For nearly five decades, the King Harbor Association has served as a driving force behind the commercial, recreational, and cultural growth of the Redondo Beach Harbor area. Founded in 1975 by nine initial master lessee holders, the Association has remained a pivotal marketing and promotional entity, dedicated to the enhancement and beautification of King Harbor. The organization, which receives its funding solely from its member businesses, has grown to include 14 voting members as of May 2025, ranging from waterfront restaurants and hotels to marinas and apartment complexes.
“Our mission is to assist in physical improvements and beautification efforts while also supporting the businesses in advertising, promotion, and community involvement,” said Christopher Bredesen, President of the King Harbor Association. The Association’s diverse membership includes iconic Redondo Beach establishments such as Captain Kidd’s Fish Market, R10 Social House, and King Harbor Marina, in addition to Port Royal Marina, Portofino Marina and Redondo Beach Marina. Each member contributes financially, and the funds are allocated to projects that benefit the entire harbor area.
Redondo Beach Marina offers boaters a prime launching spot with convenient access to Redondo Beach’s waterfront attractions. Unlike other marinas in King Harbor, Redondo Beach Marina stands out with its public boat hoist — one of the few along the California coast. Skilled operators use slings to safely and efficiently launch vessels, making it a trusted choice for boaters seeking a smooth start to their day on the water.
Located just a short drive from LAX and Long Beach Airport, the marina provides easy access for locals and visitors alike. The hoist operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter and extends to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays during the summer. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with staff available to assist with mooring and hoist reservations.
For more information or to make a reservation, contact Redondo Beach Marina at (310) 374-3481 email [email protected], or visit rbmarina.com/mooring-reservations/.
Over the years, the King Harbor Association has launched a variety of initiatives aimed at drawing visitors to the harbor while also improving the overall experience for residents and tourists alike. “Our new digital marketing initiative and mobile app at visitkingharbor.com are part of our effort to connect more people to what King Harbor has to offer,” Bredesen explained. “We’re also working on signage upgrades, light pole banners, and enhanced security measures.”
The Association’s focus on physical improvements includes monument sign upgrades, path lighting enhancements, and new security cameras, all aimed at making King Harbor a more welcoming and secure destination. Additionally, King Harbor’s scenic waterfront provides the backdrop for numerous sponsored events throughout the year, including the July 4th Fireworks Show, the Holiday Boat Parade, and the Super Bowl 10K. “We’re also proud to support the Richstone Family Center, a local nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse and family violence,” Bredesen noted.
The businesses that make up the King Harbor Association each bring a unique flavor to the harbor area, contributing to the diverse atmosphere that draws locals and visitors alike.
Captain Kidd’s Fish Market & Restaurant has been a South Bay staple for nearly five decades, attracting families and seafood lovers with its fresh catch and waterfront atmosphere. “You can’t be a real harbor without a real fish market, and that’s who we are,” the team at Captain Kidd’s proudly states.
With seafood delivered daily from around the world and filleted in-house, the market ensures quality and freshness in every bite. They also credit events like Cruise at the Beach, a classic car show sponsored by the King Harbor Association, for drawing in visitors and creating a lively, family-friendly environment. “It’s a great community event that showcases some amazing classic cars,” they said. The Association also backs the Redondo Beach Super Bowl 10K, another event that promotes community spirit. ‘We suggest eating some fresh seafood the night before the run!’ they added with a laugh. With three outdoor patios and a dog-friendly atmosphere, it’s a go-to spot for a casual meal or seafood to-go. ‘Bring the family and let our family take care of you,’ the Kidd family invites, keeping their focus on local charm and quality seafood. “Captain Kidds has been in business since 1976, around the same time the King Harbor Association was formed. We love the association and how it has continued to adapt to changes in marketing avenues and changes in technology. The Association continues to focus on keeping our harbor area safe, clean and family friendly!”
R/10 Social House combines gastropub fare with nautical-inspired decor, all set against the scenic backdrop of Redondo Beach’s Marina. Named after the nearby R10 buoy, a known gathering spot for boaters and sea lions, this two-story venue serves up chef-driven dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for sunset drinks.
For those looking for a contemporary stay, Shade Hotel offers modern amenities with waterfront views. Guests can relax at the rooftop Aquadeck, dine at Sea Level Restaurant, or plan events in a setting designed to showcase coastal living at its best. Since opening, the hotel has become a go-to venue for weddings, weekend getaways, and corporate gatherings, adding to King Harbor’s appeal as a premier destination.
Collaboration with the City of Redondo Beach is another cornerstone of the Association’s efforts. “Since our members span the entirety of the harbor area, some projects may impact certain businesses more than others,” said Bredesen. “Our goal is to advocate for each of our local businesses that employ thousands of residents and serve millions of visitors each year.”
Looking forward, the King Harbor Association is focused on enhancing the visitor experience while maintaining the unique charm that draws people to Redondo Beach. “All of our members share a common goal — to provide customers with a safe, beautiful, and fun environment where they can stay, eat, play, and explore King Harbor,” Bredesen emphasized. “There’s always more to ‘sea’ and do in King Harbor, and we’re here to make sure everyone knows it.”
