Hermosa Beach is the kind of Southern California destination that rewards travelers who slow down.
You can spend the morning watching surfers from the sand, walk the length of the beach with the Pacific beside you, join a pickup volleyball game, grab something casual to eat near Pier Avenue, and still have enough time to watch the sunset before the evening comes alive.
For backpackers, that combination is what makes Hermosa special. It is close enough to Los Angeles to be part of an LA itinerary, but its beach-town identity feels distinctly different from the city’s more famous tourist neighborhoods.
So, what are the best things to do in Hermosa Beach in late summer?
The answer isn’t simply to spend all day on the beach. The best way to experience Hermosa is to combine its surf culture, walkable waterfront, local history, outdoor activities, food scene, and laid-back social atmosphere.
And if you’re staying with International Travelers House (ITH), you already have a convenient base for exploring it all.
Why Visit Hermosa Beach in Late Summer?
Late summer is when Hermosa Beach feels most like the postcard version of Southern California.
The days are ideal for spending time outdoors, while the beach and waterfront remain active well into the evening. The city describes outdoor activities such as surfing, beach volleyball, skateboarding, biking, and walking along the Greenbelt, Pier, and Strand as central parts of Hermosa’s culture.
Hermosa also has approximately two miles of sandy shoreline. During an average summer weekend, the city says more than 100,000 people can come down to the beach, which gives you an idea of how lively the waterfront can become.
That popularity is worth embracing, but backpackers don’t have to experience Hermosa as a checklist of attractions.
The better approach is to explore it slowly.
Walk instead of rushing between destinations. Eat where you find something interesting. Talk to people on the beach. Spend an hour watching a volleyball game even if you aren’t playing. Let the afternoon turn into sunset.
That’s the Hermosa experience.
Start With the Beach and The Strand
If you’re visiting Hermosa Beach for the first time, start where the city starts to make sense: at the ocean.
The beach stretches for roughly two miles, giving travelers plenty of room to walk, relax, watch surfers, or simply sit with the Pacific in front of them. The adjacent Strand provides a paved route along the coastline that is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists.
For backpackers, the Strand is particularly useful because you don’t need a complicated itinerary.
Grab a coffee or breakfast, head toward the water, and walk.
You can follow the coastline toward Manhattan Beach or explore in the opposite direction toward Redondo Beach. The route gives you a different perspective of the South Bay than you get from simply sitting on the sand.
Just remember that the Strand can become busy, particularly around the pier and other high-traffic areas. Cyclists and other wheeled travelers should follow posted restrictions and walking zones.
And if you’re using an e-bike, pay attention to local rules. Hermosa Beach restricts electric bicycles from operating on areas including the Greenbelt, Pier Plaza, and portions of the Strand; rental e-bikes must also use geofencing to prevent motorized operation in restricted areas.
Walk Out to the Hermosa Beach Pier
The Hermosa Beach Pier is one of the easiest landmarks to incorporate into your day because it sits right at the heart of the waterfront.
Rather than treating the pier as a quick photo stop, visit around a time when the light is changing. Late afternoon is particularly good for watching the beach transition from daytime activity into evening.
The pier also gives you a useful orientation point. From here, Pier Avenue leads inland into the center of town, while the beach and Strand open up in both directions.
Hermosa’s relationship with its pier goes back more than a century. The city’s first pier was constructed in 1904, while plans for the permanent concrete boardwalk now associated with the Strand were approved in 1913.
That history is easy to overlook when you’re standing there with your phone taking pictures but it is part of what makes Hermosa more than simply another LA beach.
Experience Hermosa Through Surf Culture
You don’t have to be a surfer to appreciate Hermosa’s surf culture.
Surfing became increasingly important to the city during the twentieth century, with Hermosa becoming home to influential surfers, photographers, and surfboard shapers. The city’s history documents figures such as Dewey Weber, Leroy Grannis, Greg Noll, Phil Becker, Hap Jacobs, and Bing Copeland as part of that legacy.
Today, you can experience that culture simply by watching the water.
If you already surf, late summer is a natural time to get in the ocean. If you don’t, consider taking a lesson rather than renting equipment and heading into unfamiliar conditions on your own. Visit California lists Hermosa as a surfing destination suitable for different experience levels and highlights local surf instruction options.
There’s also something worthwhile about simply sitting on the sand and watching.
Surf culture isn’t only about catching waves. It’s the conversations, boards being carried down the street, people checking the conditions, and the rhythm of a community built around the ocean.
For a backpacker, that’s often more memorable than another attraction checked off a list.
Play Beach Volleyball or Watch a Game
Hermosa Beach takes beach volleyball seriously.
The sport has deep roots in the city. Hermosa’s cultural history traces beach volleyball back to the mid-1940s, with the sport becoming increasingly prominent during the 1960s and 1970s and eventually developing into an internationally recognized part of the city’s identity.
You don’t need to arrive as a professional athlete.
Walk along the beach and you’ll see games happening throughout the day. Visit California notes that Hermosa has more than 70 volleyball courts, with public courts between 10th and 15th Streets operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
For solo travelers, this is also one of the easiest ways to understand Hermosa’s social atmosphere.
Even if you’re not confident enough to join a game, watching local players can give you a glimpse into the culture. And if you meet other travelers who want to play, you suddenly have a group activity without having to organize an entire tour.
Explore Beyond the Beach
Hermosa’s biggest attraction is obviously the ocean, but staying entirely on the waterfront means missing some of the city’s character.
The Greenbelt offers another way to experience Hermosa at a slower pace. The city specifically highlights walking and jogging along the Greenbelt alongside the Strand and Pier.
You can also look for public art around town. Hermosa’s official attractions guide includes sculptures, murals, memorials, and decorated utility boxes among the city’s public art.
History lovers can also explore the Hermosa Beach Historical Society, which preserves materials connected to the city’s past.
These aren’t necessarily the places you’ll see dominating Instagram itineraries and that’s precisely why they’re worth including.
Backpacking is partly about discovering the pieces of a destination that don’t fit neatly into a two-hour tour.
Spend an Afternoon Around Pier Avenue
Eventually, head inland from the beach toward Pier Avenue.
This is where the day can shift from outdoor adventure into food, coffee, shopping, and nightlife. Visit California describes Hermosa as a beach community with a lively pier, nightlife, restaurants, and a strong cycling and surf culture.
Don’t over-plan this part.
For a backpacker, Pier Avenue works best as an open-ended afternoon. Find somewhere that looks interesting, grab a meal, walk around, and see what the neighborhood feels like.
If you’re traveling with people you met at the hostel, this is an easy place to turn a beach afternoon into a casual group evening.
And if you’re traveling alone, it’s equally easy to explore independently.
Watch the Sunset Over the Pacific
Hermosa Beach doesn’t require an elaborate sunset excursion.
The beach itself is the viewpoint.
As the afternoon fades, find a comfortable spot on the sand or walk along the waterfront and watch the light change across the Pacific. You don’t need a rooftop bar or expensive tour to make the evening memorable.
For travelers moving quickly through California, this is also a useful reminder: sometimes the best experiences are the ones that cost nothing.
Bring water, find a spot, and stay for the colors.
What to Eat in Hermosa Beach
Hermosa is not a destination where you need to spend every meal at a famous restaurant.
The better backpacker strategy is to mix convenience with exploration.
Have breakfast before heading to the beach, grab something casual for lunch, and then explore the local restaurants and bars around Pier Avenue in the evening.
Visit California’s current Hermosa guide highlights a range of local dining options, from breakfast and brunch spots to restaurants and waterfront establishments.
If you’re staying at ITH, another practical option is to use the hostel’s communal kitchen. ITH Hermosa Beach provides a communal kitchen and cook-it-yourself breakfast, giving travelers the flexibility to prepare some meals themselves rather than eating out for every meal.
For long-term backpacking, that can make a meaningful difference to your travel budget.
Where Should Backpackers Stay in Hermosa Beach?
Location matters in Hermosa.
Staying close to the beach means you can build your day around walking rather than constantly arranging transportation.
ITH Hermosa Beach Surf Hostel LAX is located at 26 Pier Avenue, one block from the beach and in the center of town. ITH describes the property as a social surf hostel with communal spaces, a kitchen, coworking areas, daily social activities, and access to the beach.
For backpackers, the bigger advantage isn’t simply having a bed near the ocean.
It’s having a base where you can meet other travelers before heading out.
ITH’s broader philosophy is built around connecting travelers with local culture and other people, making the hostel more of a starting point for exploration than simply accommodation.
You can also explore ITH’s other California and Mexico destinations if Hermosa is one stop on a longer backpacking route.
How to Spend One Perfect Late-Summer Day in Hermosa Beach
A good Hermosa day doesn’t need to be packed.
Start with breakfast, then walk down to the beach while the morning is still relatively relaxed. Spend some time swimming, surfing, or simply watching the waves before walking along the Strand.
Around midday, head toward Pier Avenue for lunch and a break from the sun.
In the afternoon, return to the beach for volleyball, another walk, or simply some downtime. If you’re staying at ITH, this is also a good moment to return to the hostel, meet other travelers, and decide what you want to do that evening.
Then head back toward the waterfront for sunset.
After dark, explore Hermosa’s restaurants, bars, live music, or other evening activities. The city notes that Hermosa has a year-round entertainment scene including live music, festivals, and special events.
The key is not to schedule every minute.
Leave room for the unexpected.
That’s often when a backpacking trip becomes a story.
Late-Summer Tips for Visiting Hermosa Beach
Hermosa is easy to explore, but a little preparation makes the experience smoother.
Bring layers. Even when the afternoon is warm, coastal evenings can feel cooler than expected.
Wear comfortable shoes. You can cover a surprising amount of ground simply by walking the beach, Strand, Greenbelt, and surrounding streets.
Bring a reusable water bottle. You’re likely to spend a significant amount of time outdoors.
Check local beach rules. Dogs, bikes, e-bikes, and other activities are subject to specific regulations. For example, pets are prohibited on the beach except for service animals, while leashed pets are permitted on the Strand.
Don’t underestimate summer crowds. Hermosa can become extremely busy on summer weekends, so an early start can make the beach experience more relaxed.
Check the city’s events calendar. Local tournaments, festivals, concerts, and community events can change the atmosphere of the beach from one weekend to another.
Is Hermosa Beach Worth Adding to a California Backpacking Route?
Yes, especially if your idea of California travel involves more than major tourist attractions.
Hermosa works particularly well as a stop between Los Angeles and other Southern California destinations. It gives travelers a chance to experience a smaller coastal community while still being within the greater Los Angeles area.
And because ITH has hostels across California and Mexico, Hermosa can naturally become part of a longer route rather than a standalone destination.
You could spend a few days around the South Bay before continuing toward another California beach city, heading inland, or eventually making your way south toward San Diego and Mexico.
Explore ITH’s California & Mexico hostels
The Best Way to Experience Hermosa
The best Hermosa Beach itinerary isn’t necessarily the one with the most attractions.
It’s the one that leaves enough space to experience the city.
Walk the Strand. Watch surfers. Play volleyball. Eat something local. Talk to another traveler. Stay on the beach until sunset. Wander around Pier Avenue after dark.
Hermosa has been a beach community for more than a century, but its appeal isn’t trapped in its history. It continues to revolve around the same basic idea: people coming to the coast to move, connect, relax, and enjoy the ocean.
That’s also what makes it a natural fit for the ITH way of traveling.
At International Travelers House, the goal isn’t simply to give travelers a place to sleep. It’s to create a base where people can meet, share experiences, and explore a destination together.
So if you’re traveling through Southern California in late summer, don’t just visit Hermosa Beach.
Stay awhile. Walk around. Let the day unfold.
That’s when Hermosa starts to feel less like a destination you’re visiting and more like a place you’ve temporarily lived in.
Keep the Journey Going
Ready for your next adventure? Join the ITH Travelers Club for exclusive discounts, travel perks, and insider access across all ITH destinations.
Whether you’re planning your next beach town escape, road trip, or hostel stay, Travelers Club helps you travel smarter and stay connected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hermosa Beach
1. What is Hermosa Beach best known for?
Hermosa Beach is best known for its beach, surf culture, beach volleyball, the Strand, pier, and lively coastal atmosphere. The city has a long history connected to surfing and beach volleyball, while the waterfront remains the center of recreational life.
2. Is Hermosa Beach good for solo travelers and backpackers?
Yes. Hermosa is relatively easy to explore on foot, and its beach-centered social culture makes it suitable for travelers who want outdoor activities and opportunities to meet people. Staying at a social hostel such as ITH Hermosa Beach can make it easier to connect with other travelers before exploring the area.
3. How many days do you need in Hermosa Beach?
One full day is enough to experience the major highlights, including the beach, Strand, pier, Pier Avenue, sunset, and some local food. However, two to three days is better if you want to surf, play volleyball, explore at a slower pace, and experience Hermosa’s nightlife and local atmosphere without rushing.
References:
Hermosabeach.Gov. 2026. “Enjoying Hermosa | City of Hermosa Beach.” https://www.hermosabeach.gov/enjoying-hermosa.
ITH Hostels. 2024. “ITH Hermosa Beach Surf Hostel LAX: Adventure and Relaxation.” October 2. https://ithhostels.com/ith-hermosa-beach-surf-hostel-lax.
Visit California. 2020. “Hermosa Beach.” https://www.visitcalifornia.com/places-to-visit/hermosa-beach/.
