Sittin’ on the Dock of the … Marina
Redondo Beach is among the Southern California beach side cities that resists the party mindset and is a stop, both beautiful and artistic. Home to nearly 68,000 residents, Redondo is a beach town with deep roots in Los Angeles, and growing up, this was one of the places many of us (myself included) spent our youth. Riding bicycles, rollerskating along the boardwalk, going to get a Shirley Temple (or a proper adult beverage now) at Tony’s, and spending a few nights on boats in the Marina, Redondo Beach and neighboring Marina del Rey, that is what makes this area so unique. As the decades have passed, Redondo Beach continues to surprise, including one hotel that we had the pleasure of spending a weekend in.
Redondo Beach is where the sun kisses the seaboard and the salty breeze dances through your hair.
For those of us who are native to Southern California, we are gifted with a staycation haven. That is precisely why on a winter weekend, I booked a weekend away in Redondo Beach and Marina. Along the shorelines of the Marina sits Sonesta Redondo Beach and Marina Hotel, where the sun kisses the seaboard and the salty breeze dances through your hair. Across from the hotel entrance, a mere stones throw away, are fleets of sailboats, paddleboarders, beachside runners, bike paths, artists, serenity and charming little shops.
Sonesta is a beachfront destination that stands out with a clean front entry and an attentive hotel staff. The staff is why you come here — okay, and the stellar views! The room is situated with a picturesque view of the Marina. My first stop is in the Hotel Lobby to have lunch with fashion buyer and my longtime friend, Trista McWilliams. Ordering a Teritama burger, French fries and midday bubbles, we enjoy prompt service and friendly staff, catch up and then I check in to my room. Simple, minimal, yet comfortable, the king sized bed beckons me as the sun begins its descent, but the balcony is lit with ambers and marigold and as I step out into the perfect West Coast weather to take the sunset in, a sailboat floats by in the distance, bending around the shore wall, and I happily watch it continue on its journey.
There are several points of interest to note about staying at Sonesta Redondo Beach and Marina.
SOL Restaurant
SOL is a contemporary, yet minimalistic restaurant with a playful menu spearheaded by Chef Hayato Yanai, as well as a surprisingly progressive cocktail program. We recommend trying the Horse Soldier bourbon, which was recommended to me by the kindest Bar Manager, Juan. This unique bourbon has a bottle that is fashioned using copper remnants from the remains of the Twin Towers, and it goes down smooth with touches of caramel notes on the finish (not harsh or fiery). When it comes to the culinary renderings of SOL, best way to describe it is high-level comfort food. From the hearty pork risotto, honey walnut shrimp, beef ribs with mashed potatoes, and the house salad paired with a spicy mezcal margarita, this is a menu that feeds the need of just about any happy diner. Spicy Mezcal margarita was made with Carolina reaper peppers and a handmade tajin and chile paste rim. Not only was it dangerously seductive, it was well-balanced with citrus and heat. The service is bar none, and once again, the staff raises the bar on service, making dining and staying at the hotel an absolute pleasure.
Beach Life Festival
Aside from the peace one feels with when stepping out onto your balcony and looking out onto the water, there is one Redondo Beach resident, entrepreneur, restaurateur named Allen Sanford who wanted to take Redondo residents to an inspiring, playful, and unforgettable experience. Sanford founded the BeachLife Festival in 2016 to offer a one-of-a-kind music festival for locals. Sanford thought long and hard about what it means to live the good life, and after careful consideration and loads of planning, the Beach Life Festival was born. This year’s festival runs from May 3rd through May 5th, 2024 with a musical lineup that includes Sting, Incubus, Seal, and an impressive lineup of big-named artists ready to give Redondo Beach a perfect launch into summer. Buy your tickets at beachlifefestival.com.
Bars + Dining
The Marina in Redondo Beach is plentiful with options in terms of old school eateries, staple bars, fun local dives, and a lot of history that is rooted in community. When you want to go adventuring along the boardwalk, some of the places within walking distance from the hotel are Baleen Kitchen, R/10 Social, The Hudson and Huddy’s, Bluewater Grill, and The Standing Room Restaurant. Along the boardwalk you’ll also find lounges, coffee, and the allure that the peace from the Marina brings.
When it comes to staycations, what matters is that while you’re away from home, you have time to breathe, to listen to the sound of the water (if that’s your thing), you can stroll the endless walls housed in art and feel connecting the vulnerability of others in local art galleries and neighboring museums, or you can sit down to eat and drink and savor every morsel and every last sip. Time away is critical for our own well-being, but time alone is even more rewarding. Bask in the pause, the emotional freedom, the curious childlike adventurer within, and when you’re ready, book a weekend staycation at Sonesta Redondo Beach and Marina. You’ll be so glad you did.
Thank you to Heather Noll and Chalkboard Communications Public Relations for an exhilarating stay, productive creativity, and a chance to sleep late (in a super comfy bed), eat well, and live simply.
To book your stay, visit www.sonesta.com
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