Hermosa Beach Pier facts for kids

The Hermosa Beach Pier is a famous pier located in the city of Hermosa Beach in Southern California. It stretches out into the wide Pacific Ocean. This pier is a popular spot for fishing, walking, and enjoying the ocean views.

History of the Pier

The very first pier in Hermosa Beach was built in 1904. It was made entirely of wood, including its support poles, and reached 500 feet (about 150 meters) into the ocean. The Hermosa Beach Land and Water Company built this original wooden pier.

In 1913, parts of the old wooden pier were damaged by the ocean. It was then taken down, and a new, stronger pier was built to replace it. This new pier was made of concrete and was much longer, stretching 1,000 feet (about 300 meters) out to sea. Its entire length was paved with asphalt.

Along the sides of this new concrete pier, small tiled shelters called pavilions were built. These offered shade for people who were fishing or having picnics. Later, a stand for selling fishing bait was added at the end of the pier.

Around 1914, a large building called an auditorium was constructed on the pier. Over the years, this building has been used for many different things. Today, it holds public rest rooms, offices for the Los Angeles Lifeguard Service, and a local branch of the LA County Library. The city of Hermosa Beach owns and manages this pier.

Changes Over Time

The area around the pier has changed its look many times over the years. Long ago, electric train lines even ran along the coastline near the pier.

Filming Location

The Hermosa Beach Pier has been a popular spot for filming movies and TV shows.

Movies Filmed Here

• Hardbodies (1984)
• La La Land (2016)

TV Shows Filmed Here

• Scenes from the TV show The O.C. were filmed on the Hermosa Beach Strand, Pier, and Plaza.
• The Amazing Race 31