Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach, CA
Hermosa Beach pairs a wide swimming and surfing beach with a genuinely lively downtown just steps from the sand, connected by the Strand's paved path. The Hermosa Beach Municipal Pier anchors the scene, with restaurants and bars packed in behind it for anyone extending the day past sunset.
The combination of solid surf and an actual walkable downtown right at the sand makes this one of the more complete South Bay beach days.
How we score beachesPier Avenue right behind the pier has the highest concentration of places to eat and drink within walking distance of the sand.
Fee lots near the pier; metered street parking extends into the surrounding blocks.
Consistent South Bay pattern, cool through spring with the best swimming conditions from August into early fall.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.