Hermosa Beach Pier, CA

South Bay pier — surf, fishing and beach volleyball

Live AI Coastal Briefing

Thursday, August 27, is shaping up to be a beautiful day at the coast, with a dominant marine layer bringing 100% cloud cover and high humidity. This morning, the temperature is a comfortable 72°F, and the marine layer typically burns off by late morning, revealing a stunning day for beach visitors. As the day unfolds, we can expect plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, from surfing and beach volleyball to cycling and running along the coastal path.



The surf conditions are looking fun for longboarders, with waves at 2.7 feet, or knee to waist high. With warm water conditions at 75°F, boardshorts are the way to go, and no wetsuit is needed. However, rip current data is unavailable today, so swimmers should be sure to check with the lifeguard on duty before entering the water. Tides can be found on local charts, and swell data is also unavailable. The water temperature is perfect for a range of water activities, making it an excellent day to get out and enjoy the ocean.



This morning, runners and cyclists will appreciate the cool overcast cover provided by the marine layer, with a gentle wind of 3mph from the ESE. With low UV index, no special protection is needed just yet, but it's always a good idea to plan for sun protection as the day wears on. Air quality is moderate, with an AQI of 93, so sensitive individuals may want to limit their prolonged outdoor exercise. Beach volleyball, paddleboarding, and tennis are all great options for the morning, before the onshore breeze picks up in the afternoon. The flat coastal path is ideal for cycling and running, and the pier structure creates interesting currents for experienced surfers to exploit.



As the day develops, the marine layer will burn off, and we can expect pleasant coastal conditions to prevail. The slightly low pressure at 29.81 inHg indicates that the weather may be a bit unsettled, but overall, it's shaping up to be a wonderful day at the coast. By midday, the sun should be out, and the afternoon will bring a gentle onshore breeze. As the afternoon develops, the conditions will remain perfect for outdoor activities, and heading into this evening, we can expect a beautiful sunset and a relaxing end to the day. So, get out and enjoy all that the coast has to offer – it's going to be a fantastic day!



Briefing issued 6:35 AM, Thursday, August 27. Live conditions update continuously above.

About This Coastline

Hermosa Beach Pier extends from the foot of Pier Avenue into Santa Monica Bay, anchoring a compact South Bay city built around beach recreation. The present concrete structure offers a long public walkway above the water and a direct view back toward the Strand and lively town centre.

The Vibe

The atmosphere is upbeat, athletic and sociable. Surfers gather around the pier, volleyball dominates the sand, cyclists move along the Strand and restaurants fill the pedestrian plaza inland. The city is smaller than Santa Monica, so beach, nightlife and neighbourhood life feel unusually close together.

Early mornings belong to runners, anglers and surfers; evenings shift toward dining and bars around Pier Plaza. The pier itself remains a simple, open public space amid that activity.

The Local Anchor

The pier is the central landmark. Hermosa’s first pier was built in 1904, while the current structure dates from 1965 and was later renovated. Fishing is permitted under state rules, and the pier provides one of the city’s clearest viewpoints.

Pier Avenue and Pier Plaza continue inland from its entrance, forming the commercial heart of Hermosa Beach. The Strand, part of the long Marvin Braude coastal path, crosses directly in front and links Hermosa with neighbouring beach cities.

The Landscape

Hermosa has a broad sandy beach extending along roughly two miles of waterfront. The bay-facing shoreline receives regular surf, and the pier divides the view into north and south sections without enclosing either side.

Low-rise homes and commercial buildings rise gently inland, while the Palos Verdes Peninsula frames the southern distance. Volleyball courts, lifeguard towers and the paved Strand create a highly active coastal foreground. The landscape is urban, but the scale remains human and walkable, giving Hermosa a strong sense of beach-town cohesion.