Hermosa Beach ... “One of the Top 10 beaches in the USA”

If you’ve tuned into the Travel Channel lately, you may have seen the recent hour-long show that touts Hermosa Beach as being “one of the Top 10 Beaches”. Hermosa Beach was recognized for not only its pristine beach, but because of our outdoor activities, festivals and events, nationally televised sporting events, and as the home of the “largest arts and crafts show in Southern California.”

A sun-drenched beach village of just 1.3 square miles, Hermosa Beach sits at the edge of the Pacific, just 5 miles south of Los Angeles. The town is the very essence of the Southern California lifestyle, and the mild weather patterns make it an ideal vacation spot all-year round. Temperatures range from highs of 77 degrees in the summer to a balmy 67 degrees in winter, with the nighttime temperatures rarely going below 50 degrees. The spectacular coastline, wide sandy beach, rich history and specialty shops make this community a favorite with Californians.

Daytime activities abound in this vacation haven. Hermosa Beach’s one and a half mile stretch of sand is the training ground for some of the world’s best pro-circuit volleyball players. Olympian Gold Medalists hone their skills at the net, and the AVP Volleyball “Hermosa Beach Open” tournament is held annually and televised nationally. It is also an ideal place for surfing enthusiasts, boogie boarders, ocean swimming, and fishing from the pier. Those who wish for more relaxing pursuits build sand castles, enjoy the antics of pelicans and dolphins, sun themselves in the year-round breezes, and stake out a place to view each evening’s spectacular show as the sun drops into the Pacific.

However, Hermosa Beach is much more than sand and surf. This lively beach village offers up live music with choices from rock to blues to jazz. In the summer months, the city features Sunset Concerts on the Beach for the whole family to enjoy. You’ll also find culture in many flavors with three art galleries, live theatre at the Hermosa Playhouse, and the famous Comedy and Magic Club where Jay Leno performs every Sunday night and such famous names as Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Maher drop by regularly for an impromptu appearance.

Festivals and special events abound on weekends. The three-day weekends of Memorial Day and Labor Day bring thousands of visitors to Fiesta Hermosa. This street fair, which has been a tradition for 38 years, features 270 crafters and artists, a kiddie carnival complete with a petting zoo and pony rides, a restaurant cantina with international cuisine, beer & wine garden and two soundstages with live bands performing all day long. In January, the City of Hermosa Beach celebrates New Years Eve with entertainment on Pier Plaza. In March, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival fills the streets with revelers and the whole town becomes “Irish” for the day. And fresh fruits and vegetables are available every Friday at the Chamber’s Farmers Market, where residents meet to buy fresh provisions and exchange the latest gossip.

If you’re a fan of films and television, you’ll be interested in our many scenic locations which have been featured on the screen. You’ve actually seen Hermosa Beach from your easy chair in such TV shows as The O.C, Gilmore Girls, The Bachelor, Summerland, Blind Date, and CSI Miami. And mystery writer Rebecca Forster has set her legal crime dramas on our shore in three novels published by Signet Novels.

The energy and excitement that enlivens Hermosa Beach during the daytime moves into high gear when the sun sets. Hermosa Beach is well known for its happening nightlife, which includes dancing the night away, meeting at a favorite pub, or sampling the delicious fare at one of Hermosa’s many seafood and ethnic restaurants. There are dining options to delight every palate – from a latte on the run to a lingering dinner by moonlight. Whatever your scene, Hermosa has a place for you.

Conveniently located 10 minutes south of the Los Angeles International Airport, travelers can visit the star-studded streets of Hollywood, glamorous Beverly Hills, or the theme-parks of Anaheim and still get back to the beach in time to witness the magnificent sunset. It is easily accessible by car or taxi to all major Los Angeles business and leisure destinations.

Hermosa Beach, the little gem by the sea, is ideal for everyone. Whether you’re a couple, traveling solo, or on a family vacation…Hermosa’s friendly atmosphere will make your getaway easy, fun, and unforgettable.