Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach are filled with picture-perfect locations, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems that will make your Instagram feed pop! Whether you’re looking for oceanfront sunsets, aesthetic cafes, or artistic murals, here are the best Insta-worthy spots you can’t miss.
🏖 Beachside Views & Scenic Spots
📍 Manhattan Beach Pier
- The most iconic landmark in the area!
- Best shot: Centered under the pier at sunrise or sunset for a dramatic effect.
- Pro tip: The end of the pier features the Roundhouse Aquarium for a unique backdrop.
📍 Hermosa Beach Pier & The Strand
- The vibrant boardwalk scene is perfect for candid lifestyle shots.
- Tim Kelly Lifeguard Memorial Statue is iconic and at the end of the Pier Plaza, right before you can walk on the Hermosa Beach Pier. Often, kids are drawn to this statue, wanting to sit on the surfboard…and it’s kind of beautiful. This person was dedicated to saving lives, and now everyone and kids most of all, find this joy and energy being around it.
- Rainbow Lifeguard Tower is beautiful all day, any time of day. Find it, right of the Hermosa Pier.
- Best shots: Sunset with the perspective of the Hermosa Pier and glistening of the water. Golden hour when everything has perfect light and magical.
🎨 Artistic Murals & Hidden Street Art
Explore more about street art and Hermosa Beach Murals here.
🎨 Hermosa Beach Murals
Explore more Hidden Art and Street Art in Manhattan Beach
- There are collections of beautiful murals celebrating local history & surf culture throughout the city.
- Best shot: The “Greetings from Hermosa Beach” mural on Pier Avenue—a must for a postcard-style pic!
- Awesome perspective is the Here Yesterday by John Pugh mural in the Lot- 42 13th street Parking, behind the Hermosa Plaza. Please note that this wall changes and it may be a new art mural from time to time.
🎨 Manhattan and Hermosa Beach Utility Box Art
- Scattered across downtown Manhattan to Hermosa Beach, these colorful painted utility boxes make for fun, artsy snapshots. I love the one that has a street sign “Pennywise” that is on the corner of the Hermosa Ave and Pier Ave intersection. (Pennywise is an American punk rock band from Hermosa Beach, California)
🎨 Ohtani Dodger’s Mural
📍 Oceanview Liquor (Hermosa Beach)
- A striking mural dedicated to baseball star Shohei Ohtani, showcasing his dynamic presence on the field.
- Best shot: Capture the mural with the glimpse of the vibrant ocean backdrop for a unique blend of art and nature.
🍹 Aesthetic Cafés & Restaurants
☕ Bluestone Cafe (Manhattan Beach)
- A Aussie-chic cafe with lots of white and blue color, and modern interiors.
- Best shot: It’s actually the indoor seating with a vibrant smoothie or latte art. The interior is white with lots of seashore colors for the ultimate beachy instagram post.
JUICE Cafe (Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza)
- A small and cute walk up juice bar. I love their green juice, acai bowls, and wellness-inspired café vibes, perfect for flat lays of colorful juices and acai bowls with the backdrop of the ocean or Hermosa Beach pier.
🥂 Esperanza Cocina de la Playa (Manhattan Beach)
- A beach energy Mexican restaurant with coastal glamour vibes, very black and white decor.
- Best shot: The neon “Make Tacos Not War” sign inside.
VISTA for Outdoor Seating (Hermosa Beach)
- Lots of outdoor shots and cocktails on the large and spacious outside patio, full of picnic table seating and umbrellas. 11 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
🌅 Sunset & Golden Hour Magic
📍 Bruce’s Beach Overlook (Manhattan Beach)
- A panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, perfect for golden hour portraits.
- Best shot: Standing on the hill getting that pano shot of the Strand and the beach.
📍 El Porto Beach (North Manhattan Beach)
- Fewer crowds, stunning waves, and a surfer’s paradise.
- Best shot: Silhouettes of surfers against the pink sunset sky.
📍 Hermosa Beach Pier
- Beautiful perspective shots of the pier going into the ocean.
- Best shot: Sunset with the glow of the sun coming into the ocean.
Hermosa & Manhattan Beach are full of stunning locations that will add some serious aesthetic vibes to your Instagram feed. Whether you’re capturing oceanfront views, street art, or café culture, these hidden gems will make your photos stand out.
💡 What’s your favorite Instagrammable spot in the area? Tag us in your best shots! 📷✨ @hermosatomanhattanbeach on Instagram
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