Redondo Beach The Pier Sign

Description

The iconic Redondo Beach Pier sign stands as a beloved symbol welcoming visitors to this historic Southern California landmark. Dating back to 1889, this illuminated beacon has become one of the most photographed spots in the South Bay area. I’ll never forget my first time seeing it light up at dusk – there’s something magical about how it casts that warm glow over the boardwalk. The sign, with its classic lettering and retro design, serves as the perfect gateway to what locals affectionately call the “Horseshoe Pier.”

Key Features

• Classic neon illumination that creates perfect photo opportunities at sunset and nighttime
• Vintage-inspired design that captures the pier’s rich 130+ year history
• Serves as the main entrance marker to the renovated Redondo Landing building
• 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and South Bay coastline from the sign’s location
• Popular meetup spot and landmark for orienting yourself on the pier
• Ideal backdrop for social media photos and family memories
• Weather-resistant construction that’s stood the test of time and coastal elements

Best Time to Visit

Ya know what? The sign is gorgeous any time of day, but I’d say the absolute prime viewing hours are during golden hour and after sunset. Between 6-8 PM, you’ll catch that perfect California glow as the sun dips below the horizon. The neon really comes alive once darkness falls, usually around 8 PM in summer and 5 PM in winter. Early mornings are pretty special too – there’s something peaceful about watching the sunrise illuminate the sign while the pier is still quiet. Summer weekends get pretty packed with tourists, so if you’re after those perfect photos, try visiting on weekday evenings instead.

How to Get There

Getting to the Redondo Beach Pier sign is actually super straightforward. If you’re driving (which most folks do), you’ll find plenty of parking in the adjacent lots. But here’s a local tip – the structure on Elena Ave tends to be less crowded than the main pier parking. You can also hop on the Beach Cities Transit if you’re coming from nearby areas. Walking or biking along The Strand, the beachfront path, is another great option and probably my favorite way to approach the sign. And if you’re coming from LAX, it’s just a quick 10-minute drive south along the coast.

Tips for Visiting

Listen, as someone who’s spent countless evenings hanging around this spot, I’ve picked up a few tricks. First off, bring a decent camera – your phone works fine, but the lighting can be tricky with the neon. Try positioning yourself slightly to the left of the sign during sunset for the best angle – trust me on this one. The area can get windy (especially in the afternoon), so maybe pack a light jacket even on warm days.

If you’re planning on grabbing food after your photo shoot, the restaurants right by the sign tend to have longer waits. Instead, walk a bit further down the pier where you’ll find equally good spots with shorter lines. Parking can be a pain on weekend evenings, so either come early or be prepared to circle around a bit. Oh, and don’t forget to explore the Path of History markers near the sign – they’re easy to miss but tell some fascinating stories about the pier’s past.

During summer festivals, this area gets pretty crowded, but that’s also when the sign looks its most lively with all the extra decorations and energy. Just remember to be patient with other photographers – everyone wants that perfect shot! And seriously, don’t skip checking out the renovated Redondo Landing building right behind the sign – it’s way more interesting than most people realize.

Location

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