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Beaches and ponds

Hermosa Beach Pier

4.8 · 8,330 reviews
Active, breezy, and quintessential SoCal beach culture.
Hermosa Beach Pier, 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, United States
Interesting facts
1

The current concrete pier is the third iteration at this location, replacing wooden structures destroyed by storms in the early 20th century.

2

The pier's design does not include a terminal building, prioritizing an unobstructed horizon view.

3

It is a frequent filming location for television series and films due to its quintessential Southern California aesthetic.

4

The base of the pier marks the end of Pier Avenue, which serves as the primary commercial artery for the city.

5

It is a popular location for local residents to watch the annual 4th of July 'Ironman' competition, which takes place in the sand nearby.

6

The pier is a designated location for viewing the sunset, which aligns with the pier's axis during specific times of the year.

Overview

Hermosa Beach Pier is a 1,140-foot-long concrete structure extending into the Pacific Ocean from the terminus of Pier Avenue. It serves as a central hub for recreational fishing and provides panoramic views of the Santa Monica Bay and the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The pier is an iconic example of mid-century California beach infrastructure, rebuilt in its current form in 1965. It sits at the heart of a vibrant beach city district known for its strong surf culture and professional beach volleyball history. No bait or tackle shops currently operate directly on the pier structure. The surrounding beach area features dedicated courts for beach volleyball, a sport deeply intertwined with the local culture. It remains a public space accessible to pedestrians and anglers year-round.

Photo spot

At the very end of the pier looking back toward the shoreline during the golden hour.

Insider tips

Bring a sweatshirt, as ocean breezes can create significant temperature drops even on sunny days.

Visit during the weekday morning hours to secure a prime spot at the end of the pier for photography or fishing.

Utilize the nearby public restrooms located at the base of the pier before heading out onto the structure.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to swim directly under the pier due to unpredictable currents and structural pilings.

Etiquette

No skating, skateboarding, or bicycling on the pier deck; keep fishing lines clear of pedestrian walking paths.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Sunset during autumn months for optimal light and lower wind speeds.
Address
Hermosa Beach Pier, 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, United States
33.861, -118.406
Get directions
Details
FishingNo state fishing license required for pier fishing in California.
Beach AmenitiesDirect access to public sand courts and the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Sunset during autumn months for optimal light and lower wind speeds..

At the very end of the pier looking back toward the shoreline during the golden hour.

Close by you'll find Redondo Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach Pier, Veterans Park.