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Overview
Just far enough away from high-profile Hollywood is the South Bay community of Hermosa, Manhattan and Redondo beaches. Those travelers anxious to enjoy California's sunny weather and gorgeous beaches away from the high-maintenance and crowded city center can pack their beach bags and head to this residential enclave known for its white sands and active pier scenes.
Hermosa Beach is the center of the universe for some die-hard beach volleyball players, including amateurs and professionals, and there always seems to be intense serving and spiking action on the 1.5-mile stretch of sand. The community takes pride in its abundance of outdoor beach activities, which include surfing, swimming, paddleball and, of course, sunbathing. The bustle of activity is reminiscent of songs by the Beach Boys or reruns of Baywatch. The Strand is the place to see and be seen both during the day and come nightfall. By day, this paved boardwalk that borders the beach is a thoroughfare for bikers, bladers, joggers and strollers. At night, the Strand is a great people-watching spot as crowds fill the restaurants and bars. Kids going through videogame withdrawal will find relief at the Hermosa Penny Arcade located on the pier as well.
It is easy to celebrate a low-key beach week without ever leaving Hermosa Beach and the neighboring beaches - Manhattan, Redondo and Long. However, many will find the lure of nearby Los Angeles, glamorous Beverly Hills and starlit Hollywood hard to resist, which is fine as they are all a short drive from Hermosa. It is possible to spend the day touring the nearby neighborhoods and still get back to the beach to ride a few more waves before the sun goes down. Then, head to a bar on the Strand in the appropriate attire, i.e., shorts and flip-flops, to celebrate happy hour with the lifeguards getting off duty.
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Swimming
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Sand
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Atmosphere
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Non-Beach Activities
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