I’ve lived in Hermosa Beach for over 25 years, so at this point, I like to think we know the area pretty well. Located in the South Bay area of greater Los Angeles, Hermosa Beach sits between Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, and still feels like a small beach town despite being in the middle of Los Angeles County. It’s walkable, laid back, and according to some, it’s called the ‘best little beach town in the US.’
From beach walks and local restaurants to sunsets, shopping, and live music, here are some of the best things to do in Hermosa Beach in no particular order.
Surf at the Hermosa Beach Pier
If you want the full South Bay experience, grab a surfboard or boogie board and head down to the Hermosa Beach Pier. The surf here works for all levels depending on the swell that day, and you’ll usually find people out in the water from early morning until sunset.
You can surf on either side of the pier, but the south side tends to be the better spot for both beginners and more experienced surfers. No board? Spyder Surf is right on Pier Avenue, just steps from the sand, and will rent you everything you need.
Spyder Surf Shop: Hermosa Beach
Spyder Surf is a classic South Bay surf shop that’s been part of the local beach culture for years. Owned by former pro surfer Dennis Jarvis, the shop has three locations – two in Hermosa Beach and one in Manhattan Beach. They carry everything from surfboards and skate decks to swimwear, clothing, and beach accessories.
It still feels like a true local surf shop, which is probably why so many people who live here keep going back. The staff is great (I may be biased since my son used to work there), and they always have a good mix of the latest surf brands and gear for both men and women. If you’re visiting Hermosa Beach and want to shop somewhere local instead of a chain store, check out SpyderSurf.
The Hermosa Beach Strand
The Strand is busy pretty much all day long. This paved beachfront path runs through the South Bay and is always filled with bikers, joggers, rollerbladers, walkers, and people just out enjoying the beach weather.
During the evening, it will be filled with people heading out to restaurants and bars, volleyball games start wrapping up, and the epic beach sunsets start to show off. It’s one of the best spots in Hermosa Beach for people-watching and an easy place to end the day.
Walk the Greenbelt
The Hermosa Valley Greenbelt runs through the length of Hermosa Beach and was originally part of an old railroad easement back when trains connected the beach cities. Today, it’s a quiet walking path lined with trees, playgrounds, and pockets of green space. It’s one of the best spots in Hermosa Beach to walk your dog or to visit when the kids need to burn off energy.
At almost any time of day, you’ll find people out walking dogs, jogging, or just taking a quiet stroll through the trees. It’s a nice change of pace from the beach and one of the few spots in Hermosa Beach that feels calm, green, and tucked away from the ocean crowds.
Sunset Dinner on the Pier
The Hermosa Beach restaurant scene has really taken off lately, thanks to a wave of great new chefs and restaurants opening around town. When visitors come into town, we almost always end up near the Hermosa Beach Pier, sitting on a patio, having a cocktail, watching the beach crowds wander by.
A few local favorites are Tower 12, Hook & Plow, and happy hour at Zane’s Restaurant.
Summer Concerts and Movies on the Beach
If you’re looking for things to do in Los Angeles, during the summer, Hermosa Beach often hosts free movies on the beach on Saturdays and live concerts on Sundays, usually in August. It’s one of the best ways to end a summer weekend in the South Bay.
People bring beach chairs, blankets, snacks, and picnic dinners, then settle in to watch the sunset while listening to music or watching a movie right on the sand.
(Pro) Beach Volleyball
Hermosa Beach has long been one of the most important beach volleyball towns in the world, with deep roots in the sport and a long list of professional and Olympic players connected to the area.
Walk along The Strand, and you’ll almost always see games happening on the sand, from casual players to seriously competitive matches. If you pay attention, there’s a good chance you’ll spot a few well-known local players out training too.
Hermosa Beach Farmer’s Market
The Hermosa Beach Farmers Market is genuinely one of the best farmers’ markets in the South Bay (I may be slightly biased). It’s located on Valley Drive near downtown Hermosa Beach, and it’s where a lot of locals shop for produce, flowers, baked goods, and fresh groceries.
The market has a neighborhood feel, and it’s easy to spend the afternoon browsing the stands, then walk over to one of the nearby restaurants for happy hour afterward.
Hermosa Beach Farmers Market
- Address: 1035 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
- Hours: Fridays, 12pm–4pm
The Hermosa Beach Comedy & Magic Club
The Comedy & Magic Club is one of the most legendary comedy clubs in Los Angeles and a Hermosa Beach institution. Open since 1978, the club has hosted some of the biggest names in comedy over the years, and it’s especially known for longtime regular Jay Leno, who still occasionally performs there.
The lineup regularly includes huge names and up-and-coming comedians, and because the room is relatively small, every show feels personal. If you’re looking for a fun night out in Hermosa Beach that isn’t just dinner and drinks, this is a great option.
Comedy & Magic Club
- Address: 1018 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
- Tickets: Available through the club’s official website and tend to sell quickly for bigger acts.
Beach Night with Friends
One of the best parts of living in Hermosa Beach is how often someone sends out the “beach night?” text on a Friday afternoon. Around here, that usually means throwing some snacks and drinks into a cooler, grabbing beach chairs, and meeting down by the water to watch the sunset with friends.
Sometimes someone orders pizza and has it delivered right to the sand, which honestly never gets old. It’s simple, relaxed, and one of those things that reminds you why people love living at the beach so much.
Hermosa Beach Insider Tips
Hermosa Beach is more than just beach sunsets and volleyball. There are a few local spots and details visitors often miss that make the town feel much more local once you know where to look.
Underground Sports Bar
If you’re looking for the best place to watch sports in Hermosa Beach, especially with the World Cup coming to Los Angeles, Underground Pub & Grill is always a good call. It has a classic beach sports bar energy with lots of screens and a fun crowd. During major sports events, including major soccer tournaments and World Cup viewing events, the South Bay will be especially lively, and this is exactly the kind of spot visitors will be looking for.
Hidden Art Around Town
Keep an eye out for murals and beach-inspired artwork in alleyways, parking structures, and side streets around Hermosa Beach. One of the best-known is the volleyball mural by Bo Bridges inside the downtown parking structure. It’s one of those details that tells the story of the town’s beach culture and history.
Rooftop Yoga with Ocean Views
If you want a quieter side of Hermosa Beach, there are several local studios and wellness groups that offer yoga classes with ocean views. Morning classes, especially, are worth it with cooler weather, calm beaches, and a soft marine layer before the beach crowds arrive. It’s an easy way to slow down for a couple of hours while still enjoying everything that makes the South Bay feel special.
Part of what makes Hermosa Beach so great is that not everything feels overly polished – it still has a sleepy little beach town vibe.
Where is your favorite beach town? Does it rival Hermosa Beach?
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