New wave
California Surf Club (Redondo Beach)
CLUBS • First Word
The Skinny: One of the refreshing things about South Bay’s leisure scene is a pointed lack of the “Are you on the list?” exclusivity of its Hollywood (and Hollywood-adjacent) counterparts. But for flip-flop-wearing socialites who want a “members-only” retreat without sacrificing their beachy mojo, new Redondo Beach private club The California Surf Club is the place to be.
The Vibe: Opened this year, the club is the brainchild of Allen Sanford and Rob Lissner, the duo behind the annual BeachLife Festival. The 22,000-square-foot seaside compound — which includes both the (members-only) Surf Club and the (open-to-the-public) North Grill restaurant just next door — manages to feel both coastal down-to-earth and exclusive. The sun-soaked space is made up of a network of appealing living rooms (one hidden behind a secret bookshelf) and decorated with a mix of eclectic found objects and original artwork that gives the space a bohemian elegance.
And despite the fees ($500 a month to belong, plus a $6,000 initiation fee; day passes are also available), the mood here is undeniably chill, like the welcome lobby of a luxurious Caribbean beach resort.
The Crowd: A typical night here might have you rubbing elbows with retired professional athletes, visiting musicians, and a veritable who’s who of the South Bay. You’ll also spot local lifeguards and surfers, who were among the club’s founding members before prices jumped and a waitlist formed. The average age is late 40s, according to the club’s director of memberships.
The Amenities: Given the dues, you’d think there’d be tennis courts or a gym somewhere in sight. But at its core, the Surf Club is a social hub, one where volleyball players mingle with surf rockers; where Manhattan Beach friends gather for mimosas; and where leather-sandaled execs come to “work from home” with their laptops by the bar. A roster of daily activities includes health and fitness classes (pilates and yoga), a speaker series, intimate concerts, and a kids’ club. There are also paddleboards and bikes outside for the taking, should members want to take advantage of the beachside location.
The Food and Drink: While the private Surf Club is not a restaurant in itself, members can order from the next-door North Grill and have food ushered over. That restaurant, a gem of its own overlooking Redondo Beach’s sprawling Seaside Lagoon water park, shares the Club’s beachy chic aesthetic but is open to the public and serves elevated comfort food (like grilled cheese & tomato soup and wood-grilled marinated tri-tip sandwiches). It also has an impressive raw bar and welcoming outdoor patio with vacation-worthy views.
The Verdict: A worthy investment for South Bay tastemakers looking for a chill place to sip, work, or socialize. –Melissa Heckscher
→ California Surf Club (Redondo Beach) • 239 North Harbor Dr • Sun-Thu 8a-1130p, Fri-Sat 8a-1a.