About this experience
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.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr 15 min
Plan your experience
Set aside 1 hr 15 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is 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!
Not included
- Smart phone and headphones or earbuds
Itinerary and highlights
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.
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.
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 information
- 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.
Languages and tickets
- English — Audio
- English — Guide
- French — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Experience GPS Tours
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- 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.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
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