Black Meetings & Tourism - So Close, And Yet A World Away

Industry Briefs
So Close, And Yet A World Away
How many times have you sought relief from the work-a-day world and spent big bucks traveling off to some distance city or foreign land to experience something unique, something refreshingly different? Well Southern Californians are discovering there’s no need to travel any further than Redondo Beach for such an experience. So close to the world-class attractions of Hollywood, Anaheim and Long Beach, and yet mere minutes from downtown Los Angeles, it’s the perfect weekend getaway destination for leisure travelers and corporate meeting types alike. Who knew? Only about 20 minutes south of LA, Redondo Beach has the appeal of California’s legendary beach towns, yet this seaside community, where there’s More To SeaSM, is un-crowded, scenic, quaint, and attractive to multi-generation travelers. This historic city, whose harbor is one of the deepest in Southern California, was where Hawaiian lifeguard George Freeth brought surfing to the mainland in the early 1900s. Activity options are endless, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. You can bike part of the 27-mile strand along the beach, dine on the pier with a panoramic view of the ocean, paddleboat, stand-up paddleboards, kayak, or hike the scenic designated trails. Then there are whale-watching cruises, glass bottom boat excursions, and for land lubbers, Segway tours along the beach. Or if you prefer, you can find a nice quiet spot on the sand and soak in the warm ocean breeze and a few rays. Planners and their delegates will be happy to hear that Redondo Beach has a fine selection of hotel properties that can satisfy the needs of most small to medium sized meeting and incentive groups. For instance, the Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach boasts 339 luxurious rooms and suites, banquet space for gatherings for as few as 10 to as many as 500, 25,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, and a full range of conference services. Close by, the upscale Portofino Hotel & Marina offers a choice of Luxury Suites. Ocean Side Guestrooms, Marina Side Guestrooms and Apartments. The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, with its 1,453-seat theater, is the ideal venue for a variety of activities, including corporate events, general sessions, performances and presentations. Several attractions are worth noting here, including the Redondo Beach Pier & King Harbor, within easy walking distance of harbor side hotels, where you’ll find everything from sport fishing, shops, an amusement center, ethnic cuisine and summer concerts. Another option, the Seaside Lagoon, features swimming, a sand beach, volleyball courts, children’s play equipment and cabanas. The large saltwater lagoon is open from late May through early September, and provides the perfect setting for theme parties and other group events. The Sea Lab, still another possibility, offers tours of the aquarium, weekend fish feeding, arts and crafts for children, among other things. When it’s time to chow down, Redondo Beach does not disappoint, with something for every budget and taste. From Ruby’s Diner, which features everything from Burgers and shakes, Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, with its sizzling delicacies, and Polly’s on the Pier, a cozy eatery overlooking the ocean, to Tony’s on the Pier, a landmark on Fisherman’s Wharf since 1952, and Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant, serving up some of the freshest daily catch along the harbor, Redondo Beach has it all. Redondo Beach, where many of America’s most famous movies have been filmed, has a fabulous line-up of annual events, including a free summer concert series on the famed horseshoe-shaped pier; Lobster Festival; Riviera Village Summer Festival; Annual 10k run, walk, baby buggy race; chalk festival on the pier; and kite festival. For more information, log on to www.VisitRedondo.com for more details.

Industry Briefs

So Close, And Yet A World Away

How many times have you sought relief from the work-a-day world and spent big bucks traveling off to some distance city or foreign land to experience something unique, something refreshingly different? Well Southern Californians are discovering there’s no need to travel any further than Redondo Beach for such an experience. So close to the world-class attractions of Hollywood, Anaheim and Long Beach, and yet mere minutes from downtown Los Angeles, it’s the perfect weekend getaway destination for leisure travelers and corporate meeting types alike. Who knew?

Only about 20 minutes south of LA, Redondo Beach has the appeal of California’s legendary beach towns, yet this seaside community, where there’s More To SeaSM, is un-crowded, scenic, quaint, and attractive to multi-generation travelers. This historic city, whose harbor is one of the deepest in Southern California, was where Hawaiian lifeguard George Freeth brought surfing to the mainland in the early 1900s.

Activity options are endless, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. You can bike part of the 27-mile strand along the beach, dine on the pier with a panoramic view of the ocean, paddleboat, stand-up paddleboards, kayak, or hike the scenic designated trails. Then there are whale-watching cruises, glass bottom boat excursions, and for land lubbers, Segway tours along the beach. Or if you prefer, you can find a nice quiet spot on the sand and soak in the warm ocean breeze and a few rays.

Planners and their delegates will be happy to hear that Redondo Beach has a fine selection of hotel properties that can satisfy the needs of most small to medium sized meeting and incentive groups. For instance, the Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach boasts 339 luxurious rooms and suites, banquet space for gatherings for as few as 10 to as many as 500, 25,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, and a full range of conference services. Close by, the upscale Portofino Hotel & Marina offers a choice of Luxury Suites. Ocean Side Guestrooms, Marina Side Guestrooms and Apartments.

The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, with its 1,453-seat theater, is the ideal venue for a variety of activities, including corporate events, general sessions, performances and presentations.

Several attractions are worth noting here, including the Redondo Beach Pier & King Harbor, within easy walking distance of harbor side hotels, where you’ll find everything from sport fishing, shops, an amusement center, ethnic cuisine and summer concerts. Another option, the Seaside Lagoon, features swimming, a sand beach, volleyball courts, children’s play equipment and cabanas. The large saltwater lagoon is open from late May through early September, and provides the perfect setting for theme parties and other group events. The Sea Lab, still another possibility, offers tours of the aquarium, weekend fish feeding, arts and crafts for children, among other things.

When it’s time to chow down, Redondo Beach does not disappoint, with something for every budget and taste. From Ruby’s Diner, which features everything from Burgers and shakes, Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, with its sizzling delicacies, and Polly’s on the Pier, a cozy eatery overlooking the ocean, to Tony’s on the Pier, a landmark on Fisherman’s Wharf since 1952, and Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant, serving up some of the freshest daily catch along the harbor, Redondo Beach has it all.

Redondo Beach, where many of America’s most famous movies have been filmed, has a fabulous line-up of annual events, including a free summer concert series on the famed horseshoe-shaped pier; Lobster Festival; Riviera Village Summer Festival; Annual 10k run, walk, baby buggy race; chalk festival on the pier; and kite festival. For more information, log on to www.VisitRedondo.com for more details.