Seaside Lagoon: A Fun Beach Alternative In Southern California

One of the places we visited while on vacation in California is a large saltwater lagoon located in Redondo Beach’s King Harbor, just steps from the ocean. Seaside Lagoon offers everything a family with small {or big!} kids would need for a safe and active day at the beach: sand area for sun bathing, play area with swings, grassy area for picnics, luau shelters for keeping out of the sun, and lets not forget the lagoon, complete with water slides and other water features. All that complete with trained lifeguard supervision.

Seaside Lagoon is quite the engineering marvel. Being a saltwater facility, the water in the lagoon comes from the other side of the nearby breakwater from 50 feet deep where it travels to a nearby steam generated plant to cool the turbines. From there, the water travels under the street through giant pipes, being chlorinated on the way into Seaside Lagoon. The water is then de-chlorintaed on its way back into the harbor. Pretty crazy, right?

I remember going to Seaside Lagoon as a kid. I went with my Mom or a group of friends and even an organized summer camp/daycare.  It didn’t look nearly as good as it does now though. I don’t even think the water was chlorniated back then; I could be wrong though. Seaside Lagoon recently went through a renovation, and I have to say, it looks pretty amazing. Alina had so much fun at Seaside Lagoon playing in the sand. She didn’t venture into the water unless accompanied with my Mom or I, but she did have a great time playing with the other sand castle builders in the area.

Having my Mom come with us was super fun, although I think she was shocked at how busy a two year old could be! For as hard as Abuela tried, there was no sun bathing to be had on this beach outing. Alina made sure to keep her busy playing in the sand or swimming or eating snacks. My Mom was a sport and I think she enjoyed watching her granddaughter play at the same place she used to take me.

Sebastian was a great beach baby. Even still, it is difficult trucking to the beach with a baby that doesn’t even sit up yet! Thank goodness I had my Britax double stroller, which reclines nearly flat, and he was able to nap for a few hours. Also, I appreciated the luau umbrellas and tables set throughout the lagoon to get some shade and eat lunch. Ruby’s Restuarant is situated right next to Seaside Lagoon, and has a walk up window within the facility, making it easy to grab a yumtastic lunch.

Abuela and Alina

Even Alina’s Great Grandma {GG} came to visit us at the Seaside Lagoon! Alina was beside herself to spend time with her! And I already know what you are going to say: YES! She looks amazing, right? Mami is my grandmother, Alina’s GREAT grandmother, but probably looks younger than me at the moment! She eats very healthy, works out 2-3 times a week and has done so for many years. She is great motivation for me to get my act together!

Seaside Lagoon is a wonderful alternative to the traditional day at the beach, offering park like facilities with water access and the comforts of shade and food. It was much easier having Sebastian in tow, without sacrificing activities for Alina. There is a per person cost, but I was okay with that for the convenience.

One tip of advice though: don’t forget to get your parking ticket validated so you aren’t paying a huge parking fee!