Hermosa Beach Guided Audio Walking Tour

Take a musical walk through time and discover how this little beach town became a Mecca for music.

Hear the first hand story of where surf music was born and where The Beach Boys played in '61.

We'll stop at a few murals and hear the backstory.

Just another beautiful day in Hermosa Beach.

Recording Jim Lindberg from the band Pennywise.

The world famous Lighthouse Cafe. Home of West Coast Cool jazz.

See photos of what it looked like here 70+ years ago.

Duration1h 15m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish, French, Spanish

Group sizeUp to 8 travelers

Overview

JAZZ! SURF! PUNK!

Discover how this tiny beach town became a mecca for trailblazing music for more than 75 years. Walk with Joe Nolte, “The Godfather of South-Bay Punk” on a musical journey through time.

Music is the thread that connects one generation to the next, but this thoughtful and intimate story is about more than music. It’s about the history of Hermosa.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor, or you’ve lived in Hermosa your whole life, you’ll discover hidden gems, hear untold stories, and better appreciate what truly makes Hermosa, Hermosa.

This unique walking tour combines an immersive audio and visual experience from a free app you download onto your phone as well as an in-person guide, the creator of the app.

NOTE: Start times can be flexible, Just message for other options for start times.

What's included

Portable high end Speakers or headsets
1 Speaker per group tour
Tour takers can join me after our walk at a Restaurant on the Pier, will offer you 1 complimentary drink (non alcoholic) with any item on the menu!

Smart phone and headphones or earbuds

What to expect

Hermosa Beach Pier
10m · Admission ticket not included

We'll take a walk out onto the pier and learn about Hermosa's early history and people, from the local Native American Tongva tribe, to the area's settlers. You'll see a photo taken 100 years ago and stand in the exact spot it was taken. Listen to a 94 year old surfer, Tommy Rice describe what it was like to be a surfing pioneer and sleep under the pier where you stand. Then you'll hear about how swing music came to Hermosa and changed this town forever.
10m · Admission ticket not included

You'll hear the story of how a struggling musician and a down on his luck gambler transformed a dive bar in 1949 into one of THE most happening jazz clubs west of Chicago. Hear the stories from the people who were here in the 50's. From Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, all the greats played The Lighthouse.
10m · Admission ticket not included

Visit the location that was "The Church", where hardcore punk rock was born in the late 70's. You'll hear from voices like Keith Morris from Black Flag who lived and practiced there and Jim Lindberg from Pennywise. See photos of the punk scene from photographer, "Spot'.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet on the patio at Waterman's Restaurant (22 Pier Ave). Pier Ave by the pier is actually now a plaza, blocked off to cars. It's near the base of the pier on the south side, next to The Lighthouse Cafe.

End point

Meet on the patio at Waterman's Restaurant (22 Pier Ave). Pier Ave by the pier is actually now a plaza, blocked off to cars. It's near the base of the pier on the south side, next to The Lighthouse Cafe.

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.