Best Things To Do In Hermosa Beach In 2024

Nestled between Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach along the sunny Southern California coastline lies the quaint little beach town of Hermosa Beach. Known for its relaxed surf town vibe and thriving beach culture, Hermosa Beach offers visitors plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. From scenic beach walks to surfing and paddleboarding to beach volleyball and boutique shopping, there are endless things to see and do in this seaside haven.

Take a Stroll Down The Strand

One of the top things to do in Hermosa Beach is take a leisurely stroll down The Strand. This paved pedestrian walkway runs parallel to the sand from Manhattan Beach Pier down to 45th Street. As you meander along the path, you’ll pass swaying palm trees, bicycle riders, joggers, and locals soaking up the sunshine. Make sure to stop at the various lookout points for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Bay. Bring your camera to capture stunning Instagram-worthy shots of surfers hanging ten on the waves.

The Strand walk offers the perfect opportunity to scope out the popular beach hangouts and local businesses lining Pacific Coast Highway. Pop into boutiques and cafes, watch beach volleyball games in progress, check the surf report at surf shops, or fuel up with an acai bowl or fresh seafood along the way. Don’t be surprised if you spot a celebrity or pro volleyball player passing by!

Check the Surf at the Hermosa Beach Pier

At the end of Pier Avenue stands the iconic Hermosa Beach Pier. Extending 350 feet over the ocean, this nostalgic pier has been a popular local hangout spot since 1904. Stroll out to the end to glimpse panoramic vistas up and down the coastline and keep an eye out for schools of dolphins or migrating whales in the winter months.

Just below, surfers rip up waves like the world-renowned Hermosa Beach Pier Bowl. It’s mesmerizing to watch experienced surfers carve it up in the waves with such grace. If you’re eager to learn how to surf yourself, you can rent a board and wetsuit from one of the nearby surf shops and receive a lesson too. Before leaving, don’t forget to satisfy your hunger pangs at the Pier Burger restaurant situated at the midway point of the pier.

Spend a Day Beach Bumming

One of the quintessential things to do in Hermosa Beach is plop your beach towel down on the golden soft sand and soak up the glorious SoCal sunshine. Revel in the sweeping views down the coast towards Palos Verdes Peninsula across the sparkling Pacific Ocean waters. Gaze dreamily at the surfers shredding waves and hardcore beach volleyball players diving athletically to bump the ball back into play.

Be sure to slather on plenty of sunscreen, bring an umbrella for shade, and stay hydrated while basking for hours. If you forgot any beach gear, not to worry! You can conveniently rent umbrellas, chairs, volleyballs, stand up paddleboards, and other essentials from shops just steps from the beach.

When you need a break from the sun, pop over to Pier Plaza to grab a bite or cold drink at one of the casual restaurants like Good Stuff on the Strand or Ercoles. Or check out the lively Happy Hour scene that gets going late afternoon. Then head back to your beach blanket for more relaxation before the radiant orange sunset over the water.

Get Your Volleyball Fix

As one of the birthplaces of beach volleyball, Hermosa Beach is often referred to as the “Epicenter of Beach Volleyball.” In fact, the renowned Association of Volleyball Professionals hosts tournaments here each summer, attracting hordes of fans. Even if there’s no pro tournament occurring during your visit, you’ll still discover courts bustling with activity all along the shoreline.

From novice players to Olympic gold medalists, the courts fill up fast on weekends and late afternoons (especially during Summer). If you’re itching to join a pickup game, you’ll easily find players happy to let you sub in for a few rallies. Not a volleyball pro? No worries, just having fun is what it’s all about at “Hermo.”

If you prefer to watch from the sidelines with a local craft brew in hand, pull up some sand at one of the beach bars like Tower 12, Patrick Molloys or Underground Pub. You’ll quickly find yourself cheering along with other spectators under the glow of the lights long after the sun dips into the sea.

Explore the Coast on a Beach Cruiser

Since Hermosa Beach stretches less than one mile square, exploring its charming neighborhoods and attractions by bicycle makes for a fun-filled day. Start off by renting bright-colored beach cruisers with wide tires and baskets from one of the rental outfits near the Strand, like Hermosa Cyclery Shop or Fun Factory Bikes.

Then begin pedaling your way along The Strand, making sure to check out the one-of-a-kind driftwood statue sculptures adorning the sand. As you ride past beach cottages draped in vibrant bougainvillea blossoms, make your way uphill into downtown to see street art splashed across buildings and shop the trendy boutiques.

Don’t miss photo op stops at the iconic Surfers Walk of Fame and lifeguard towers with bold murals emblazoned across each side. You can also weave down to the south end of town to the Hermosa Beach Pier and deserted beaches like Herondo Street for quieter sandy vistas.

Wherever your bike adventure takes you, there will be plenty of eateries and snack shops conveniently located to refuel with tacos, acai bowls or sweet waffles along the way.

Shop and Dine on Pier Avenue

The social hub of Hermosa Beach centers around Pier Avenue, an inviting pedestrian-only strip packed with boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants. No chains or big box stores here…just endless options for boutique shopping, people watching and alfresco dining with a heavy dash of that chill SoCal vibe.

Stroll past palm trees strung with twinkling lights to browse through clothing, swimwear, surf gear and home décor shops showcasing wares from local artists and brands. Stop at one of the mini farmer’s markets held several days a week to sample fresh produce as you go.

The numerous eateries running the gamut from poke bowls to wood-fired pizza offer the perfect pitstop during your retail therapy sessions. Sip passionfruit margaritas on the open-air patio of Fiesta Hermosa, graze on short rib sliders and waffle fries at Abigaile, or slurp oysters and rosé at The Vineyard by the beach.

With so many culinary and shopping options packed into just a few walkable blocks, you’re sure to find plenty to enjoy on Pier Avenue during your Hermosa Beach getaway!