Outdoor Adventures in Hermosa Beach In 2024-What to Do and See

Nestled between Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach is a quaint little beach town known for its relaxed vibes, beautiful shoreline, and plethora of outdoor activities. With over two miles of sandy beaches, a historic pier, and a vibrant downtown area filled with boutique shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, Hermosa has something for everyone. In this article we talk about Outdoor Adventures in Hermosa Beach In 2024.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the top outdoor adventures and attractions that both tourists and locals enjoy in Hermosa Beach. From beach volleyball and surfing to cycling and hiking, there are plenty of ways to soak up the sunshine and scenic views in this quintessential SoCal beach community.

Hit the Waves with Surfing and Paddleboarding

With waves ranging from playful to powerful, Hermosa Beach is a popular surfing and paddleboarding destination in Los Angeles County. Surfers of all levels are drawn to the South Bay for its fun, rippable waves. If you’re learning or just getting started, head to areas like the Hermosa Pier or 26th Street. More advanced surfers can head slightly north near the Manhattan Beach Pier or El Porto in Manhattan Beach which sees bigger wave faces.

Several surf shops and schools like Spyder Surf School, Surf Academy, and Emerald Bay Surf offer lessons and board rentals. You can also rent stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and kayaks if you want to experience the ocean from a different vantage point. Gliding through the waters on a SUP is the perfect way to get some exercise while taking in scenic views of the strand.

Beach Volleyball – The Official Sport of Hermosa Beach

Did you know beach volleyball is considered the official sport of Hermosa Beach? In fact, permanent nets are set up on the sand south of the pier, making pickup games easy to find year-round. Hermosa is even home to the AVP Hermosa Beach Open, which brings Olympic athletes and pro beach volleyball players to compete every summer.

From casual play to competitive tournaments, beach volleyball is a popular pastime along the Hermosa strand. Several beachfront hotels and companies offer volleyball clinics, camps, and private lessons too. So whether you’re a beginner looking to learn or you play on an indoor or grass league team, be sure to get your bump, set, spike on during a Hermosa Beach volleyball session. It’s the quintessential SoCal beach experience!

Cycle “The Strand”

One of the best ways to explore Hermosa and its neighboring beach cities is by bicycle. Simply referred to by locals as “The Strand,” a paved recreational path spans over 20 miles from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance County Beach, connecting Santa Monica to the South Bay.

The Strand provides stunning ocean views around every corner. Start with a beach cruiser rental from one of Hermosa’s shops like Beach Cruzers or Sand N Surf. Then set off south to pedal past the Hermosa, Manhattan, and Redondo Beach piers before venturing deeper into Redondo and Torrance. Several bike rental outposts allow you to drop-off at any location too.

Stop to enjoy scenic overlooks of surfers catching waves, volleyball games on the sand, and sweeping ocean vistas. Just watch for passing pedestrians and be sure to ding your bell when needed! The Strand is perfect for cycling enthusiasts, families looking for an easy coastal ride, or anyone wishing to view prime Los Angeles beaches by bicycle.

Hike the Hermosa Valley Greenbelt

Trade beach sand for lush inland trails at the Hermosa Valley Greenbelt. Nestled against the hillside neighborhoods of Hermosa, this 2.4-mile loop trail offers a cool, shady respite with elevation gains up to 200 feet. Mature trees and native plants line the route, attracting birds and butterflies to watch for.

The Greenbelt also connects to several other trail systems for those seeking longer treks. From the main loop, venture out on the Ridge Trail or Los Amigos Trail to extend your hike and encounter stunning ocean-to-mountain panoramas from lookout points.

Leashed dogs are welcome on Greenbelt trails too, making it a popular spot for pet owners. And the inland hills tend to be 10-15 degrees cooler than the beach below on hot summer days. So break up your beach trip with an hour or two admiring nature among the Greenbelt’s greenery and scenic vistas.

Shop and Dine on Pier Plaza

The historic Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza has long been the social hub of the city. Initially built for cars driving right onto the pier itself, this intersection saw many transformations over the decades into today’s vibrant downtown plaza. The streets are now closed to traffic, allowing for alfresco dining, live music, shopping, and free community events.

Stroll Pier Avenue and Hermosa Avenue to discover boutique shops selling unique fashions, home decor, gifts, art, and jewelry. You’ll also find plenty of laid-back bars, cafes, and restaurants whether you seek beachside burgers and beers or craft cocktails and fine coastal cuisine. Stop for an acai bowl at Brazilian Bowl or fresh seafood dishes at The Bottle Inn and Tavern. And don’t miss Happy Hour or Sunday Funday drink specials at bars like Patrick Molloys or American Junkie.

The plaza also hosts a weekly Farmers Market every Friday as well as several annual events such as the Hermosa Beach Summer Series Concerts and Fiesta Hermosa Arts and Crafts Festival. No matter when you visit, the downtown pier plaza lets you shop, dine, and soak up that classic Hermosa vibe!

Final Thoughts

With so many outdoor adventures to enjoy, Hermosa Beach offers the quintessential SoCal lifestyle. From beach volleyball and surfing to cycling along The Strand and hiking inland trails, there are endless ways to stay active under the sun. And the historic Pier Plaza serves as the social anchor for shopping local boutiques and fueling up on delicious beachside cuisine.

Whether you come for the day or for an extended vacation, Hermosa Beach’s laid-back vibes, scenic beaches, and plethora of outdoor activities check all the boxes for an iconic California beach retreat. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning a return trip back to this little slice of coastal paradise in the South Bay. I sincerely hope you find this “Outdoor Adventures in Hermosa Beach In 2024-What to Do and See” article helpful.