Explore the rich and sometimes surprising history of Hermosa Beach, from its earliest days as Tongva land to the founding and development of the city in the early 20th century. Discover the people, places, and events that shaped Hermosa including the Biltmore Hotel, local schools, police and fire departments, and the businesses and community institutions that helped the city grow.

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Hermosa’s identity has always been closely tied to its beach culture. Our permanent exhibits also explore the people and movements that made Hermosa unique, from surfing, paddleboarding, beach volleyball, and skateboarding to the jazz and punk scenes that earned the city a place in Southern California’s cultural history.

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Throughout the Museum, photographs, artifacts, and stories bring these pieces of Hermosa’s past to life. Alongside our permanent exhibits, a quarterly rotating exhibition highlights new themes and stories from our collections, offering visitors something new to discover each time they return. Yelp reviews have said that our small facility packs a punch - come see for yourself!