Hermosa Beach Music History Walking Tour

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.

Meeting Point

Watermans

22 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, USA

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.

What's included:

• Download the free app and Hermosa Audio Tour
• 1 Speaker per group tour

Not included:

• Smart phone and headphones or earbuds

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Hermosa Beach Pier

1 Pier Ave, , Hermosa Beach, 90254-3731, California

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.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

The Lighthouse Cafe

30 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, USA

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.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Abigaile Restaurant and Brewery

1301 Manhattan Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, USA

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'.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included