Welcome to Hermosa Beach
Once known for its funky beach atmosphere, Hermosa Beach has evolved into one of the west coast’s upscale coastal communities. The name Hermosa comes from Spanish and means “beautiful,” an accurate description of this beach dwell-ing community looking out on the colorful sunsets of the Pacific Ocean. Originally, Hermosa Beach was part of the 1884 Rancho San Pedro Spanish land grant and started out as one vast sweep of rolling hills covered with fields of grain, mostly barley. The first official survey was made in 1901 for the boardwalk on the Strand, Hermosa Avenue, and Santa Fe Avenue (later named Pier Avenue). Work on these projects commenced soon after. In 1904, the first pier was built. In the early days, the Santa Fe Railway was the only transportation system in the area. It was aptly named after the street it ran along Santa Fe Avenue. The first city election for city officers was held on December 24, 1906. On January 14, 1907, Hermosa Beach became the nineteenth incorporated city of Los Angeles County.
General Info
Boundaries
There are three areas within Hermosa Beach, known as the Sand Section (west of the greenbelt); Hermosa Valley (between the greenbelt and PCH); and Hermosa Hills (east of PCH, along the Redondo border).
- Sand Section (Area 148): This area is closest to the beach and features the world-famous Strand and Hermosa Pier.
- Valley Section (Area 149): Nestled along the greenbelt, this is a quiet section with some of the largest lots in Hermosa Beach.
- Hill Section (Area 150): This part of Hermosa is east of the Pacific Coast Highway and features properties with panoramic ocean views.
Property Types
- Sand Section: Primarily single-family homes north of Pier Ave. and on The Strand. There are townhomes south of Pier Ave.
- Valley Section: Primarily single-family homes, a few large condominium complexes just north of Pier Ave. between valley/Ardmore.
- Hill Section: A mix of single-family homes and townhouses.
Commercial and Business Districts
Centered along Pier Ave., from Ardmore to The Strand, and also along Hermosa Ave. A second area is located along Pacific Coast Highway from Artesia Blvd. to Herondo Blvd.
Lot Sizes
- Sand Section: 2,100 to 4,000 sq. ft.
- Valley Section: 5,000 to 8,000 sq. ft.
- Hill Section: 2,500 to 5,000 sq. ft.
General Building Information
Must verify with the City of Hermosa Beach for current regulations.*
Street Specific Notes
- Values depend largely on proximity to the beach and ocean views.
Of Interest
Farmer’s Market
Friday at 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
1007 Valley Drive
Parks
Ardmore Park, Bi-Centennial Park, Clark Field, Edith Rodaway Park, Fort Lots-o-Fun Park, Greenwood Park, Kay Etow Park, Lawnbowling Green, Moondust Parkette, Noble Park, Skate Park, South Park, ValleyPark
Community Centers
Clark Building and the Hermosa Beach Community Center,
Nearby Areas of Interest
Hermosa Beach Pier, Surfer’s Walk of Fame, Manhattan Village Mall, Greenbelt running path, Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, ThePoint at El Segundo, Plaza El Segundo
Schools
Elementary Schools
Hermosa View School(currently K-3, will be K-2)
1800 Prospect Ave
Coming 2021: The North School(3-4)
1645 Valley Drive
Middle School
Hermosa Valley School (4-8)
1645 Valley Drive
High Schools
Mira Costa High School
1401 Artesia Blvd
Redondo Union High School
One Sea Hawk Way
Important Phone Numbers
City Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .310.318.0216
Fire Department. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .310.318.0161
Post Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .310.379.4242
