Hermosa Beach, meaning “Beautiful” in Spanish, is a beachfront city in Los Angeles County, California, with a population of 19,728 as of 2020. It is part of the South Bay region and one of the three Beach Cities, bordered by Manhattan Beach to the north and Redondo Beach to the south and east. The city is small, stretching about 15 blocks east to west and 40 blocks north to south, with Pacific Coast Highway running through it. Hermosa Beach is known for its beach activities, including sunbathing, surfing, paddleboarding, cycling, and volleyball, and benefits from mild temperatures and sea breezes that keep smog low. The Strand, a paved path along the coast, connects Hermosa to surrounding beach cities, and the Hermosa Beach Pier serves as a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Historically, Hermosa Beach was part of the 1784 Rancho San Pedro Spanish land grant and later Rancho Sausal Redondo. In 1900, 1,500 acres were purchased to create the Hermosa Beach Land and Water Company. Originally, the area consisted of rolling hills with grain fields and grazing lands for sheep, with corrals and barns supporting farming operations. The name Rancho Sausal Redondo refers to a large circular ranch with willow groves.









