Hidden hot spots in Redondo Beach vol. 2

There is something I have been thinking about doing for a long time..

On a beautiful Sunday morning in March, I finally took the boat "Voyager" to meet the Grey Whales in Redondo Beach.

 "Voyager Whale Watching"

233 North Harbor Dr

Redondo Beach CA 90277

(310)944-1219

http://www.voyagerexcursions.com

It was about 80 degrees and the ocean breeze felt so amazingly great. 

First, these guys passed by us with smiles.

 

Sea Lions were everywhere in Redondo Beach.

We went straight out to sea for about a half hour and then waited around a little bit. During we were waiting the people working on the boat entertained us so I never felt bored.

As soon as the first whale came out more and more seemed to appear!

 A Grey Whale can be 45 feet (14 m) and even their newborns measure about 16 feet (4.9 m).




The boat turned off the engine for silence and I heard the sound of a whale's blowhole spraying behind me. I quickly found the whale and I felt one of the most precious moments I have ever experienced.

I ended up seeing more than 10 whales that day. 









On the way going back to the port, I saw a group of Dolphins!

They chased our boat and seemed to be enjoying the gorgeous day too.

Off course all the sea lions loved the warm Sunday.

After the boat ride I found my favorite seafood...

It is Sea Urchin! California sea urchin is best in the world.










There was the state fish of California "Garibaldi" here too..

There is so much to see in Redondo Beach.

Hidden hot spots in Hermosa Beach

This has to be the best spot to see the sunset in Los Angeles.

About 6 miles south of LAX, there is this place...

 
Hermosa is a Spanish word meaning "beautiful" or "gorgeous". You can see why the moment you visit this place.
Hermosa Beach is popular for beach volleyball, sunbathing, surfing and paddleboarding.



In the evening the pier becomes a power spot.

"Hermosa Beach Pier"

1 Pier Ave

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

(213)480-3232

http://www.hermosabch.org

I was there in the middle of December.  The ocean and sunset were even more amazing than in the summer time. 

After it becomes dark, Hermosa Beach shows it's real face.

Many pro surfers and athletes love to party here at night. 

Hermosa Beach is the biggest party beach in Southern California.

Especially in the holiday season it is fun to go out!

I will introduce some of Hermosa's hot spots.

First you gotta try the legendary pizza at "Paisanos Pizza & Pasta". I used to work next to here and grabbed a slice all the time. My recommendation is their "mushroom pizza" and "BBQ chicken pizza".

"Paisanos Pizza & Pasta"

1132 Hermosa Ave

Hermosa Beach CA 90254

(310)376-9883

http://paisanospizzahb.com

If you want to have a really nice dinner with a romantic mood, it has to be at "Zane's". This has been one of Hermosa's it places for a long time.

"Zane's"

1150 Hermosa  Ave

Hermosa Beach CA 90254

(310)374-7488

http://www.zanesrestaurant.com 

For breakfast or a casual lunch I love to eat at "Gum Tree". This is a charming organic food cafe with a "down under" feel. They have a patio section great for people with kids and dogs. Also there is a shop that sells attractive living room items, selective kids goods and pet toys.

"Gum Tree"

238 Pier Ave

Hermosa Beach CA90254

(310)376-8744

http://www.gumtreela.com

"Java Man" is the oldest coffee house in Hermosa Beach. I always stop by here to get a coffee and relax on their sofas.

"Java Man"

157 Pier Ave

Hermosa Beach CA 90254

(310)379-7209

http://www.javamancoffeehouse.com

Hermosa Beach is also famous for having the largest arts & crafts fair in Southern California "Fiesta Hermosa" which happens every Memorial day (May) and Labor day (September).

 I love this fair because there are so many original shops for accessories, clothing and handmade items with great prices.

"Fiesta Hermosa"

1007 Hermosa Ave

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

(310)376-0951

http://www.fiestahermosa.com

At the Fiesta, I always choose to eat the T&T's Cajun Shrimp. Their shrimp is huge and has an unforgettable taste.

Hermosa is hot all that time!

Hidden hot spots in Lomita

Lomita is a quaint town in the Southbay.

One of the landmarks here is the "Lomita Railroad Museum".

 

This is a very colorful and cute museum located in the middle of a residential neighborhood. It was opened in 1966.

You can visit the museum from Thursday to Sunday.


This is a very unique place to have a birthday party!

"Lomita Railroad Museum"

2137 w. 250th st

Lomita, CA

(310)326-6255

http://www.lomita-rr.org

There is a public park next to the museum that is perfect for a picnic.

You can feel the retro California here.

I usually go to Lomita to eat at Japanese restaurants such as "Oumi Sasaya", "Gaja", "ll Chianti", and "Tamaen". 

However this time I would like to share my favorite Thai food place. This place is another landmark in Lomita because it is a super bright red building on PCH.

This is a to go or delivery place. They do fast job and make excellent food! I recommend their "Naked Shrimp Salad" which is perfect for a hot day.

"Lomita Thai Cafe"

1733 PCH

Lomita, CA 

(310)530-1443

http://www.lomitathai.com

One of my friends just opened the hottest indoor playground here.

All the toys are made of wood.

All the walls are a vibrant purple and there is a Silly Goose character everywhere.

"Silly Goose Playground"

25449 Narbonne Ave

(310)539-2792

http://www.sillygooseplayground.com

This is most definitely one of the cutest playgrounds and I'm proud to have taken photographs for their site. Please see it at http://www.sillygooseplayground.com

Hidden hot spots in San Pedro

San Pedro is one of the most exotic places in Los Angeles.

The Point Fermin Lighthouse was built in 1874, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

 

I met some local cats at the park, they seem to have a great life with the breeze.

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This place has a gorgeous ocean view park. It is a perfect place for either a romantic date or a birthday party.

"Point Fermin Lighthouse

 Historic Site and Museum"

807 W. Paseo Del Mar

San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 241-0684
http://www.sanpedro.com/sp_point/ptfmlths.htm

Near by the Lighthouse, there is another beautiful park on the hill.

In 1976, the people of the Republic of Korea donated this huge bell to the people of Los Angeles for friendship  between the two countries .

It took 30 Korean craftsmen 10 months to construct this site. It had a cost of about $570,000. 

This place is up on a hill so you can look down to the ocean and all of the city of San Pedro. 

"Korean Bell of Friendship"

 San Pedro, CA 90731

(310) 548-7705

http://www.sanpedro.com/sp_point/korenbel.htm

My most favorite spot in San Pedro is White Point.

There is one of the most diverse tidepools in Southern California here.




It is an easy access beach and you can find the sea life everywhere.

I call this spot, "Crabby Beach".

This is also a Nature Preserve. If you come here one time you will now why this is a place we would want to protect for the future.

"White Point Nature Preserve"

1600 W. Paseo del Mar

San Pedro, CA 90731

(310)561-0917

http://www.pvplc.org/_lands/whitepoint.asp

From the beach you can look up the cliff.

On the top of the cliff, there is a cute park and panoramic view of the Pacific.

On the way from the beach to the freeway, there is a traditional Hungarian Bakery.

From outside to inside, it is a totally East European style cafe and sells the best strudels (cabbage, Spinach, Beef, fruits, or chocolate ) in Los Angeles. 

Every first Thursday there is an Artwalk in old Downtown San Pedro, and Mishi's is featuring a variety of performers such as opera singers or theater actors for late night.

"Mishi's Strudel Bakery 

and Cafe"

309 W. 7th St

San Pedro, CA 90731

(310)832-6474

http://www.mishisstrudel.com/News&Reviews.html