Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach is a lively coastal city in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, renowned for its laid-back beach lifestyle, vibrant community, and stunning ocean views. With just under 20,000 residents, Hermosa Beach has a small-town charm that attracts those seeking a close-knit yet energetic environment. The city is centered around its iconic Pier Avenue, a bustling hub for dining, shopping, and nightlife, leading directly to the Hermosa Beach Pier and its sandy shores. Known for its excellent surf, volleyball courts, and miles of bike and pedestrian paths along The Strand, Hermosa Beach offers an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

The city's residential areas feature a mix of architectural styles, from charming beach bungalows to modern luxury homes with panoramic ocean views. Hermosa Beach is also part of the highly-rated Hermosa Beach City School District, making it a desirable location for families. Community events such as the Hermosa Beach Fiesta and regular live music performances at local venues contribute to its vibrant culture. With its proximity to Los Angeles, excellent weather, and unique blend of relaxation and energy, Hermosa Beach stands out as one of Southern California’s most desirable beach towns.

Of all the beach towns in the South Bay, Hermosa Beach has this effortless cool that keeps me coming back. I don’t live there, but I might as well with how much time I spend biking the Strand, grabbing coffee at Java Man, or enjoying a burger with an ocean view at Hennessey's Tavern. Mornings here have a different rhythm—early surfers catching waves near the pier, runners weaving through The Strand, and locals walking their dogs with a coffee in hand. The small-town feel is still intact, even with the lively energy of Pier Avenue, where there’s always something happening. Whether it’s beach volleyball, live music at the Lighthouse Café, or just an afternoon browsing the funky little shops, it’s impossible to be bored here.

When it comes to food, Hermosa has some absolute gems. The tacos at La Playita hit differently after a long beach day, and I’ll never say no to a rooftop margarita at Tower 12. Nights in Hermosa have this perfect mix of chill and lively—sometimes it’s a low-key drink at The Hermosa Saloon, other times it’s a full night out, hopping between Waterman’s and The Underground. There’s always live music somewhere, and no matter where the night starts, it usually ends with a late-night slice from Paisanos. Even though I don’t technically live here, Hermosa has that way of making you feel like you belong, and I’ll take any excuse to come back.