Dive N' Surf, a South Bay watersports landmark, has been around for six decades and is considered one of the region’s premier dive facilities. Dive N' Surf was first co-owned by diver Bev Morgan and legendary South Bay shaper Hap Jacobs before being sold to brothers Bill and Bob Meistrell, midwest transplants who graduated from El Segundo High School and were two of the first L.A. County lifeguards. The Meistrell brothers would go on to found Body Glove and become wetsuit pioneers. Today their legacy lives on in and out of the water—the modern wetsuits they had a hand developing hang proudly in the store, lined by a large selection of surf apparel, surf gear and dive equipment. Their selection of surfboards is smaller compared to nearby competitors, but Dive N' Surf makes up for it in the amount of dive gear they carry. They also offer SCUBA courses and are famous for their annual yard sale, a typically month-long event held in late winter with deeply discounted items for sale.
We Angelenos flock to surfer haven Redondo Beach for a cool dip in the waves, a Sunday stroll along the fisherman-dotted Redondo Beach Pier, or a boat ride through the famed King Harbor. But this laid-back beach town is much more than long boards and a fresh catch (you can bet the seafood restaurants are worth your while). This pedestrian-friendly South Bay hub—surrounded by neighbors like upscale Manhattan Beach and bar destination Hermosa Beach —is home to scores of under-the-radar mom and pop shops that make up Redondo’s relaxed and eclectic beach culture. (Seriously, there are rows upon rows of indie shops). Whether you’re looking for California-cool, beachy silhouettes, kitschy souvenirs or curious antiques, Redondo Beach has you covered. Check out what shops are making us tick.