Hermosa Beach is a city in Los Angeles County, California, located along the Santa Monica Bay in the South Bay region. It is the middle of the three Beach Cities, positioned between Manhattan Beach to the north and Redondo Beach to the south. Covering only 1.4 square miles and home to nearly 20,000 residents, it is one of the most compact and densely settled coastal communities in the region, with the Pacific Ocean forming its western boundary. The city fronts almost two miles of coastline and contains roughly 94 acres of public beach, known for consistent surf and a strong beach-volleyball tradition. Hermosa Beach is notable as the only one of the three Beach Cities that owns its own beach, the others being county-owned. The Strand, the paved oceanfront path that runs through the city, is part of the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail connecting the beaches of the greater Los Angeles coast. Hermosa Beach grew from a turn-of-the-century seaside community, and its identity has long been tied to surfing and beach culture. The Hermosa Beach Pier, built out over the water, remains a central landmark and gathering place, anchoring a lively downtown of restaurants, bars, and shops. The city's history as a hub of surf and skate culture is documented by the Hermosa Beach Museum and local historical society. Education in Hermosa Beach is provided by the city's own Hermosa Beach City School District for grades TK through 8, established in 1904. High school students choose between Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach and Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach. For residents, Hermosa Beach offers an intensely coastal, active lifestyle in one of the most desirable beachfront settings in the Los Angeles area.