Dani & Sarah
Things To Do
Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach is beautiful and family friendly. It's a 7 minute drive from the Sonesta hotel and there is parking on 11th street just off the boardwalk (The Strand). There are restaurants and shops nearby, public restrooms, and the direct access to the beach without stairs.
Granny's Grocery
The BEST sandwiches in Hermosa Beach - perfect for grabbing a bite to take with you to the beach. Customize your own or choose one of the staff favorites. Granny's Grocery offers an array of snacks and beverages and the people there are so nice.
Chart House
Overlooking the ocean and harbor, Chart House in Redondo beach is a great place for a fancy dinner.
Old Tony's
For a Mai Tai, fish and chips and a casual bar vibe, Old Tony's is a gem on Redondo Pier.
Guisados
Our go-to taco place. They have multiple locations, including one in Hermosa Beach and one in Echo Park!
Quality Seafood Inc
Casual, fresh seafood on the Redondo Beach Pier. Beautiful ocean views, picnic bench seating.
Captain Kidd's Fish Market & Restaurant
A no-frills, counter-service fish market and restaurant in Redondo Beach. Locals say it's the best seafood in town!
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
* LOS ANGELES * If you're sightseeing in Los Angeles during your visit, the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena is a beautiful place to spend the day. Open 6 days a week from 10am - 5pm (closed Tuesdays), the gardens offer extensive botanical beauty, walking paths, art museums, and cafés. The Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Chinese Garden are some of our favorite spots there.
Griffith Observatory
* LOS ANGELES * If you're on the East Side of LA, check out Griffith Observatory in Los Feliz. This art deco landmark from 1935 features public telescopes and a planetarium. Drive up to the Observatory for sweeping city views, or hike up via one of the many trails in Griffith Park.
The Getty
* LOS ANGELES * Nestled in the hills above West Los Angeles, The Getty museum is famous for its art, architecture, gardens, and scenic views of the city. The Getty Center is open 6 days a week (closed Mondays).
The Broad
* LOS ANGELES * The Broad, a Modern art museum in downtown LA, is open 6 days a week (closed Mondays). Two of Yayoi Kusama's infinity mirror rooms are located here.
El Matador State Beach
* DAY TRIP - MALIBU * If you want to venture up the coast to Malibu, El Matador State Beach is one of our favorites. Be prepared for a bit of a steep hike down a trail and a set of stairs to get to this beach with beautiful cliffs and rock formations. Paid parking is limited, but street parking is also available. Point Dume State Beach is another gorgeous one in Malibu. It is also a stair-access beach. There are hiking trails at Point Dume Nature Preserve, too, with wild flowers and ocean views. You can find street parking, or if you're feeling adventurous, park in the lot at nearby Zuma Beach and hike through the preserve to get to Point Dume. Zuma Beach is great, too - with direct, stair-free access to the beach from the parking lot, as well as public restrooms. If you're in Malibu, we highly recommend Broad Street Oyster Co. for lunch - delicious lobster rolls, Old Bay seasoned fries, and, of course, fresh oysters. (braoadstreetoyster.com)
Joshua Tree National Park
* DAY / MULTI-DAY TRIP * If you're in Southern California for a bit more time and want to go somewhere incredible, driving ~3 hours east of LA will get you to Joshua Tree National Park. It's a stunning place in the Mojave desert. Hike in the early morning or late afternoon / early evening for cooler temperatures and bring plenty of water. Air bnbs and hotels abound if you want to stay in the area. Pappy and Harriet's is a popular restaurant with live music, Joshua Tree Saloon is great for lunch, and if you are seeking a culinary marvel in the desert, La Copine is chic and welcoming.