Sea Sprite Beach Club: A Century of Coastal Charm Reimagined
For more than a century, the corner of 10th Street and The Strand has been home to one of Hermosa Beach’s most enduring seaside escapes. Today, the newly reimagined Sea Sprite Beach Club ushers in a new era for this historic property, blending its storied past with a refreshed, elevated experience that remains true to its roots.
Early Beginnings: The Berth Hotel
The journey began in 1907, when the Berth family opened the Berth Hotel. At the time, it was the only operating hotel in Hermosa Beach, welcoming sun-seekers and early coastal adventurers. Through the 1930s, ownership changed hands to the Morrison family, who rebranded it as The Breakers, maintaining its reputation as a friendly and approachable getaway for decades.
The Sea Sprite Era: 1964 and Beyond
In 1964, Thelma and Richard Greenwald—local entrepreneurs who also owned the adjacent parking lot—purchased the property and renamed it the Sea Sprite Motel. With their hands-on vision, the hotel expanded from 17 to 38 rooms, including a cozy cottage, and introduced kitchenettes that made beachfront vacations more accessible for families.
This family-run charm would become the hallmark of the Sea Sprite. Managed first by Thelma and later her son Darrell, the property became one of California’s last family-owned budget beachfront hotels. Its relaxed, mid-century vibe attracted an eclectic mix of visitors, including jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie and Tito Puente, as well as TV crews filming cult classics like The O.C., Gilmore Girls, and Veronica Mars. For generations, it offered not just a place to stay but a front-row seat to the magic of Hermosa Beach.
Modern Renovations: Preserving Character While Enhancing Comfort
By 2019, new management under Vista Investments and ownership by Wilshire Capital Partners began a careful modernization of the aging motel. While the number of rooms remained unchanged, nearly every system was upgraded—plumbing, heating, and gas lines were replaced, and kitchen stoves were removed. The pool gave way to a spacious, wheelchair-accessible patio, designed to bring guests closer to the ocean breeze. The updates respected the property’s mid-century character while elevating the experience to meet modern expectations of comfort and safety.
Rebirth as Sea Sprite Beach Club
This summer, the transformation reaches its peak. In May 2025, the hotel officially relaunched as the Sea Sprite Beach Club, proudly calling itself Hermosa Beach’s original beachfront hotel. With 34 rooms and suites, it offers a boutique, pet-friendly experience complete with beachside bike rentals and sweeping ocean views. The redesign honors its 1960s roots, blending mid-century accents with contemporary coastal-chic finishes.
One of the most exciting additions is Surfer Girl, the property’s first on-site restaurant and rooftop lounge. With menus inspired by Hermosa’s surf culture, a lively entertainment space, and panoramic views of the Pacific, Surfer Girl gives guests and locals a new reason to linger long after the sun sets. It’s not just dining; it’s a celebration of community and coastal living.
Honoring Legacy, Embracing the Future
Through every chapter—from Berth Hotel beginnings to the family-run Sea Sprite Motel and today’s elevated Beach Club—this property has embodied the spirit of Hermosa Beach. It has remained a welcoming retreat for travelers of all kinds while offering a rare, authentic slice of mid-century California.
Now, with its modern amenities and vibrant new restaurant, the Sea Sprite Beach Club promises to carry that legacy forward. Guests will still find the same beloved beachfront charm, but with new comforts and experiences that reflect the evolving energy of Hermosa. Over a century since its founding, it continues to stand proudly at the water’s edge—proof that true coastal hospitality never goes out of style. ■
This sponsored story was written by Sea Sprite Beach Club.
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