Ever want to know what Hermosa Beach living is like? Known for its sprawling shoreline landscapes, laid-back culture, and year-round sand and surf, Hermosa Beach is a small piece of paradise. If you’re thinking of calling our great city home, consider just a few of the distinctions that make Hermosa Beach unique among Southern California’s coastal communities.
Hermosa Beach Homes Are All About Luxury
Hermosa Beach is among the most affluent beach communities in the region, with homes averaging nearly $2 million in value. The costlier properties are generally located near the shore, but you can find some excellent Hermosa Beach homes even if you’re not in the market to drop seven figures.
You may pay a bit more for Hermosa Beach living, but the value you’re getting is unparalleled. Every property is located within blocks of the beach, summer temperatures average an idyllic 74 °F, and the whole city can be explored on foot or by bike. And when you’re navigating the city’s 1.4 square miles of land, you’re surrounded by gorgeous towering palm trees and some of the cleanest beaches in the state.
Downtown Hermosa Beach is a So-Cal Treasure
No matter where you live in Hermosa Beach, you’re within walking distance of Pier Avenue, home to the city’s famous downtown district. Lining the streets are dozens of restaurants, cafes, shops, wineries, and more.
Head over to Pier Plaza where you’ll find the best bars in town, and make some time to explore the world-class surf shops located near Pacific Coast Highway. Arts and crafts fairs are common on holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day, and the town’s farmers’ market is a huge draw on Fridays between noon and 4 p.m.
The amazing colorful murals are another reason to explore downtown. They’re part of the Hermosa Beach Mural Project, a non-profit that uses art to beautify the local community.
Hermosa Beach Restaurants Are World-Class
The food and bar scene is reason enough to make your way to Hermosa. The city is home to the famous Lighthouse Cafe, beloved by jazz lovers since 1949. You’ll also find great restaurants like:
Gum Tree: Enjoy sandwiches and salads with an emphasis on fresh, organic ingredients. This Australian-owned eatery is famous for providing delectable dishes from down under, including vegemite toast and Aussie-inspired meat pies. Their coffees and chai lattes are also hugely popular. Locals rave about the avocado toast with chili flakes.
Greenbelt: Located steps from the beach, Greenbelt offers delicious meatball sliders, fresh flatbread, and a full selection of vegan entrees like spicy tacos with cauliflower, beans, and mango salsa. Regulars love the farmers’ plate, featuring black rich quinoa and a mix of fresh veggies covered in a signature sauce.
Fritto Misto: If you love Italian food, Fritto Misto is the place to go. The portions are generous and the service is excellent. Enjoy seafood specialties like garlic shrimp and fried calamari. The real hit is the Atomic Pasta, featuring Cajun seared chicken breast over New Mexico chili linguini, all mixed with bell peppers and onions in a chipotle chili cream sauce.
Note: Be sure to call ahead before visiting one of these Hermosa Beach eateries, as the hours may be affected by COVID-19.
The Hermosa Beach Pier Is Breathtaking – And So Is the Beach
Hermosa Beach living is all about the crystal-blue waters and soft sands. The beach isn’t nearly as crowded as the ones you’ll find in nearby communities like Venice and Santa Monica, but it offers just as much excitement and entertainment.
The 1,000-foot Hermosa Beach pier is world-famous, offering views of the Santa Monica Bay and Palos Verdes Peninsula. On a clear day, you can even see the piers of Redondo and Manhattan Beach.
To avoid the crowds completely, move to an area away from the pier. Just be sure to bring your own umbrella, as shady areas are scarce. You can rent umbrellas and beach chairs at Hermosa Beach Cyclery.
Outdoor Activities Are the Things to Do in Hermosa Beach
Hermosa is an active community. Surfing is abundant, as is boogie boarding, volleyball, paddleboarding, kayaking, and roller skating.
In addition, many locals choose to leave the car in the garage and explore the town by bicycle or on foot. Many people love walking or riding along the Strand, a 22-mile path that extends from Torrance to the Pacific Palisades. The Hermosa Beach section spans about one-and-a-half miles. You can also do the famous pier-to-pier walk, which takes you between the Hermosa and Manhattan Beach piers.
Even if you’re not a big walker, you’ll still want to spend time outdoors as the conditions in Hermosa are just so perfect. Head over to the sand, lay down a towel, and bask in the beauty of one of California’s best beach communities.
Hermosa Beach to L.A. – It’s Easy to Get Where You Need to Go
Pacific Coast Highway runs right through town, with easy access to Redondo and Manhattan Beach. It’s also a straight shot north to Santa Monica and West LA. That’s why a lot of young professionals working in Silicon Beach and surrounding neighborhoods choose to call Hermosa Beach home. Easy access to the 405 is also available, so you can get wherever you need to go in the Greater L.A. area.
If this all seems right up your alley, you may have just found your perfect home. Hermosa Beach living is both energetic and relaxing, simple and exquisite, close-knit and massive in scale. When you move here, you never want to leave.
