There are trips that feel like milestones, and our visit to The Portofino Hotel & Marina in Redondo Beach was exactly that.
Standing on our expansive balcony and taking in the shimmering Pacific Ocean, I could tell that my husband Sebastian was extremely happy to get such an up-close view of the west coast. He’s always been a fan of marine science, and it was his first time seeing the Pacific up close, and the moment became one of those that truly made me happy.
For me, it was soothing—the smell of salt in the air, the calming sounds of waves, and the feeling that we had found a quiet corner of California that instantly felt like home. We decided on some evenings to keep a window open at night as we were sleeping since our suite was right next to the water, where sea lions also had a protected corner.
More than just a trip, going away is always a reminder of how travel deepens relationships, adds some joy as one gets to experience and enjoy exploring a new place, and it always feels like an opportunity to leave everything that stresses you out behind.
Why Portofino Works: A Seaside Sanctuary
Part of the Noble House family, The Portofino sits on a tranquil South Bay peninsula, close enough to Los Angeles for easy exploring, yet tucked away in its own calm world.
It’s the kind of place that works for Angelenos craving a staycation and for travelers chasing oceanfront relaxation without sacrificing access to the city. For more than 60 years, the property has been a community hub with serious coastal character.
Opened in 1962 and named for the Italian coastal gem, the original Portofino Inn quickly became a South Bay favorite. Its legend revved to life in 1971 when it served as the finish line for the very first Cannonball Run—a cross-country dash that later found fame on the big screen. Today, that free-spirited energy blends with Noble House polish, creating a property that’s both storied and refreshingly of-the-moment with modern comforts: a heated oceanfront pool (with the new poolside Breakwater Bar on the horizon), marina-front dining at BALEENkitchen & Lounge, and the elegant, fireplace-lit Living Room Bar. The hotel’s Dockside Adventure Center sets you up for land-and-sea adventures such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, bike rentals, and private boat charters.
If you want to bring your pup, you’ll be happy to know that the rooms are dog-friendly and range from newly refreshed oceanfront and marina-front rooms to spacious suites, ADA options and longer-stay apartments. And if you’re planning something big, the waterfront conference and event spaces turn weddings, meetings, and social gatherings into postcard moments.
Exploring the Marina & Pier
Just steps from the lobby, the marina and pier unfold in color and character. We wandered past rows of bobbing boats to find sun-washed boutiques, family-owned seafood counters, cozy cafés, and ice cream shops where you can catch locals enjoying their Saturday.
The dinner spots offer enough diversity where you’ll surely find something to eat, and it’s the kind of walkable, salt-kissed neighborhood that allows you to browse, sip some beverages and people-watch, something that we truly enjoyed.
At one point, we sat at a quiet bar that offered a selection of draft beers and struck up plenty of conversations with locals, who love living in what they call a quiet and peaceful area where they can decompress and be close enough to the big city for when they wish to go and get a little taste of that Downtown Los Angeles energy.
Play on Water & Shore
This trip was also about trying new things, which I always enjoy!
Sebastian, fueled by our ocean views, grabbed a board and headed out for paddleboarding right from the marina, pure joy in motion. Meanwhile, I leaned into the hotel’s easy rhythm: morning coffee by the water, a walk or two, a little reading on the balcony. It’s a place that makes you feel like you live there and dream about a place like this being yours for a while.
My husband said that the highlight for him was not only being quite close and having a chance to see the sea lions as he never had before, but also that the staff was helpful and cheerful.
Dining by the Marina
BALEENkitchen recently refreshed both its look and its menu in May 2025, and you can feel the lift the moment you walk in, and sense the bright, stylish and relaxed environment.
It leans playful and seafood-forward, anchored by that “eat local, drink coastal” spirit. The bar side offers live music on select nights. Then, brunch rolls in with a celebratory vibe and clinking glasses; Knotty Hour, the upbeat happy hour, runs Tuesday through Sunday from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
The resort also recently started to offer a fun Friday twist in the spring known as “Playing Hooky.” The name is fitting, because from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. bottomless mimosas or Bloody Mary’s are offered, and you can catch some fisherman-inspired merch that mimics the coastal mood. Maybe you ARE playing hooky after all!
Cocktails here deserve their own spotlight. Think citrus-bright margaritas, sea-salted Palomas that taste like summer, and a rum-forward Captain’s Punch made for sunset lingering. The wine list leans coastal and food-friendly; local brews round out the list if you want something easy and crisp.
Steps off the lobby, the Living Room Bar captures Portofino’s soul: picture windows framing the ocean, lush greenery, plush seating, and a glowing fireplace that makes you want to sink in, read, relax or just meditate for a bit. Order a craft cocktail, a glass of wine, or a selection from the rotating beers, and don’t miss Portofino Pours, the self-serve tap wall that adds a playful, try-a-sip twist to your evening, tempting you to try out everything that they offer.
The daily “Tappy Hour” runs 2 to 5 p.m., and if you’re craving more than nibbles, you can order from the full BALEENkitchen menu without leaving your cozy corner. It’s laid-back luxury, beautifully done.
Gatherings on Land & Sea
With about 8,000 square feet of event space, including the airy Bayside Ballroom and the alfresco Seaside Lawn, Portofino makes celebrations feel cinematic.
Want to take it further? Charter the hotel’s El Rey Catamaran for a sunset cruise, cocktail party, or even a team-building fishing day. Between the views and the sea breeze, every occasion feels like you’re in a postcard, so if you decide to do this, make sure to snap some photos for your own enjoyment. They might just end up framed at home when you get back.
Unexpected Time Spent with Loved Ones
Being so close to Los Angeles, I carved out time to see my brother Juan and meet his girlfriend, Bryna. One of my best friends, Yamil, joined us too, as well as my friend Susan. It was a joy to crack jokes, reminisce and to reconnect. My very long-awaited Oasis show lined up with our visit. Let’s just say tears were shed as I had a chance to catch a band that represented my teen years, and my close relationship with my uncle, who passed from cancer unexpectedly in 2017.
Music, friendship, family and the Pacific became the story of my weekend, and sometimes life hands you all the good things at once.
We left The Portofino Hotel & Marina with full hearts and relaxed, already wishing to return to a place that doesn’t just connect us, but also grounds us and reminds us that it’s ok to take the time to enjoy the beauty of the world around us, and how special it is to educate ourselves and explore something new.
You won’t regret a visit.
The Portofino Hotel & Marina is located at 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA, 90277. For more information or to make a reservation, visit hotelportofino.com and follow them on Instagram at
@portofinohotel and @baleenkitchenla.
