Hermosa Beach is a beachfront city situated in Los Angeles County, California, within the United States. Located in the South Bay region of the Greater Los Angeles area, it forms one of the three Beach Cities alongside Manhattan Beach to the north and Redondo Beach to the south and east. The city extends approximately 15 blocks from east to west and 40 blocks from north to south, with Pacific Coast Highway running through its center along the Pacific Ocean.

Originally part of the 1784 Rancho San Pedro Spanish land grant, the area was later incorporated into Rancho Sausal Redondo. In 1900, Sherman and Clark purchased 1,500 acres to form the Hermosa Beach Land and Water Company. After surveys in 1901 and the construction of the first wooden pier in 1904, the city held its first election on December 24, 1906, officially incorporating as Los Angeles County's nineteenth city on January 14, 1907.

The city is defined by its beachfront lifestyle and the paved Strand path running along the coast. Key landmarks include the Hermosa Beach Pier at the end of Pier Avenue, which serves as a hub for shopping and entertainment. The pier features a statue dedicated to a surfing pioneer and houses public restrooms and library branches. The area is known for its laid-back attitude and athletic culture, with residents frequently engaging in volleyball, cycling, and running.

Visitor appeal centers on outdoor activities such as sunbathing, surfing, paddleboarding, and fishing off the pier. The annual Fiesta Hermosa, held on Memorial Day and Labor Day since 1970, is a major arts and crafts fair featuring over 400 artists, live music, and diverse food options. The vibrant nightlife along Pier Avenue attracts young people, while the nearby Strand offers scenic routes for rollerblading and walking between Redondo Beach and Santa Monica.

As of the 2020 U.S. census, the population was 19,728. The city enjoys a mild climate with an average summer temperature of 70 °F and winter lows of 55 °F, though morning fog is common in late spring. Access is provided via Pacific Coast Highway and Beach Cities Transit bus lines from nearby hubs like LAX. The area benefits from westerly sea breezes that help reduce smog, with approximately 325 days of sunshine annually.