Hermosa Beach, California
Hermosa is everything a SoCal beach town should be: a wide sandy beach, a pier reaching into the Pacific, and a walkable downtown just steps from the surf.
Our experience
Hermosa Beach was a breezy overnight in March 2024 — a night at the Grandview Inn in this classic South Bay beach town. We came for that easygoing surf-town vibe, just a short escape from home.
The Strand path runs along the shore and connects Hermosa naturally with neighboring South Bay communities. Compact and laid-back, with the ocean always close by, it’s a place to slow down, walk the pier, and let the sea air do its thing. Hermosa has nearly two miles of public beach, and Pier Plaza puts restaurants, the pier, and the Pacific in one compact stretch.
Hermosa Beach has deep roots in Southern California beach-volleyball culture. The town became a major hub for the sport in the 1960s and 1970s, and professional tournaments have been part of the beach scene for decades.
Must-sees and must-dos
- Hermosa Beach Pier & Pier Plaza — the heart of the beach-town action, with the pier, restaurants, and the Pacific all meeting in one compact area.
- The Strand — walk or bike the beachfront path running beside the sand and connecting the South Bay beach towns.
- Hermosa Beach — enjoy nearly two miles of public beach for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and volleyball.
- Downtown Hermosa — grab seafood, coffee, or drinks around Pier Avenue and the blocks just inland from the beach.
- Beach volleyball courts — watch a game or take advantage of one of the many courts along the sand; volleyball is a big part of Hermosa’s beach culture.
- Manhattan & Redondo Beach — continue along the South Bay coast to the neighboring beach towns north and south of Hermosa.
Our pro tip
We loved Hermosa for a quick, low-key beach reset — one or two nights near the pier is plenty. Stay close enough to walk, especially if most of your plans revolve around the beach, Pier Plaza, and The Strand. The Strand can get busy on weekends, so a weekday or earlier start makes for a more relaxed ride or walk.
If you want to explore the neighboring South Bay beaches too, check The Wave Manhattan Beach on Klook — within a short drive of both Manhattan Beach Pier and Hermosa Beach Pier.
Another nearby option is Redondo Pier Inn on Klook, close to Redondo Beach Pier and within easy reach of the rest of the South Bay coast.