Spend the Day at Hermosa Beach’s Local Hot Spots

Written by Jason Rochlin, Michelle Crispin

With contributions by SJ Bacallao

PEOPLE WATCHING AT THE PIER: Vista Hermosa

The Hermosa Beach Pier is the perfect spot for people-watching, with plenty to see and do along Pier Avenue. After visiting local highlights like the Hermosa Beach Museum and browsing local shops, settle in for sunset at one of the pier’s standout venues: Vista.

With its mid-century modern tiki vibe, Vista boasts a prime location right on The Strand, a scenic 22-mile path stretching from Torrance to Santa Monica. Vista’s large, open deck, with cozy firepits, offers unbeatable views of the pier, beach volleyball courts, and the iconic Tim Kelly surf statue. The menu blends Pacific Rim and California cuisine, complemented by signature cocktails.

Vista epitomizes the kind of local hangout where you can mingle with locals, but it’s just one of many great spots, including Baja Sharkeez, Hermosa Brewing Company, and the historic Lighthouse Cafe, just to name a few. As Hermosa Beach Museum director Jamie Erickson and former mayor John Bowler agree, Pier Plaza is like the city’s living room.

Grab Your Beach Snacks at Boccato’s Grocery Store

With nearly two miles of oceanfront property in Hermosa Beach, there’s plenty of space for a relaxing day of picnicking under the sun, catching some waves, and working on that tan. When it comes to gathering up a full bag of snacks to lay out on a sand-spackled blanket, consider skipping the big-name supermarkets in favor of a local institution: Boccato’s Groceries, on the corner of Longfellow and Manhattan Avenue, just a short walk from the beach and a local staple for over 50 years.

All of your grocery needs can be found at Boccato’s, from a variety of chips and salsas to ice cream, produce, and cool drinks – alcoholic or otherwise. A full deli also operates within the compact storefront, offering shoppers a wide selection of classic and gourmet options, including caprese or sopressata sandwiches on baguettes. Meanwhile, out-of-towners can pick up local merchandise such as puzzles based on the beach cities, or featured items, including IPAs crafted by the Hermosa Brewing Company.

Boccato’s Groceries has become a local institution since Frank Boccato opened it in 1970.

Though Frank passed away in 1998, his market continues to thrive, with some of his family still working there, and is worth a visit for anyone on their way to the beach.

Enjoy the Night Life at Saint Rocke

After a day of sun, surf, and volleyball, cap off your evening with live music at Saint Rocke, located at 142 Pacific Coast Highway. Since its original opening in 2008, Saint Rocke has been a key player in the South Bay music scene, with legendary local punk acts like Black Flag and The Descendents storming its stage. Now under new ownership, industry veterans Dani Grant and Larry Little are continuing the venue’s tradition of spotlighting both local and touring artists.

“We’ve had such a great experience in Hermosa. We’ve really fallen for the welcoming community,” says Little, who, alongside Grant, is passionate about keeping local music venues alive in an era dominated by social media algorithms. Little believes Saint Rocke offers artists a real shot at connecting with audiences.

Since reopening after Covid in May 2023, headlined by the punk band Descendents,  Saint Rocke has featured a mix of tribute bands, punk shows, and new events like the Songwriter Showcase, produced by incoming Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Michelle Crispin, and Club Siren, a goth and darkwave night that’s been a huge success. Future plans include a country night with line dancing and “Freakout South Bay,” a mini festival linked to Seattle’s popular Freakout event.

“Our goal is to make Saint Rocke a standout venue for the South Bay, just like The Troubadour in LA,” Little says. “This is a serious music community, and it’s right at your fingertips. Come over!” With its vibrant music scene, Hermosa Beach is the perfect place for music lovers. ■