Romantic weekend for 2 In Redondo Beach CA
 

Hi All-
My hubby and I opt to spend "Valentines Day" the weekend after Feb 14th (less crowded etc), we also switch years on who plans. This year its my turn. And try as I might I stumped! Considering its Friday and my romantic weekend begins tonight, any suggestions are appreciated. Money isn't a huge issue and dinner/breakfasts need to be included (obviously). We both love the beach and although we live behind the Orange Curtain, we rarely do the OC thing when it comes to romantic events (fiasco at the Dormyman Inn one year. I know I might catch slack from some of you, but I didnt forget or not try (kinda hard to forget Feb 14th--but want to do something other then the usual "dinner and night at a hotel" thing. Last year he took me to a Temecula B&B, had a hot air balloon ride and dinners/breakfasts situated in diff locations around the area including a dairy farm because I love cheese. We have been married 19 years so variety is the spice of life. I am just short on variety part right now. Thanks in advance.

You are leaving today, and you are coming to Redondo Beach? The Portifino Inn is on the breakwater, and the views at sunset on the water from your balcony is wonderful. However, the Beach House in Hermosa would put you right on the sand. You could rent bikes and ride north to Santa Monica, stop in Manhattan Beach for lunch, etc. Many good restaurants in the beach cities.

Thank you so much... Do you know by chance how long the bike ride is to Santa Monica? It looks far on the map. I am familiar with Portofino but have heard mixed reviews more bad then good.... have you heard of Hollywood Riviera? it has a hotel called the Paols Verdes Inn..but again no other info.

I hope this is not too late:

Do not choose the Palos Verdes Inn for a romantic weekend. It is right on PCH, and not very attractive. I have read that the owners have been trying to sell it for years, which gives me no confidence in the upkeep or the quality of the rooms.

In addition to the Portofino, there is a Crowne Plaza and a Best Western Sunrise right across from the harbor in Redondo. Both are much better choices than the Palos Verdes Inn. The Beach House in Hermosa is the best, of course, but not in the PV Inn price range.

You might try a gondola ride around the harbor: http://gondolaamore.com

It is supposed to be a beautiful weekend, perfect for a bike ride along The Strand.

Enjoy!

I agree with previous post re: Palos Verdes Inn (to stay). However, the on-site restaurant, Chez Melange, is one of the best in the area.

The bike path is about 22 miles from one end, Torrance Beach parking lot, to about a mile past the Santa Monica Pier. Only tricky part is navigating through and around Marina del Rey harbor.

Another fun thing might be to drive around the Peninsula on P.V. Dr. West. You could stop for a stroll along the top of the cliffs just below the end of Hawthorne Bl., pop into the Whale Watching site at Point Vicente Lighthouse, Check out the Glass Church and stop at Trump's Golf Club for a special lunch.

well the trail is 22 miles long from Torrance to Will Rogers, but since Redondo and Santa Monica are not at the ends, I think it's about...19-20 miles? I've ridden from Torrance and got as far as Dockweiler Beach- a really fun ride! Hollywood Riviera is a bit south of Redondo Beach (at least the pier) and I don't think it's a good choice if you want to be near the action. Have fun!

Please get back to us when you return, as we'd love to hear where you stayed, and what you did.

I had heard they were remodeling the Portifino Inn, and hopefully it will be finished soon. I also hope you did not stay at the Palos Verdes Inn, and found somewhere else for your romantic weekend.

My husband rides the bike path all the time. You don't have to go all the way to Santa Monica if it's too far. You could stop in Play del Rey. They have a nice coffee shop there called Tanners, which is good for a stop and bathroom break.

Hi Everyone-Well it turned out to be a fantastic and Fab-U-LOUS wekeend. Our freinds who live in Manhattan Beach called to say they were going to PS(Palm Springs), I asked if we could stay at thier place, they said no problem, WOW--things were starting to look up! So camping at their house for the whole weekend saved us a bundle on a hotel. T was was really expecting a hotel, but when we arrived at the house G & S left flowers, chocolates and a Barry White CD for us (LOL)it was so much nicer then a hotel.

We had a really lovely dinner at the Chart House, it wasnt too busy I was surprised, have you ever had that chocolate lava cake thing they bake? WOW! okay so spectacular dinner and beautiful view --we didnt want to call it a night so early, so we walked the Pier and tried out Old Tonys had a frew drinks and met some really fun people. Hard to find a taxi that late at night.

Saturday we went back to the boardwalk and walked to the end of the beach heading towards PV/RAT. On the way back he was starving so I suggested the underground fisheries at the pier, though he did hesitate & roll his eyes, once we got their he eased up a bit and began ordering everything! We had oysters, fresh steamed crab, shrimp, salads and ice cold beers. Taxi BACK to the house to nap.. Thank goodness we were at a house and not a hotel we took quite a bit back with us...Have I mentioned so far that he was LOVING this? So now-I was at a loss for Sat night dinner and had no way to log on to ask you guys, so I did the phone book thing while he was in the shower...and Thai it was, we ate at Thai Thani on PCH. Another winner really awesome food. SO he suggested a drive to the lighthouse he heard the lighthouse was haunted-LMAO. We for sure enjoyed the "view there", really not a bad drive. However as we left to go back to Manhattan, we got turned around and wound up driving to Pedro.LOL. Hmm for the record---Portuguese Bend is NOT I repeat IS NOT Fun that late at night.. eventually we got back to the house and he had champagne and a huge plate thing with fresh fruit & strawberries for snacking & Mr Barry White.

The next morning we raided the fridge had coffeee on the patio and people watched. We left around 2 pm and headed back to the OC.. He said it was the best weekend ever of doing nothing, no schedules to keep, all spontanious and unplanned, just walking, talking and enjoying our time together as a couple. HE said it was nice, that I planned a weekend around what he would like and not sticking in all the heavy Valentine romance stuff. That the weekend reminded him of our (pre-kid)days, guess we all need that sometimes.

I got to tell ya- I was sweating it on Friday, I had no idea what to do.... but you guys really pulled through gave me great ideas and I truly appreciate it.

Thanks TONS everyone--thank you thank you

OH YA-- we drove by the PV Inn-- your right--it is looking run down glad we didnt stay there.

Huggs to all a very tired but happy Redhead