Los Angeles Hidden Hot Spots: 12/01/2011

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Hidden hot spots in Hermosa Beach

This has to be the best spot to see the sunset in Los Angeles.

About 6 miles south of LAX, there is this place...

Hermosa is a Spanish word meaning "beautiful" or "gorgeous". You can see why the moment you visit this place.

Hermosa Beach is popular for beach volleyball, sunbathing, surfing and paddleboarding.

In the evening the pier becomes a power spot.

"Hermosa Beach Pier"

1 Pier Ave

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

(213)480-3232

http://www.hermosabch.org

I was there in the middle of December. The ocean and sunset were even more amazing than in the summer time.

After it becomes dark, Hermosa Beach shows it's real face.

Many pro surfers and athletes love to party here at night.

Hermosa Beach is the biggest party beach in Southern California.

Especially in the holiday season it is fun to go out!

I will introduce some of Hermosa's hot spots.

First you gotta try the legendary pizza at "Paisanos Pizza & Pasta". I used to work next to here and grabbed a slice all the time. My recommendation is their "mushroom pizza" and "BBQ chicken pizza".

"Paisanos Pizza & Pasta"

1132 Hermosa Ave

Hermosa Beach CA 90254

(310)376-9883

http://paisanospizzahb.com

If you want to have a really nice dinner with a romantic mood, it has to be at "Zane's". This has been one of Hermosa's it places for a long time.

"Zane's"

1150 Hermosa Ave

Hermosa Beach CA 90254

(310)374-7488

http://www.zanesrestaurant.com

For breakfast or a casual lunch I love to eat at "Gum Tree". This is a charming organic food cafe with a "down under" feel. They have a patio section great for people with kids and dogs. Also there is a shop that sells attractive living room items, selective kids goods and pet toys.

"Gum Tree"

238 Pier Ave

Hermosa Beach CA90254

(310)376-8744

http://www.gumtreela.com

"Java Man" is the oldest coffee house in Hermosa Beach. I always stop by here to get a coffee and relax on their sofas.
"Java Man"

157 Pier Ave

Hermosa Beach CA 90254

(310)379-7209

http://www.javamancoffeehouse.com

Hermosa Beach is also famous for having the largest arts & crafts fair in Southern California "Fiesta Hermosa" which happens every Memorial day (May) and Labor day (September).

I love this fair because there are so many original shops for accessories, clothing and handmade items with great prices.

"Fiesta Hermosa"

1007 Hermosa Ave

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

(310)376-0951

http://www.fiestahermosa.com

At the Fiesta, I always choose to eat the T&T's Cajun Shrimp. Their shrimp is huge and has an unforgettable taste.

Hermosa is hot all that time!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Hidden hot spots in Wrightwood

I went snowboarding in the mountains of Los Angeles county.

Wrightwood is a cute village near the Los Angeles ski resort "Mountain High".

First I had to wax my board so I stopped by a snowboarding store "Mountain Outhouse".

They waxed my board for $12 which costs $15 at the resort. They also sell many choices of snowboarding goods such as helmets, gloves and outfits. It's worth it to stop by to see their clearance stuff!

"Mountain Outhouse"

1433 State Highway 2

Wrightwood, CA 92397

(760)249-3191

http://www.mountainouthouse.com

While my board was getting waxed I went walking around the village.

The village has many unique souvenir stores and good looking restaurants.

I found a really cute clothing store.

"Apple Blossoms"

1271 Apple Ave

Wrightwood CA 92397

(760)249-3939

Hair band and hair pins

This is a used and handmade clothing store. I really love their handmade hair accessories! The owner is a cute grandma who crafts the products with her daughter and grand daughter.