City Guide
Your copy of the PV MOMS Club's The Essential Guide to Palos Verdes is here!
Our members have gathered information on the best family activities and services in Palos Verdes and surrounding areas. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list, but a list of the tried and truly recommended. Included in the guide are favorite outings, best restuarants, top-rated classes, favorite doctors and more.
If you haven't picked up your copy yet, just ask a board member for it at the next MOMS Club event you attend.
Favorite Web Sites for PV Events and Information
http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv/recreationparks/
http://pvnews.nminews.com/articles/2006/07/31/local_news/news1.txt
Favorite Field Trips
Long Beach Aquarium
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 590-3100 By far the most popular field trip again. Fun for all. Huge variety of fish and sea mammals to see, plus an aviary. The kids really love it – especially the sea otter display. Convenient – indoors/outdoors, not too big.
Kidspace
480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103 Terrific “museum” for kids with insect displays, water feature and playground. Great fun for kids – educational with tons of things to explore. A bit far though. 626-449-9144.
Regal – The Avenues
Free kids movies in the summertime! Every Tues/Wed at 10:00 am is free kids movies, ie. Lion King. Movies schedule available at the box office. 544-3042.
Regal – San Pedro/RPV
28901 S Western Ave, RPV. Wednesday 10:00 am showing for mommies with babies. You don’t have to go to the west side anymore! 831-1936.
Adventure City
1238 S. Beach Blvd., Anaheim. This amusement park-meets-county fair caters to the kindergarten-and-younger set. Very affordable. 714-236-9300
Getty Center Museum
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles. Gorgeous, cultural and with train rides and interactive kid’s area. Lots of outdoor areas. 440-7300
LA Zoo
5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. Lions and tigers and bears – oh my! (323)644-4200.
Peninsula Center Library.
Cabrillo Aquarium
This place is a very interesting and educational, with live exhibits of marine animals, and admission is free (charge for parking or park outside and walk in). (213) 548-7562.
Kids Concepts
22844 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance. Lots to do for children of all ages. Food on premises. 465-0075
Lomita Railroad Museum
Woodward Av & 250 Street, Lomita. (310)326-6255
Natural History Museum
900 Exposition Blvd in Exposition Park. Dinosaurs, butterflies, bugs and discovery room. 213 763-DINO (3466)
Seaside Lagoon
200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach. Great for small children; there’s a playground on the beach and no waves so the children can really play in the water and the adults can relax while watching them. 318-0681.
Huntington Library
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108. Extensive library and art collection, but the gardens are the real draw. Special children’s garden not to be missed for the kids to run around, explore and get wet. (626) 405-2100
South Coast Botanic Gardens
26300 Crenshaw Blvd. Palos Verdes Peninsula, California, 90274.
Call (310) 544-1948
Santa Barbara Zoo
500 Niños Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93103 Taking the Amtrak train to the zoo is so fun and carefree (food, restrooms and no traffic!) and the zoo is the most kid friendly zoo. (805) 962-5339
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles. Pony and train rides. 323 913-4688.
Orange County Zoo
1 Irvine Park Road Orange, CA 92869 (714)973-6847
Travel Town
5200 Zoo Dr., LA. Train rides and train layouts, carousel. (323) 662-5874
Wilderness Park
1102 Camino Real, Redondo Beach. Beautiful scenery and wildlife – ponds with ducks and duck food. 318-0668
Shoreline Village
429 Shoreline Village Dr., Long Beach. Carousel. 562 435-2668.
Santa Ana Zoo
1801 E. Chestnut Ave. Animals and play area with 2 jungle gyms. Train ride Thurs-Sun that goes around zoo barns. 714 835-7484
Roundhouse
End of Manhattan Beach Pier. There is a touch tank, several viewing tanks and story time on Sunday at 11:30 am. 379-8117
Farmers Markets:
PV: Every Sunday Morning 8-1
Redondo Beach, By Pier, Every Thursday from 8-1
Torrance, Wilson Park, Every Tuesday& Saturday from 8-1
Hermosa Beach, Valley Dr. 8th&10th St., Every Friday, 12-4
FAVORITE PARKS
Ryan Park
30359 Hawthorne Blvd. Newer and clean, lots of grass, baseball and soccer field, picnic and playground area. Great for toddlers with lots of places to run, trees and rocks to climb.
Hesse Park
29301 Hawthorne Blvd. Besides the facilities (baseball and soccer fields, picnic areas, playground and walking trail) there is lots of shade so it’s cool during the summer.
Veterans Park
Pearl Street and Catalina. Comments: Thursday Farmer’s Market, multiple climbing structures, near beach
Ernie Howlett
25851 Hawthorne Blvd. in Rolling Hills Estates. Great on colder days – lots of sun. Very clean with lots of activities: courts, multi- purpose athletic fields, basketball court, volleyball court, playground, running track, nine exercise stations, bicycle path. Fun for the kids to watch the horses exercise there and big horse show once a year.
Wilson Park
2200 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. Includes tennis facility, horseshoe courts, four softball diamonds, and a state-of-the-art roller hockey rink. The 1st Sunday of the month hosts free (by donation) train rides. Farmers market on Tuesdays.
Los Aroboles “Rocket Ship” Park
5101 Calle de Ricardo, Torrance. Pretty view.
El Retiro Park
126 Vista del Parque, Torrance. Lots of trees and shade. Room to run dogs. Great jungle gym and swings. Parking is very accessible to play area and the park is close to CPK ASAP.
Highridge Park
Located at Highridge at Crestridge. Baseball and soccer field, tot lot, running track and trail. Parking is right there and it’s usually sunny when Lunada Bay is not.
DePortola Park
Rolling Hills Rd. between Crenshaw and Hawthorne. Multiple climbing structures, large playground, basketball court, near the beach, plenty of grass, different age group play areas, tables and shade, clean and easy to access.
Hermosa Valley Park
Hermosa Beach. Perfect sized park with fire truck, climbing structures, clean bathroom and some fun slides.
Alta Loma
26126 Delos Drive, Torrance. Small, contained, private.
Lomita Park
Great levels. Go there after story time in Lomita Library.
Fort Park
Prospect/6th, Hermosa Beach. Lots of fun, completely enclosed.
Walteria Park
New equipment and near a library.
Live Oak Toddler Park
Manhattan Beach. Enclosed, safe, fun for toddlers.
Peck Park
560 N. Western Ave, San Pedro. Clean and has newer equipment. (310)548-7580
FAVORITE BEACHES
Torrance Beach
Along Paseo de la Playa, Torrance. Closest to PV, secluded, clean and convenient – easy parking, ramp to beach and food and restrooms are close.
Seaside Lagoon
200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach. Great for small children; there’s a playground on the beach and no waves so the children can really play in the water and the adults can relax while watching them. Next to Ruby’s. Note –sited several times for high bacteria counts. 318-0681.
Manhattan Beach
Wide beach with pedestrian and bike trails. Not as crowded and strolling through the quaint town afterward is fun with lots of shops for mommy and baby.
Laguna Beach
Very private, peaceful and romantic. Great place for tide pooling with a lot of coves.
Hermosa
The downtown plaza is great, plus there are several places to eat right on the Strand.
Mother’s Beach
Marine Park on Appian Way at 2nd St., Long Beach. Colorful playground and this water spouting interactive whale are several of the fun things for children. Shade and cool breezes blow help make this a desirable spot to be.
FAVORITE WALKING/ JOGGING TRAILS
The Strand
Whether Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach or Manhattan Beach, the Strand is a favorite walking trail. Lots for the kids to look at - love watching for dolphins - and it is nice and flat for jogging. Great reminder for why we live in California. Close to lots of shops and food, drink and ice cream.
Trail South of Golden Cove
Can’t beat the view. Peaceful and quiet. Hills are a challenge, but not too much.
2nd Street in Long Beach
Great place to get coffee with the strollers.
Trail at the end of Highridge
Gorgeous, sweeping views of canyon and ocean. Some places a bit raw and not recommended if carrying infants.
Trail at Ocean Trails
Currently under construction, but a lovely trail with gorgeous views of the golf course and ocean.
The cliffs along Lunada Bay.
South Coast Botanical Gardens. 16300 S. Crenshaw Blvd, RHE. Lots of paths, beautiful plants, a kids’ garden, and a large pond with ducks. 544-6815.
Landfill behind Rancho Vista Elementary. Good terrain, lots of plants and trees, views of San Pedro, PV and the rest of the city.
Montecillo neighborhood. Shade and short hills.
FAVORITE MALLS
Avenue of the Peninsula
Silver Spur Rd., RHE. Kid-friendly, clean, no crowds and the kids can run around outside. Fun stuff for kids includes ice skating, movie theater, bookstore, great toy store and lots of great kids places to eat - Ruby’s, Red Brick Pizza. Fountain is a great meeting spot for kids to cool off in the summer. Discovery World is opening soon that will not only be a preschool, but will have drop off service for kids while running errands or if needed for emergencies.
South Coast Plaza/Fashion Island
Newport Beach. Yes, they are far away, but well worth the trek. Great upscale shopping (lots of stores for kids, mommies and soon-to-be mommies), very kid-friendly, with a train and merry-go-round.
South Bay Galleria
Hawthorne & Artesia. Has the train rides on 3rd floor by Food Court, Picture People, Baby Gap, Nordstroms.
Manhattan Village Mall
Located on Sepulveda and Marine. Cute, upscale stores for families and moms, manageable size, no crowds and good food. Great family stores: Pottery Barn for Kids, Baby Style, Baby/Kids Gap. Safe and air conditioned.
Del Amo Fashion Mall
Located at Hawthorne at Carson. Mugsy's Meadow Kid's Club children’s show at Food Court on Thursday mornings at 10:15-10:30am. Largest selection of stores in the South Bay. VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE NEW WING OPENING SOON – upscale stores, movie theaters and restaurants and beautiful outdoor setting.
Penninsula Center
Silver Spur Rd., RHE. Sunday Farmer’s Market, Vons.
Babies R Us Mall
Hawthorne Blvd and Del Amo. Besides Babies R Us, has Kiddie Kandids (kid’s portraits, fast), and Payless Shoes.
RESTAURANTS – FAMILY/KID FRIENDLY
Ruby’s In the Avenue of the Peninsula. Caters to kids, bright, friendly wait staff, great kids and adult menu and kids love it.
Good Stuff Restaurant 1617 Pacific Coast Highway, in Riviera Village, Excellent food at very reasonable prices. Also located in Manhattan Beach, and one on the strand in
Hermosa. 316-0262.
CPK 25306 Crenshaw Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505. New! Fun, delicious food served in a lively atmosphere – and what child doesn’t like pizza? Phone: 310-539-5410
Red Brick Pizza In the Avenues. New! Really caters to families with TV’s at each table so kids are entertained and adults get a break too. 310 544-4040
Chili’s 21835 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance. Tex-Mex and your kids can make noise. 792-9012
Chuck E Cheese 2821 Pacific Coast Hwy. Torrance. Pizza and loads of fun for the kids. 326-8470
Rocky Cola 1511 S. PCH, Redondo Beach. Family atmosphere. 316-1047.
Islands 2647 PCH, Torrance. Beach, burgers and jovial atmosphere make this a great place for kids. 530-5383.
Kids Concepts 22844 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance. Lots to do for children of all ages. Food on premises. 465-0075
Sammy’s Pizza 2575 Pacific Coast Hwym Torrance, CA 90505-7035 (310) 257-1333
Joe’s Crab Shack 230 Portofino Way. A colorful seafood restaurant for kids of all ages--especially the younger ones. 406-1999.
Elephant Bar 21227 Hawthorne Blvd.Torrance. Kid-friendly – lots to look at and noisy. 543-5595
Riviera Mexican Grill 1615 S PCH, Redondo Beach. 540-2501
The Appetizer 700 Deep Valley Drive, RHE. Great pizza and Italian food adjacent to the Peninsula Center Library. Also delivers to most areas of PV. We order delivery every week!! 541-1411/377-8394
Misto Cafe and Bakery 24558 Hawthorne Blvd. Great food and very kid-friendly and relaxed.. Has a Lego table for kids to play at while you eat. Hardly ever a wait. 375-2852.
Thai Tiffany 2211 Pacific Coast Hwy, Lomita. Lunch buffet is instant and delicious. (310) 539-8878
Mimi’s Café 25343 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. 326-4477
ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS
Trump National
Best views, gorgeous, ambience, service and excellent food. 310 303-3260
Restaurant Christine
24530 Hawthorne Blvd. Great food, exceptional service and intimate. Overall wonderful dining experience. 373-1952
Gina Lee’s South Bay Bistro
211 Palos Verdes Blvd Redondo Beach A true diamond in the rough. Also good for kids. 375-4462
Bottle Inn
26 22nd St., Hermosa Beach. Great Italian, great ambience, friendly staff and near beach so you can walk on Strand afterwards. 376-9595.
Momoyama
1810 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277-6117. Nice atmosphere and great food. (310) 540-8211
Chez Melange
1716 South PCH, Redondo Beach. An eclectic menu cooked with flair transcends this gem's location. 540-1222
Aimee’s
800 S Pacific Coast Hwy Redondo Beach. Good food, nice atmosphere. 316-1081.
Café Luna
2933 Rolling Hills Rd., Torrance. 891-0111
Depot
1250 Cabrillo Ave., Torrance. 787-7501
Bistro 767
767 Deep Valley Drive, RHE. Wonderful food and nice atmosphere. Close to Regal Cinemas to make date night complete. 265-0914
Buena Sera
247 Avenida Del Norte, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 Great Italian food. (310) 543-2277.
Sixth Street Bistro
354 W 6TH St, San Pedro. Outdoor patio. Flamenco dancer on Thursdays. (310) 521-8818
Japonica
PCH. Great food and private tables.
KIDS PARTY VENUES
My Gym
3511 PCH Torrance. Great, attentive staff, kids LOVE it, easy to plan – bring paper goods, food and cake and My Gym does the rest. 318-2288.
Party in a park
Back to the basics, less expensive and easy fun.
Kids Concepts
22844 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance. 465-0075. Great group gathering spot. Lots to do for children of all ages. Food on premises.
Gymboree
2825 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance. Parties for groups with singing, movement and cake. 257-8059
Long Beach Aquarium
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 590-3100 Parties for kids 3-5.
Disneyland
There are restaurants outside the park that accommodate birthday parties. Also a good one inside the park for birthdays only – features a visit from Mickey and Minnie! (714) 781-7290
Mulligan’s
1351 Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance. Miniature golf, arcade, go carts – lots of activities for kids. Party rooms available. 325-3950
Chuck E Cheese
2821 Pacific Coast Hwy. Torrance. Pizza and lots of fun for kids. 326-8470
Adventure City
1238 S. Beach Blvd., Anaheim. 714-236-9300
Under the Sea
New, clean kid indoor playground. All sorts of fun for the kids.
MOMS NIGHT OUT ACTIVITIES – Out or at someone’s house- activities mentioned include bowling, Bunko, spa and shopping. Party themes could be wine & cheese, psychic or purse or make-up party.
Friends of the Vine
221 Ave Del Norte, Redondo Beach. Beautiful, intimate setting for wine-tasting and relaxing with friends. 792-5940
Comedy Magic Club
1018 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach (310) 372-1193
The Lighthouse
30 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach. Live music. Kids welcome Fridays. (310) 376-9833
Papadakis
301 W. 6th St., San Pedro. Singing, dancing and dish smashing--Zorba never had this much fun. The Greek food is fantastic, fun atmosphere and a night to remember. 548-1186
Cheesecake Factory
605 N. Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach. Fun atmosphere, good food. 376-0466
Crema Dulce Gelato
Next to Coffee Cartel in Riviera Village
Comedy and Magic Club
Redondo Beach
Coffee Cartel
1820 S. Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach. Riviera Village. Live music. (310) 316-6554
Riviera Mexican Grill
1615 S PCH, Redondo Beach. 540-2501
HT Grill
1701 S Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach (310) 791-4849
El Cholo
1025 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica. Voted Best Margaritas in LA. (310) 899-1106
3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica
PF Chang’s
2041 Rosecrans Ave Ste 120, El Segundo (310) 607-9062
W. China Bistro
1410 Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo beach Phone: (310) 792-1600
Movie Night
Bunco Night
Spa Night
PV PRESCHOOLS
Peninsula Montessori School - 31100 Hawthorne Blvd. Great academic start for preschoolers. It’s five days, structured learning, practical life skills, 18 months-5th grade, creative learning at their own pace. Wonderful teachers. Long wait lists for toddler program. 544-3099.
Town & Country Nursery - 2200 Via Rosa, PVE. 4:1 student to teacher ratio. Beautiful grounds, small classes grouped by age within 3 months. Philosophy is to help kids develop socially. They do lots of messy play - paints, play-doh, glue, singing, outdoor play and awesome year book. After school care available. 375-2829.
Ascension Lutheran Preschool - 26231 Silver Spur Rd, RHE Great staff, good mix of educational and play, good, safe and fun play area, accredited, healthy snacks. Offer a Parent and Me class. 373-6083
Broadacres Pre-school - 4915 Palos Verdes Drive North, RHE 90274. 375-7301. Intimate school nestled on 3 acres filled with natural beauty. Complete developmental nurturing program. Reasonably priced.
Peninsula Heritage School - 26944 Rolling Hills Road, RHE. Good combination of school resources (playground, classroom), instruction and just plain fun. 541-4795
New Horizons Child Development Center - 26945 Rolling Hills Rd, RHE Great school. Great academics. 377-4349
Palos Verdes Hills Co-OP - 6 Lariat Lane, RHE. Active parent participation required. At PV Hills, the child and parent each grows and fosters new friendships in an enriching environment. 377-8839
Rolling Hills Covenant Church - 2222 PV Drive N. RHE. A half-day enrichment program for children between the ages of 3 and 5. 519-9406
Montessori School - 32201 Forrestal Drive, RPV 90275. Five days a week, structured learning, practical life skills, start at 18 months, creative learning at their own pace. 541-0444.
St. Peter’s By The Sea - 6410 PV Drive S., RPV Amazing school that emphasizes academics and play. Teachers are motherly and wonderful and the campus is fantastic! 377-1194.
Miraleste Early Learning Academy. New school. Very individualized. Great playground.
Peninsula Community Church - 5640 Crestridge Rd, RPV 377-4661
St John Fisher School - 5446 Crest Rd, RPV 377-2800
Rancho Palos Verdes Pre-School - 28451 Indian Peak Rd. 541-2405
Rolling Hills United Methodist - 26438 Crenshaw Blvd. RHE 377-6771
Marymount College Preschool – 30800 PV Drive E., RPV 377-5501.
Coastal Kids Preschool - 4172 PCH #116, Torrance. 378-5848.
Portuguese Bend Nursery School - PS Box 231, PVE. 377-4788
Christ Lutheran Pre-School - 28850 S. Western Ave, RPV.0831-8008.
Hilltop Nursery School - 272 Crest Rd., RPV 377-9644
Congregation New Tamid - Crestridge. Great staff, good location and good program. Open to non-Jewish families too.
RECOMMENDED CLASSES – INFANT/TODDLER
My Gym
3511 PCH Torrance. Active gym for toddlers and older - like Gymboree on steroids.