Hermosa Beach is beautiful and family friendly. It's a 7 minute drive from the Sonesta hotel and there is parking on 11th street just off the boardwalk (The Strand). There are restaurants and shops nearby, public restrooms, and the direct access to the beach without stairs.
The BEST sandwiches in Hermosa Beach - perfect for grabbing a bite to take with you to the beach. Customize your own or choose one of the staff favorites. Granny's Grocery offers an array of snacks and beverages and the people there are so nice.
* LOS ANGELES * If you're sightseeing in Los Angeles during your visit, the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena is a beautiful place to spend the day. Open 6 days a week from 10am - 5pm (closed Tuesdays), the gardens offer extensive botanical beauty, walking paths, art museums, and cafés. The Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Chinese Garden are some of our favorite spots there.
* LOS ANGELES * If you're on the East Side of LA, check out Griffith Observatory in Los Feliz. This art deco landmark from 1935 features public telescopes and a planetarium. Drive up to the Observatory for sweeping city views, or hike up via one of the many trails in Griffith Park.
* DAY TRIP - MALIBU * If you want to venture up the coast to Malibu, El Matador State Beach is one of our favorites. Be prepared for a bit of a steep hike down a trail and a set of stairs to get to this beach with beautiful cliffs and rock formations. Paid parking is limited, but street parking is also available. Point Dume State Beach is another gorgeous one in Malibu. It is also a stair-access beach. There are hiking trails at Point Dume Nature Preserve, too, with wild flowers and ocean views. You can find street parking, or if you're feeling adventurous, park in the lot at nearby Zuma Beach and hike through the preserve to get to Point Dume. Zuma Beach is great, too - with direct, stair-free access to the beach from the parking lot, as well as public restrooms. If you're in Malibu, we highly recommend Broad Street Oyster Co. for lunch - delicious lobster rolls, Old Bay seasoned fries, and, of course, fresh oysters. (braoadstreetoyster.com)
* DAY / MULTI-DAY TRIP * If you're in Southern California for a bit more time and want to go somewhere incredible, driving ~3 hours east of LA will get you to Joshua Tree National Park. It's a stunning place in the Mojave desert. Hike in the early morning or late afternoon / early evening for cooler temperatures and bring plenty of water. Air bnbs and hotels abound if you want to stay in the area. Pappy and Harriet's is a popular restaurant with live music, Joshua Tree Saloon is great for lunch, and if you are seeking a culinary marvel in the desert, La Copine is chic and welcoming.