Redondo Beach, California: Authentic 1970s Arcade (Closed)

The Redondo Fun Factory is closing in December 2019. I was there today and a large banner is strung up over the doorway confirming this. Go while you can. To my knowledge, this is one of California's very last seaside arcades -- and it's being torn down to make room for yet another pointless mall.

The Fun Factory arcade is like being in a time warp!

Redondo Fun Factory opened in 1972. Blink your eyes a few times and you just may convince yourself that you are back in time 40 years, because nothing much has changed since then. The arcade games, the video games and the couple of amusement rides (such as a Tilt 'o Whirl) are seriously out-of-date in a "never updated" kind of way, rather than a retro or revival kind of way. That is what makes this place so interesting and amazing. It's kind of worn out, a little seedy (while still maintaining a family vibe), definitely funky and full of character.

Redondo Fun Factory is on the end of the vintage feeling Redondo pier, which has also seen better days, near an original 1920's merry-go-round. These authentic arcades are seriously endangered nowadays and I pray that some evil developer doesn't plan an ill-intentioned remodel.