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 seafood, harbor boat rentals, and a small marina. Nicknamed the "Horseshoe Pier" for its distinctive shape, it's known as the largest "endless" pier on the California coast; the current concrete version opened in 1995 after fire destroyed its wooden predecessor in 1988. It anchors King Harbor, a roughly 150-acre harbor complex named for former congressman Cecil R. King.
Free entry; paid parkingManhattan Beach & Pier
Wide sandy beach with a walkable pier, the small Roundhouse Aquarium, and a family-friendly downtown. Built by the city between 1917 and 1920 with an innovative rounded end designed to withstand pounding surf, it's Southern California's oldest surviving reinforced-concrete pier. The Roundhouse building at its tip opened in 1922 and became a marine-science aquarium in 1981, now run by a local nonprofit.
Free; metered/paid parkingRoundhouse Aquarium
This free aquarium occupies the pier's landmark 1922 octagonal Roundhouse, converted to a marine studies lab and aquarium in 1981. More than 100 local sea creatures — moray eels, octopus, sharks, and a touch tank of sea stars and urchins — live inside a building that's drawn crowds to the end of the pier for over a century.
Free (suggested donation)
Torrance Beach
County-run beach between Redondo Beach and Malaga Cove with restrooms, showers, a concession stand, volleyball nets and a bike-path connection. It has a beach access mat and beach wheelchairs, and ramps lead to the sand. The main lot is at 387 Paseo de la Playa.
Free entry; paid parking in the county lot
Alondra Community Regional Park
LA County's ~53-acre park with a Lawndale address (3850 Manhattan Beach Blvd), technically in unincorporated Alondra Park. It has a splash pad, outdoor pool, playgrounds, a lake with wildlife viewing, tennis courts and picnic shelters. The splash pad closes September 30.
Free park entry; pool and skate park are separate LA County facilities
Madrona Marsh Preserve & Nature Center
One of the few urban vernal marshes in SoCal, with a small nature center and walking trails. The city runs docent-led walks, a 'Tyke Hike' for ages 3 months–6 and 'Nature Storytime' for ages 2–5. The marsh fills in winter and spring and dries by late summer, so go January–May for water and wildflowers.
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.
Hermosa for the Holidays (Tree Lighting)
A three-day beachside holiday weekend on Pier Plaza with a Santa tree lighting, letters to Santa, photos with Santa, hourly storytime and pop-up vendors. Pet-friendly on a leash, except on rides and inflatables. Tip: Sunday is the big day, with the 5:45pm tree lighting and Santa's arrival, so plan the whole family around that.
Free
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, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Hermosa Beach?
Yes — free family spots near Hermosa Beach include Hermosa Beach & Pier. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
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 — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
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.