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Destination GPS: LA’s Manhattan & Hermosa Beach

The best way to say adios to old man winter (at least for a long weekend), is with a visit to sun and sand. On a recent sojourn to LA, we tucked away in Manhattan and Hermosa Beaches, only to discover plenty of sun-kissed gems. Here’s where to stay and what to see.

Stay:

The Beach House Hermosa Beach is located right on the coastal path known as The Strand, which means ocean views and plenty of beach action (volleyball, surfing, sunbathing). An all studio-suite design features bright, spacious rooms with a living room, fireplace, bar, and large master baths. What’s more, you’re a stone’s throw from the Hermosa Beach Pier, peppered with shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Image source: www.thestrandhousemb.com

Sip:

If tequila and mezcal is your drink of choice, cozy up to the chic bar at Palmilla Cocina Y Tequila. Oversized, circular chandeliers overlook a room lined with hand-tiled walls and filled with stylish locals and visitors. Both the people- and ocean-watching is as buzzy as the artisan cocktails, crafted by a team of veteran bartenders. The Strand House is also a must. Located in neighboring Manhattan Beach and overlooking the pier on the famous Manhattan Beach Blvd, this perch-by-the-sea is the ultimate sunset spot. Settle in with rosé and fresh yellowtail ceviche.

Taste:

Brunch is at Manhattan Beach Post, a local favorite formerly known as the 1960s post office. Design highlights include exposed rafters, cement floors, volleyball posts turned shelving, and a vintage post office desk. But the reason to visit is Chef/Owner David LeFevre’s cuisine. Seasonally inspired and locally sourced, the brunch menu features such zingers as the MB Post Biscuit Eggs Benedict and the “Hangover Enabler” Pork Belly Bibimbap. Once the sun dips into the sea’s horizon, head to The Izaka-ya by Katsu-Ya, also in Manhattan Beach. Here you’ll start with mouth-watering toro, followed by tuna sashimi with jalapño and rolls like the SPTDC–baked Dungeness crab atop spicy tuna.

Man with Surfboard and Black Dog
Image source: www.bobridgesgallery.com

Shop:

Trina Turk was our favorite find along Manhattan Beach Boulevard’s shopping scape. Turk’s penchant for the colorful and the whimsy is perfectly celebrated at this friendly boutique, lined with beachwear, casual go-tos, and, cocktail attire, and sassy jumpsuits. Don’t miss the retro-inspired swimwear, while Turks cheeky home décor will add a playful pop of color to any winter eve.

See:

Talk of Manhattan Beach, and there’s talk of visiting the Bo Bridges Gallery. Owned by photographer Bo Bridges, not only can you shop his latest fine art and photography, but his team is a bevy of local knowledge. And when Bo’s not out surfing, foiling, or globe-trotting, the flagship hosts plenty of community-inspired events that showcase Bridges’ keen eye for travel, lifestyle, and sea- and snow-inspired action. The well-known local has also recently launched the Marvel X Bo Bridges Collection at Target, which showcases his Marvel-inspired artwork anchored in iconic Manhattan Beach locales.

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