Summer should be filled with perfect days, so here’s one to get you started. Just head for the California coast and get ready for a taste of the SoCal beach life (and for the taste of burritos and ice cream sandwiches).

Just a 15-30 minute drive (depending on traffic) from Los Angeles International Airport, you’ll hit Hermosa Beach, a laid-back community with a lively downtown and the starting point for this Perfect Day.

Brother’s Burritos

To start this Perfect Day off right, I recommend arriving in Hermosa Beach in the late morning and heading to Brother’s to fuel up with a breakfast burrito. My favorite is the Bacon Avocado (egg, avocado, bacon, green onion, cheddar) and it only costs $5.45.

Brother’s is a true local favorite that serves up delicious burritos with a small twist. Instead of the brick-sized burritos found at many burrito joints, one burrito order at Brother’s gets you two smaller burritos served next to each other. But don’t be fooled by the size, they’ll fill you up.

Another great thing about Brother’s, aside from the simple, relaxed, and friendly vibe, is it’s just a few steps from your next stop — the beach.

Beach Time

Whether you’re looking to throw down a towel and simply relax, play some volleyball, rent a surfboard or act like a kid in the waves, Hermosa’s beach has something for everyone.

If you’re like me and can only lie around in the sand for so long, you’ll be exited to get up and get active with the next item on this Perfect Day itinerary — riding bikes.

Bike Rental

Biking The Strand, the two-mile long path that connects Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach, is an awesome way to take in the incredible coastline.

Rent your single-speed beach cruiser from Hermosa Cyclery near the beginning of the Hermosa Beach Pier. It’ll cost you $7 per hour and two hours should give you enough time to finish out this Perfect Day. Once you reach the Manhattan Beach Pier, lock up your bike (locks come free with the rental) and head for your last stop of the day — Manhattan Beach Creamery.

Manhattan Beach Creamery

Just a three minute walk from the pier you’ll be in the heart of Downtown Manhattan Beach, a small village of restaurants, bars and shops. But since you’ve had a hard day relaxing at the beach and biking in paradise, you should head straight to Manhattan Beach Creamery and treat yourself to the homemade ice cream sandwich that you deserve.

Inside Manhattan Beach Creamery you’ll find cupcakes, candy, and homemade ice cream, but nothing beats the ice cream sandwiches. My personal favorite is the chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream and rainbow sprinkles. Once in hand, take it with you on a quick stroll around the neighborhood or on a walk down the pier.

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Now all that’s left for you to do is enjoy the ride back to Hermosa Beach, return your bike, and begin plotting your move to Southern California (unless you already live here, in which case, lucky you).

View Perfect Day: Hermosa and Manhattan Beach in a larger map

Photos by Kelsey Stricklin and Trevor Morrow

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Trevor Morrow

Trevor is a traveler, writer and video maker on a mission to help you craft the best travel experiences possible. From adventurous trips with friends, to romantic trips with someone special, to splurge-worthy trips of a lifetime, he's got you covered.

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