I’m back in Minneapolis after an eight-day trip to California — our big vacation of the year. Mark and I unplugged for most of the trip, checking email only in the mornings and enjoying some much-needed time together.
Our first stop was Hermosa Beach, California. We chose Hermosa to cheer for Tim Bomgren at the AVP Beach Volleyball Tournament — he placed fifth, which was exciting to watch live. Hermosa delivered everything we wanted: beautiful beaches, long walks, great food and drinks, and time with friends and family. We caught up with Lindsey and Tim, ran into Kelsey and her husband Matt, and even visited my cousin Louis, who’s interning locally for the summer.
Where We Stayed
We had hoped to book a seaside Airbnb but most of the good options were already taken. In the end we chose a reliable hotel with a complimentary continental breakfast: the Holiday Inn Hermosa Beach. It was about a mile and a half from the beach — a walk that we happily made once or twice a day. Strolling past the town’s charming beach houses became one of our favorite parts of each day.
The hotel did the job: convenient location near Highway 1 and a CVS next door for snacks and essentials. The staff were mostly fine, although one manager wasn’t particularly helpful during our stay. Still, the hotel’s location and amenities were practical for a short beach getaway.
What We Did
The main reason for visiting Hermosa was the AVP tournament and supporting Tim Bomgren. We watched five matches and were thrilled to see him finish in fifth place. The atmosphere at the event was energetic, and watching the games with friends made it even more fun.
Beyond the tournament, our days were relaxed and outdoorsy. Highlights included:
- Running along the coast from Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach.
- Spending long, lazy afternoons on the sand.
- Catching the sunset from the Hermosa Beach Pier.
- Exploring local shops and plenty of walking.
Where We Ate
This trip leaned heavily into food — and recommendations from friends were invaluable. Here are the places we tried and enjoyed in Hermosa:
Paradise Bowls: A popular spot for smoothies and açaí bowls. Expect a line, but the bowls are worth the wait.
Greenbelt: A farm-to-table vibe on the pier with a great selection of local beers. We stopped for drinks and ended up returning for dinner.
Patrick Malloy’s: An Irish pub with surprising Mexican options. The carnitas burrito was a standout for lunch.
La Playita: Well worth the wait if you love Mexican food — the crowd and the hour-long wait were a good sign.
Cafe Bonaparte: A cozy choice on the pier for breakfast or lunch. We enjoyed sandwiches and a relaxed atmosphere.
Paciugo Gelato: A busy spot with a line out the door. Perfect for a post-dinner treat.
The Rockafeller: Highly recommended locally. Try the sweet potato tots and the fish tacos if fish and chips aren’t available that night.
Dia de Campo: A casual spot with excellent margaritas and a solid beer selection — ideal for drinks and a lively evening.
Hermosa Beach is an easy place to slow down, enjoy fresh food, and soak up beach life. We loved the combination of active days and relaxed evenings, and the food scene delivered on variety and flavor.
Thanks for reading — stay tuned for Part Two of our California trip, where we explore Yosemite National Park. More photos and tips coming soon.