I was lucky enough to spend the weekend researching an article in the cute little beach side town of Redondo Beach, CA. I stayed at the Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club, a quiet, top-notch boutique hotel located on a private peninsula on the water. Part uber-trendy and part classic Cape Cod, the cheery colors and airy feel amplifies the casual beach vibe.

I explored Redondo by glass bottom boat, and got a close up of my neighboring guests at The Portofino, the sea lions, and watched schools of local fish swim by. The Redondo Beach pier fisherman offered some words of advice as I struggled with the oversize fishing pole and frozen bait. Heading to the amusement park, I was greeted with smiling faces of all ages as people competed in ski-ball horse races, ring tosses and air hockey.

The Redondo Beach pier is one of the most developed piers in Southern California. Walking by the handful of stores, several restaurants, bars and amusement park, you get the idea that there is fun to be had by the whole family. Catch a beautiful sunset from my favorite places on the pier, Lou E. Luey’s, which serves amazing fish tacos and is located next to one of the most happening bars with live music. All in all, the laid-back casual comfort of Redondo is a perfect weekend getaway.