Hermosa Beach in Southern California's South Bay is a beautiful,
fairly small beach city overlooking the Santa Monica mountains to the
north. Its beach plaza is always brimming with fun.
Hermosa Beach or "Beautiful" Beach was once a vast sweep of rolling
hills with herds of sheep grazing on barley fields that stretched to the
Pacific Ocean. The 20th century ushered in change as the city joined a
growing list of those incorporated on January 14, 1907.
Although those hills are now filled with hotels, shops, restaurants and
houses, a passion for nature caused the city to declare itself a
sanctuary. Resolution No. N.S. 2778, enacted June 5, 1968, declared all
areas within the City of Hermosa Beach to be a Wild Bird Sanctuary, with
all residents and visitors requested and urged to protect the wild bird
population.
Buzzing with activity, Hermosa offers hotel
rooms on the beach with swings for children, volleyball nets, surfing,
swimming, roller blading and shopping and dining all in one place. You
can park your car and never have to drive.
The small but active
city and residents know how to enjoy their natural resources. Take, for
instance the Sand Snowman Contest. Held in December, people flock to the
beach to compete for the awards of "Best California Snowman" or "Best
Dressed" categories. Be forewarned that sand sculpting is an occupation
in California so the novice may face some heavy competition if not
prepared.
Other events include:
Every Friday the Farmers' Market from 12 noon to 4 pm, rain or
shine. at Valley Drive between 8th and 10th Streets.
Strawberries, tomatoes, squash, artichokes, asparagus and pistachios
sold by certified farmers who grow the products at local farms.
Sponsored by the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce
Annual SAND & STRAND RUN in February
This is 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.
Annual St. Patrick's day parade with a two day festival
August- International Surf Festival Sponsored by Beach Cities
Health District the Chambers and Cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa
Beach, Redondo Beach and Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors
