The city's beach is popular forsunbathing,beach volleyball,surfing,paddleboarding,bars,cycling andrunning. The city itself extends only about 15 blocks from east to west and 40 blocks from north to south, withPacific Coast Highway running down the middle. Situated on thePacific Ocean, Hermosa's average temperature is 70 °F (21 °C) in the summer and 55 °F (13 °C) in the winter. Westerly sea breezes lessen what can be high summertime temperatures inLos Angeles and elsewhere in the county and help keep thesmog away 360 days of the year.
A paved path, calledThe Strand, runs along Hermosa's beach from Torrance Beach in the south approximately twenty miles north toSanta Monica. TheHermosa Beach Pier is at the end of Pier Avenue, which is one of the beach community's main shopping, dining and entertainment areas.
Hermosa Beach was originally part of the 1784Rancho San Pedro Spanish land grant that later became the ten-mile (16 km) ocean frontage ofRancho Sausal Redondo. In 1900, a tract of 1,500 acres (6.1 km2) was purchased for $35 per acre from A. E. Pomroy, then owner of the greater part of Rancho Sausal Redondo. Messrs. Burbank and Baker, agents, bought this land forSherman andClark who organized and retained the controlling interest in the Hermosa Beach Land and Water Company.
In early days, Hermosa Beach — like so many of its neighboring cities (Inglewood,Lawndale,Torrance) — was one vast sweep of rolling hills covered withfields ofgrain, mostlybarley. During certain seasons of the year large herds ofsheep were grazed over this land, and corrals and large barns for storing the grain, as well as providing shelter forhorses and farm implements, were located on theranch between Hermosa and Inglewood. The Spanish wordsRancho Sausal Redondo mean a large circular ranch ofpasture ofgrazing land, with a grove ofwillow on it.
The first official survey was made in the year 1901 for the board walk on the Strand, Hermosa Avenue and Santa Fe Avenue; work on these projects commenced soon after. In 1904 the first pier was built. It was constructed entirely of wood even to thepilings and it extended five hundred feet out into the ocean. The pier was constructed by the Hermosa Beach Land and Water Company. In 1913 this old pier was partly washed away and later torn down and a new one built to replace it. This pier was built ofconcrete 1,000 feet (300 m) long, and paved withasphalt its entire length. Small tiled pavilions were erected at intervals along the sides to afford shade forfishermen andpicnic parties. Abait stand was built eventually out on the end. Soon after, about 1914, anauditorium building was constructed; it has housed various enterprises and at present the publicrest rooms, the Los AngelesLife Guard Service, and the local branch of theLos Angeles County Public Library occupy rooms in the building. This pier is municipally owned.
Golden State Silk Mills in Hermosa Beach, c. 1925; the small city was the center of the West Coast silk industry[9]
TheLos Angeles Pacific Railway, atrolley system, was the first trolley service in Hermosa Beach, running the entire length of Hermosa Ave. on its way from L.A. to Redondo Beach. A few years later it was merged with most other trolley companies in the region to form the newPacific Electric Railway Company, informally called the Red Cars.[10]
TheSanta Fe Railway was the first railroad to run through Hermosa Beach.[11] It was seven blocks from the beach. The street that led to the tracks was called Santa Fe Avenue, but was later renamed Pier Avenue. There was no Santa Ferailway station for Hermosa, but Burbank and Baker built arailway platform on the west side of the tracks near Santa Fe Avenue, and later the railroad company donated an oldboxcar to be used as a storage place for freight. In 1926, the Santa Fe built a modernstucco depot and installedWestern Uniontelegraph service in it.
The first city election for city officers was held December 24, 1906. On January 14, 1907, Hermosa Beach became the nineteenth incorporated city of Los Angeles County.
Hermosa Beach has an average of 325 days of sunshine a year.[15] Because of its location, nestled on a vast open bay (Santa Monica Bay), morning fog and haze is a common phenomenon in May, June and early July (caused by ocean temperature variations and currents). Locals have a particular terminology for this phenomenon: the "May Gray" and the "June Gloom". Overcast skies are common for June mornings, but usually the strong sun burns the fog off by noon.[16] Nonetheless, it will sometimes stay cloudy and cool all day during June, even as other parts of the Los Angeles area will enjoy sunny skies and warmer temperatures. At times, the sun shines east of PCH, while the beach area is overcast.
As a general rule, the temperature is from 5 to 10 °F (−15 to −12 °C) cooler than it is inland. A typical spring day (mid-April) is sunny, pleasant and about 68 °F (20 °C). In the summer, which stretches basically from May to late October, temperatures can reach to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (about 30 °C) at the beach. In early November, it is about 68 °F (20 °C). In late January, temperatures are around 63 °F (17 °C). It is winter, however, when the hot, drySanta Ana winds are most common. In mid-December 2004, temperatures soared to 84 °F (29 °C) in Santa Monica, for a few straight days, with perfectly sunny skies.
The rainy season is from late October through late March. Winter storms usually approach from the northwest and pass quickly through the Southland. There is very little rain during the rest of the year, on average, there is just about 14 inches of rain per year in the city.
Hermosa Beach usually enjoys a cool breeze blowing in from the ocean, keeping the air fresh and clean. Therefore,smog is less a problem for Hermosa Beach than elsewhere around Los Angeles.
Hermosa Beach first appeared as a city in the1910 U.S. census as part of the now defunct Redondo Township.[22]
Hermosa Beach city, California – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
The census reported that 99.9% of the population lived in households, 0.1% lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and no one was institutionalized.[37]
There were 9,247 households, out of which 23.6% included children under the age of 18, 38.6% were married-couple households, 8.9% werecohabiting couple households, 25.7% had a female householder with no partner present, and 26.8% had a male householder with no partner present. 36.0% of households were one person, and 8.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.13.[37] There were 4,633families (50.1% of all households).[38]
The age distribution was 17.5% under the age of 18, 5.9% aged 18 to 24, 34.1% aged 25 to 44, 29.1% aged 45 to 64, and 13.4% who were 65years of age or older. The median age was 40.1years. For every 100 females, there were 104.9 males.[37]
There were 10,038 housing units at an average density of 7,039.3 units per square mile (2,717.9 units/km2), of which 9,247 (92.1%) were occupied. Of these, 45.6% were owner-occupied, and 54.4% were occupied by renters.[37]
In 2023, the US Census Bureau estimated that the median household income was $152,019, and theper capita income was $110,660. About 3.7% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line.[39]
The2010 United States census[40] reported that Hermosa Beach had a population of 19,506. The population density was 13,673.6 inhabitants per square mile (5,279.4/km2). The racial makeup of Hermosa Beach was 16,928 (86.8%)White (80.9% Non-Hispanic White),[41] 229 (1.2%)African American, 49 (0.3%)Native American, 1,111 (5.7%)Asian, 46 (0.2%)Pacific Islander, 325 (1.7%) fromother races, and 818 (4.2%) from two or more races. There were 1,632 residents ofHispanic orLatino ancestry, of any race (8.4%).
The Census reported that 19,491 people (99.9% of the population) lived in households, 11 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 4 (0%) were institutionalized.
There were 9,550 households, out of which 1,878 (19.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 3,254 (34.1%) wereopposite-sex married couples living together, 460 (4.8%) had a female householder with no husband present, 325 (3.4%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 710 (7.4%)unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 64 (0.7%)same-sex married couples or partnerships. 3,644 households (38.2%) were made up of individuals, and 606 (6.3%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.04. There were 4,039families (42.3% of all households); the average family size was 2.80.
There were 3,093 residents (15.9%) under the age of 18, 1,242 (6.4%) aged 18 to 24, 8,516 (43.7%) aged 25 to 44, 4,898 (25.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,757 (9.0%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 112.1 males.
There were 10,162 housing units at an average density of 7,123.5 per square mile (2,750.4/km2), of which 4,255 (44.6%) were owner-occupied, and 5,295 (55.4%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.0%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.4%. 10,083 people (51.7% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 9,408 people (48.2%) lived in rental housing units.
According to the 2010 United States census, Hermosa Beach had a median household income of $101,655, with 3.4% of the population living below the federal poverty line.[42]
In 2024, the most common occupations of residents were management, sales, and administrative support. The top employers were: City of Hermosa Beach (168); Von's Companies (121); Lazy Acres (107); Trader Joe's (94); Hermosa Beach School District (90).[43]
The city has 32.5 acres (13.2 ha) of beach, and 1,570 parking meters.[43]
Fiesta Hermosa: Arts and crafts festival which has taken place for the last 35 years every Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend
Hermosa Ironman: Unofficial triathlon every July 4, consisting of running a mile in the sand, paddling a mile on a surfboard, and downing a 6-pack of beer. "First to finish without puking wins!"[44][45][46]
AVP Hermosa Beach Open: Started in 1969 and typically in June. Attracts combinations of pros and near pros. Free event open to everyone.
ShockBoxx Art Gallery: Located at 6th & Cypress in the arts district. Showcasing domestic and international artists with avant-garde style themes. Free and open to the public. Check the website for show dates.[47]
Hermosa Beach Film Festival: Started in 2005 and typically in August. Short films from each year are chosen to be screened at the Hermosa Beach Playhouse
International Surf Festival: Surfing,paddleboarding, pier to pierswim events. Beginning of August
Hennessey's Paddle Board Festival: U.S. Paddleboard Championships. Typically in July.
Hermosa Beach Sunset Concert free concert series from bands who perform on the beach. Starts July 31 – August 21 (4 weeks)
Farmers' Market Every Friday from 12 noon to 4 pm, rain or shine. (Valley Drive between 8th and 10th Streets) Also, every Wednesday from 1pm to 6pm in the Pier Plaza (by the pier)
Sand and Strand Run The second oldest standing run in the L.A. area. Unique is its course design, with 45% of the run on the Strand and 55% on the beach. February during low tide.
The wide flat beach makes Hermosa Beach one of the most popular places to play beach volleyball, from professional to amateur. Hermosa Beach is home to theAVP Hermosa Beach Open tournament, and several amateur CBVA tournaments during the year.The Strand stretches north toSanta Monica and south toRedondo Beach, and is a popular place for walkers, joggers and biking. Of the three Beach Cities, only Hermosa Beach owns its own beach. The other two cities' beaches are owned by the county ofLos Angeles.
Running parallel to The Strand is a lovely linear trail known today as theHermosa Valley Greenbelt. Once part of a railroad easement, this narrow 24-acre (97,000 m2) strip had long been the subject of heated controversy and pressure from various commercial interests. After years of litigation and wrangling, the city was poised to permit intensive retail and condominium development in the mid-1980s when a grassroots group spearheaded by activist Rosamond Fogg forced the matter to a vote. The City Council at the time was divided over whether the matter was of much importance but after an energetic and passionate campaign, the citizens found that the greenbelt was a vital recreational resource and mandated its preservation for the use and enjoyment of residents and visitors. This ballot initiative passed by almost 87%, the highest in California history.[citation needed] On the same Ballot, the public approved a referendum added a utility user's tax by 2% to help pay for the purchase, to be sunset after the property was acquired.[citation needed] As a result, the Hermosa Valley Greenbelt has the quality of a rural country lane, home to themonarch butterfly and many bird and animal species. At any time of day or night joggers and walkers enjoy its soft woodchip trails and graceful landscaping. The Greenbelt is also now part of the federalrails to trails network. TheAIA R/UDAT (Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team) found that Hermosa Beach, thanks in large part to the existence of the Greenbelt, was a "world class pedestrian city".[50]
According to the 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the city's various funds had $32.4 million in revenues, $33.9 million in expenditures, $93.8 million in total assets, $12.2 million in total liabilities, and $23.0 million in cash and investments.[51]
The structure of the management and coordination of city services is:[52]
TheBeach Cities Health District,[54] provideshealth and wellness services to the residents of Hermosa Beach,Manhattan Beach, andRedondo Beach. The voters of the three beach cities elect the 5-memberBoard of Directors to 4-year terms. One of 78 California Health Districts,[55] it was created in 1955 as South Bay Hospital and took on its current name in 1993. Beach Cities Health District opened AdventurePlex,[56] a Manhattan Beach fitness center for kids and their families, in 2002. Filled withmazes, tunnels, outdoorrock climbing walls, complexropes courses, and an indoorgym, AdventurePlex challenges children physically and intellectually in health-focusedrecreational activities.
TheLos Angeles County Fire Department has a sectional lifeguard headquarters located at the Hermosa Beach Pier since the new building opened its doors since 2006, currently commanded by Capt. Tracy Lizzotte who leads the entire "Team HB" as part of "Team South" in the L.A. County Lifeguard. Currently located at 1200 The Strand housed a lifeguard garage where response vehicles have parked.
Hermosa Beach has its own elementary school and middle school but high school students are served by eitherManhattan Beach orRedondo Beach where rankings are in the 80 to 90th percentiles. Hermosa Beach residents are zoned toHermosa Beach City School District for gradesKindergarten through 8. BeforeProposition 13 passed, Hermosa Beach had five elementary schools (North, South, Hermosa View, Prospect Heights, Valley Vista) and one junior high school (Pier Avenue).
In 2005, Hermosa Valley and Hermosa View schools were honored asU.S. Department of Education NationalBlue Ribbon Schools, along with 33 California schools and less than 300 schools across the nation. The award was based on academic achievement. Hermosa schools are among the top 10% of schools in the state with students scoring at or above the 90% in the highest grade tested in reading and math. For the award, the Department of Education reviewed growth in scores over a three-year period.
Our Lady of Guadalupe School, is aCatholic school with classes TK thru the Eighth Grade. Although it is a religious school, there is no convent so all classes are taught by state credentialed teachers.
