Unwinding without the pressure of always looking made up?
Hermosa Beach is a beach front city in Los Angeles County. The city is located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles and is the smallest of the three beach cities. Hermosa Beach is bordered by Manhattan Beach to the north and Redondo Beach to the south. The city itself extends only about 15 blocks from east to west and 40 blocks from north to south, with Pacific Coast Highway running down the middle.
The neighborhoods within Hermosa Beach are: The Strand, Sand Section, Hermosa Valley, and East Hermosa (Hermosa Hills). The 1328-foot long Hermosa Beach Pier was built in the early 20th century. Its concrete structure and asphalt surface have survived 100 years of storms.
There are no buildings on the pier. It is also a good destination of choice among the trio of beachfront towns that stretch south from LAX toward the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
It’s a glimpse into SoCal beach life, with a scenic pier, oceanfront path and a variety of activities. From Manhattan beach, you can spend a couple of days exploring more of the South Bay and things to do in Hermosa Beach. Exploring Hermosa Beach is key to truly let that laid-back vibe sink in.
Hermosa in Spanish means “Beautiful.”
The Hermosa Strand – The homes along the Hermosa Strand are some of the most desired properties in the South Bay. The Hermosa Beach Strand starts at the north end of Manhattan Beach and continues south to Herondo Street. On the Hermosa Strand you will find mostly single-family homes, some duplexes and a small area with commercial properties near Pier Avenue.
Hermosa Beach Sand Section – Sand Section homes range from larger custom homes, original beach homes, townhouses and some multi-family properties. North Hermosa is highly desired because it borders Manhattan Beach. Ocean Views can be seen from many of the Hermosa Beach Sand Section homes.
Hermosa Valley – Hermosa Valley is known for its proximity to the beach and larger lots. This location is very popular because some of the homes have expansive ocean views and larger outdoor spaces.
East Hermosa – East Hermosa Beach is the section of Hermosa Beach that is east of Pacific Coast Highway. The section of east Hermosa known for “tall and skinny” homes has a similar look and feel to neighboring North Redondo. Other homes in East Hermosa have stunning Pacific Ocean Views from inside the homes or from their rooftop decks which are allowed in Hermosa Beach, but no longer permitted in Manhattan Beach.
From LAX, the best scenic route is to drive straight west from the airport toward the ocean on Imperial Highway. Follow the beach as closely as you can to drive south through Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach.
The beaches are perfect for a mid-morning nap, jogging or outdoor sports. Oceanside trails have spectacular views. Or you can just hang out with the locals at a cafes and restaurants.
The Hermosa Pier is good for fishing enthusiasts. You can cast a line or enjoy watching others reel it in too.
“The Strand” is the Hermosa Beach activity area, Mostly filled with cardio enthusiasts, you can rent bicycles and other beach gear from shops near the pier. Surf shops and surf aficionados are also abundant, just choose.
Amid the variety of local shops, it’s always fun to get lost in the crowd, checking good deals on beach gear and more importantly, food!
The area also has great festivals that run across Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Fiesta Hermosa happens in downtown Hermosa Beach on Pier Plaza, Hermosa Avenue, and lower Pier Avenue.
The best time of the year to visit is mostly from August onwards, on a clear day after a rain, the views are simply stellar an amazing.