REDONDO BEACH, CA--While some argue that the best pier for dining in California is the Santa Cruz Wharf, we can't argue on that point, except to say that Redondo Beach Pier has what we believe is the most view restaurants of any pier on the coast.

Chinese restaurants, fresh fish markets (3 or 4,) Mexican, Irish, American, French Asian, and even Hot Dog on a Stick provide the options of a food lover's dreams. The daytime is a buzz of families munching, crunching, slurping and sipping.

Evenings brings out the entertainment with musicians performing in the pubs, and a more adult atmosphere taking hold as the cocktails and beers are enjoyed after work or a long, hard day.

The cafes and restaurants have frequently been used for movies and TV shows because they offer a lot of local flavor and color.

Most of the restaurants feature fantastic ocean views, too. That's a selling point that locals tend to take for granted but visitors seek most often on a trip.

Traveling along the Southern California coast, you can count places like Redondo Beach on two fingers. Santa Monica Pier doesn't in any way rival Redondo Pier for restaurant variety, though the Santa Monica Pier has several view options.

Forget the other piers north of Redondo Beach--Manhattan, Hermosa and Venice. And then heading south--you have to go all the way to Long Beach - Belmont Shore to find your next pier but there's not much dining there. Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport and Balboa Piers all have a diner a piece on the pier, and most are Ruby's 50's style hamburger faire.

So the next time you want ocean views and you don't know where to go or what to do, head to Redondo Beach Pier. It's the top choice. redondopier.com