun things to do in California, Redondo Beach is designed to surprise you.

At the heart of Redondo’s modern entertainment scene is ANVIO VR — a virtual reality club unlike anything else in Southern California. Located at 1815 Hawthorne Blvd, right next to South Bay Galleria, ANVIO VR takes gaming and entertainment to an entirely new level.

Unlike traditional arcades where you stand still with a headset, ANVIO offers free-roaming arenas: you and your teammates physically walk, run, and interact in a space without being tethered by cables. With cutting-edge VR technology, your movements are mirrored in real-time, making you feel like you’ve truly stepped into another dimension.

Why it’s one of the top things to do in California:

• Immersive experiences — over 40 games across genres: action, fantasy, space, adventure.
• Team or solo play — great for friends, families, or corporate groups.
• Age-inclusive fun — games start from age 8, meaning kids, teens, and adults can all participate.
• Affordable pricing — starting at $ 45 per person, or $ 270 for a 6-player team.

1. City Z (12+, 30 min) — A zombie apocalypse survival shooter. You and your team must cooperate to defend the city while scavenging for supplies. It’s intense, action-packed, and perfect for adrenaline seekers.
2. Station Zarya (10+, 30 min) — A space-themed adventure where players land on planet Regulus-5 to complete a dangerous rescue mission. With stunning visuals of alien landscapes, it feels like stepping into a sci-fi film.
3. Lost Sanctuary (8+, 30 min) — A mystical quest through ancient ruins. Players solve puzzles, unlock mysteries, and work together to uncover the secrets of a forgotten civilization. Safe and exciting for younger adventurers.
4. Revolta (12+, 30 min) — A competitive team-based battle. Two groups face off in futuristic arenas where cooperation, strategy, and reflexes matter most. Great for friends or corporate team-building.

Tip: If you’re searching for fun things to do in California beyond the typical theme parks, ANVIO VR guarantees an unforgettable, high-tech adventure.

https://www.redondopier.com/
The Redondo Beach Pier is more than just a walkway over the ocean — it’s a cultural hub. With its horseshoe-shaped boardwalk, live entertainment, and wide variety of dining options, it remains one of the best things to do in California. Visitors can:

• Shop for souvenirs and local crafts.
• Rent fishing poles and try their luck right from the pier.
• Enjoy live music on weekends.
• Sample freshly caught seafood, including Redondo’s famous crab.

It’s an iconic California experience: eating clam chowder while watching surfers take on the Pacific waves.

South of Redondo lies Torrance Beach, a hidden gem for those who prefer space and tranquility. Unlike busier beaches, Torrance offers wide stretches of sand perfect for sunbathing, family picnics, and beach volleyball. It also connects to the Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as "The Strand"), which runs for 22 miles up the coast, passing through Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and all the way to Santa Monica.
For families looking for fun things to do in California outdoors, Torrance Beach is safe, scenic, and far less crowded.

Dining is one of Redondo’s strongest appeals, and the city doesn’t disappoint. Some highlights include:

• The Cheesecake Factory (South Bay Galleria) — extensive menu, large portions, and famous desserts.
• Johnny Rockets (Redondo Pier) — retro American diner with burgers and shakes.
• King’s Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant — a must-visit for Hawaiian-style comfort food like loco moco and sweet bread French toast.

These establishments not only offer delicious meals but also family-friendly service, making them some of the best things to do in California for visitors with kids.

The South Bay Galleria
https://www.southbaygalleria.com/
The main shopping mall in the area features a wide food court with quick-service favorites like Panda Express, Cinnabon, Blaze Pizza, and Starbucks. On the pier, small cafés serve ice cream, tacos, and coffee, giving visitors plenty of choices between activities like ANVIO VR or bike rides.

Redondo Beach is perfect for active visitors who want to mix nature with sports. Popular outdoor California attractions include:

• Kayaking and Paddleboarding — Available at King Harbor Marina, where you can paddle alongside sea lions and even spot dolphins.
• Cycling the strand — A scenic trail connecting Redondo to Santa Monica. Ideal for those who want exercise with a view.
• Sailing and whale-watching tours — Local companies organize seasonal cruises to spot migrating gray whales.

Outdoor adventures in Redondo Beach — like cycling along the Shoreline Bike Path, kayaking in King Harbor, or paddleboarding by the shore — provide the perfect balance after an intense VR session at ANVIO VR. They allow visitors to recharge in the fresh ocean air while still keeping the excitement alive, making them some of the most refreshing California things to do.

For those who prefer culture and history, Redondo also delivers:

• Redondo Beach historical museum — Set in an old railway depot, it showcases the city’s past as a seaside resort.
• SEA Lab — An educational marine science center where kids can interact with touch tanks, see marine life up close, and learn about ocean conservation.

Redondo Beach is a place where every day can be different. You can start by playing City Z at ANVIO VR at 1815 Hawthorne Blvd, shop for new outfits at South Bay Galleria, enjoy Hawaiian food at King’s Hawaiian Restaurant, cycle along the Strand, and end the day watching the sunset from the pier.

For anyone searching for things to do in California, Redondo Beach offers it all: beaches, dining, shopping, culture, and cutting-edge VR entertainment. Whether you’re a family with kids, a group of friends, or a solo traveler, you’ll always find fun things to do in California here.

So, the next time you’re near Los Angeles, don’t just ask "what to do in California?". Instead, make Redondo Beach your destination — and discover why it’s one of the best things to do in California.