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One-of-a-Kind Redondo Beach Pier is Largest
Endless Pier on Pacific Coast
Redondo Beach, Calif.--Redondo
Beach Municipal Pier is called the "endless
pier" for its unique shape. It doesn't come
to a dead-end like most piers in California,
but actually forms a horseshoe shape into
the Pacific Ocean that looks like a loop
when you see aerial views as you pass by the
coast in aircraft. The recent rendition of
the Redondo Pier shown in the photo above is
one of approx. seven pier structures built
throughout the 100+ year pier history, but
is comprised of some older portions of pier
mixed with the new structure that was opened
in 1996. The new pier was built in a similar
manner to other new
California piers that now contain reinforced concrete pilings
and newer structural engineering standards
to withstand much stronger waves and
hopefully survive the next large
coastal storm.
Shown in the photo above is
Kincaid's Bay House Fish, Chops & Steaks on
the far right with the umbrellas. There's
hardly a bad view anywhere on the pier when
you dine there, but this restaurant--one of
a chain of approx. eight California
restaurants owned by Restaurants
Unlimited--is especially nice for viewing
the setting sun. The sail boat shapes
illuminated by pier lights cast green
shadows on the water, creating a magical,
almost surreal look.
Architect Edward Beall gets
credit for the uniquely designed shade
structures that symbolize the sails and
masts of the old sailing ships that visited
Redondo, while Structural Engineer Theodore
Anvick, designed the new Municipal Pier
using computer simulated 3-D models to
analyze his work before building took place.
Connecting to a 1926 Monstad Pier, the
remainder of a 1928 pier, and the location
of Wharf No. 1 which was built in 1889, the
pier's newer portion actually looks and
feels quite different from the older portion
where sportfishing (free on all California
public piers) is extremely popular.
Reflecting the unique assets
of Redondo Beach, you'll find incredible
restaurants along the pier, and most sport
ocean views. The prices range from cheap
(Craig's Hotdog on a Stick), to mid-range
with many fresh fish options. For an upscale
dining experience, head over to Baleen at
Portofino Hotel near Rainbow Lagoon. The
menu and prices cater to fine dining
preferences.
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