Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Hermosa Beach with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Hermosa Beach on the map
📍 Where Hermosa Beach is
Hermosa Beach sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: LAX (Los Angeles Intl) (~6 mi / 9 km). It's roughly 16 mi (26 km) from Downtown LA and 107 mi (172 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in Hermosa Beach
Family attractions near Hermosa Beach
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from Hermosa Beach.
Redondo Beach Pier & King Harbor
Horseshoe-shaped pier with arcades, seafood, harbor boat rentals, and a small marina.
Free entry; paid parking
Manhattan Beach & Pier
Wide sandy beach with a walkable pier, the small Roundhouse Aquarium, and a family-friendly downtown.
Free; metered/paid parking
Roundhouse Aquarium
Tiny free aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier with touch tanks and local sea life.
Free (suggested donation)
Carson Library (LA County)
Fully renovated in 2023, this branch has a bright, welcoming children's area stocked with picture books, toys, and toddler-friendly nooks. Baby and toddler storytimes make it a reliable free morning out when the weather won't cooperate. Double-check the day — it's closed Sundays and Mondays and opens at noon on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Free
Darby Park
A friendly community park with a playground, ball fields, and a recreation center that runs youth programs and a gymnasium. A dependable spot for letting kids burn energy without the crowds of the larger parks. Check the rec center desk for seasonal kids' activities before you go.
Free
Lake Park at Hollywood Park (SoFi)
Wrapping the gleaming SoFi Stadium is a 12-acre public green with a 6-acre lake, walking paths, and open plazas that are free to roam on non-event days. Saturdays bring a farmers market and free community workouts, making it an easy morning out with a stroller. Skip game days, when traffic and crowds take over the whole district.
FreeFarmers markets in Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach Farmers Market
Rotary-run market next to Clark Field with produce, hot food, and a friendly beach-town feel.
Festivals & annual events in Hermosa Beach
What Hermosa Beach is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Fiesta Hermosa
SoCal's big beach-town festival with four music stages, carnival rides, hundreds of vendors, and food right by the pier.
Local restaurants in Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach Fish Shop
Informal made-to-order seafood eatery and market with a relaxed beach vibe.
Martha's 22nd Street Grill
Small beachside favorite with a patio doing seasonal breakfast and lunch by the strand.
Gum Tree
Charming local cafe serving breakfast and lunch in a cozy cottage near the beach.
Local shops in Hermosa Beach
Gum Tree Shop & Cafe
Family-owned home and gift shop and cafe in a 1911 craftsman bungalow stocking indie makers.
Beach & Beverly
Independent women's boutique of California fashion, accessories, books, and home goods.
Wicked+ A General Store
Curated modern general store of menswear, outdoor gear, barware, books, and grooming.
Curious
Eclectic variety gift store with cards, candles, books, and handcrafted furniture.
Seasonal & outdoors near Hermosa Beach
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Hermosa Beach.
More Los Angeles family guides
Hermosa Beach family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Hermosa Beach with kids?
Family favorites in and around Hermosa Beach include Hermosa Beach & Pier. Our guide lists 1 spot, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in Hermosa Beach?
Yes — free family spots near Hermosa Beach include Hermosa Beach & Pier. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Where can families eat in Hermosa Beach?
Local, family-friendly spots in Hermosa Beach include Hermosa Beach Fish Shop, Martha's 22nd Street Grill and Gum Tree — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Hermosa Beach guide cover?
Our Hermosa Beach family guide includes 1 things to do, 3 local eats, 4 local shops and 1 farmers market — all hand-curated, locally owned, and sorted by distance from you.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Hermosa Beach
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Hermosa Beach on one map — then book on your favorite site.