I always found Redcar a bit a strange mix. So close to Industry, no harbour, no river, no parks, very flat, the main road a bit away from the sea, and it was very spread out, but also felt hemmed in. Then suddenly there is a race course, almost the last thing you would expect. Later I found Kirkleatham which was a hidden jewel to me.
There are relics of Redcar that suggest in say the past it was quite a swinging place for music - Grand Old hotels/ballroom, Coatham Bowl for bands like the Rolling Stones, famous folk club, as sort of mini Scarborough.
New Cinema and Cafe Bar looks almost iconic , never been in yet.
Sea Breeze - excellent fish and chips as good as the best in Whitby and a lot lower price.
Visit Kirkleatham f you like a bit of history or birds of prey and the walled garden will be nice in a few years time when the plants mature.