The Beach House, Exquisite Waterfront Hotel in Hermosa Beach, CA

I have a special love for this hotel where I’ve stayed many times. I actually never knew there was a beach front hotel in the Manhattan / Hermosa Beach area until my Mom and I happened upon it about 20 years ago. We were out for a walk along the Strand and there it was.

Since then, it’s my go-to place when I want to escape since it’s a 5-6 hour drive along the coast from where I live in Northern California. About two weeks ago, I was heading to Long Beach to meet my Mom and sister to visit Catalina Island. On my way home I pulled over and stayed the night at the Beach House Hotel in Hermosa Beach. Let me tell you a little bit about this special hotel and the area that surrounds it.

I lived in Manhattan Beach years ago and loved it. There are a bunch of small ocean-front towns that string along the cost…Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Long Beach and on and on. The coolest part of a lot of these beaches is that they have a walkway that allows you to easily walk or ride your bike – listening to the waves, dodging the seagulls, viewing elegant yards of the massive homes and of course stopping at top notch restaurants and bar. Voyeurism at it’s greatest! Before we get to the strand, let’s visit the hotel, The Beach House in Hermosa Beach.

This is a view from my room so you can see that you are right on the water. There are no roads with crazy traffic that you have to look over to see the ocean. No, you’re just there with only The Strand to cross before you can put your feet in the sand. When you enter the hotel you’ll find a beautiful lobby. I can remember my sister waiting on one of the couches on one visit and that was so special. And my Mom and even my childhood friend Anne. At night you’ll find the fireplace burning which is always nice on chilly coastal evenings.

The rooms are wonderful and are actually small suites with kitchenettes, a fireplace (gas now, but I can remember when you could burn a duraflame log!) Not all rooms face the ocean but some have partial views. If you’re in a full ocean front you can open the sliding doors, pour yourself a glass of champagne and watch the volleyball players, bike riders and people strolling along the strand while relaxing on your deck.

Here are some of the images of the hotel room. I always ask for a corner room if possible so you get a window in the bathroom. They can’t guarantee it but they always try.

Once you’ve dropped your luggage off and put on your walking shoes, you’re ready to explore! Let’s take a walk along The Strand…

Manhattan Beach Home along The Strand

If you go, make sure to take good walking shoes. Once you park you can get everywhere on foot or by bike. Let me know if you go! If you’d like to see more of my blogs on that area they are listed below. Cheers! Photogirl

Taking Flight: Manhattan/Hermosa BeachΒ CA: https://photogirltravels.com/category/california/manhattanhermosa-beach-ca/

Shadow Girl <3

PhotoGirlTravels Chicago 2I know…that’s a really large bag! I took this photo in Chicago, and I seriously can’t remember what was in it. Any suggestions on what to do when I go back? Besides shop πŸ˜‰

Seattle Great Wheel!

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The Seattle Great Wheel is one of the most beautiful landmarks (next to the Space Needle) in Seattle, Washington. I actually didn’t know about the “wheel” until I arrived (sorry city of Seattle!). But you certainly can’t miss it. Its elegant and exquisite architecture graces the skyline of Elliot Bay. And in the evening, it lights up the sky as it slowly moves – around and around. Since the wheel was news to me, I did a little research and found these quick facts:

  • It stands 175 feet tall which makes it the largest observation wheel on the west coast. (That’s 29 of me stacked!)
  • There are 42 fully-enclosed gondolas which seat up to 8 people.
  • The wheel can hold over 300 passengers at any given time.
  • It was manufactured in various parts of the US and Europe and then assembled at the end of the pier.
  • It extends ~40 feet beyond the end of the pier, over Elliott Bay.
  • It’s open year round and the fully-enclosed gondolas allow you to ride it, even in the pouring rain.

While I’m working on my Seattle Blog I wanted to post a few pictures as a preview of this beautiful city. Stay tuned for the Seattle blog with more photos and fun travel tips to help ensure you have a fabulous time. (I’m propped in front of my computer – candle lite – typing away. It will go live by the end of the week!)

PS – Does anyone know how long the ride lasts? πŸ˜‰

Would you like to purchase a print? Please click on β€œContact”. My photography is printed on aluminum. Utilizing an advanced process which infuses dyes directly into the metal, the colors and saturation are really amazing. In addition, your print will be displayed using mount blocks which float the image Β½ inch off the wall.

Β©2013 Shelley D Spray – No content on this site (including all photography) may be reused in any fashion without written permission from the author.

Last Rose

Last Rose_Photogirltravels.com

This is the last rose in my garden – Photo taken this morning after my stroll down to the coffee shop – The rain has finally stoppedΒ in Northern California. Yes, I believe I actually see the sun!Β πŸ˜‰

Would you like a print? Please click on β€œContact”. My photography is printed on aluminum. Utilizing an advanced process which infuses dyes directly into the metal, the colors and saturation are really amazing. In addition, your print will be displayed using mount blocks which float the image Β½ inch off the wall.

Β©2013 Shelley D Spray – No content on this site (including all photography) may be reused in any fashion without written permission from the author.

Sand Script

It’s time to get your calendar out and plan your next trip!Β  This weekend will be sunny on the coast (At least in good ol California). Even if no one can go with you – don’tΒ  let that stop you from being a free spirit. Pack a lunch,Β good bookΒ and blanket to relax on.Β  PS – if you are currently bundled up cursing your thermometer try this…

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