A Photo Map Tour (IntroImage) In the Los Angeles County seaside communities of Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach, they call it, simply, The Strand. It's a 3-mile-long walking and biking trail that bisects some of the most beautiful beaches and expensive real estate on the West Coast. In the summer, it's everything you would expect, but in the wintertime, it's actually a place of quiet Zen. Surfer at El Porto (IMG_1612) At the far north end of Manhattan Beach, the parking lot fills up early when the surf's up. Catching a Wave (IMG_1617) Smallish but consistent surf is the hallmark of the South Bay. Guarding Lives (IMG_1623) A Los Angeles County lifeguard keeps an eye on the action at El Porto. Flock of Seagulls (IMG_1627) Not the band, the real thing. Bikes Only (IMG_1795) In the Manhattan Beach end of The Strand, the bike lanes and pedestrian lanes are separated. Not so in Hermosa Beach, where bipeds and bicycles share the space. Building Never Stops (IMG_1634) You'll never fail to see new construction along The Strand, where owners compete to out-architect each other. Can't Beat the View (IMG_1639) Those lucky enough to live on The Strand enjoy unobstructed ocean views. Volleyball Mecca (IMG_1637) If Manhattan Beach were a country, beach volleyball would be its national sport. Nothing to Watch (IMG_1635) In the wintertime, there are fewer lifeguards on duty because the water's too darn cold for most! The Manhattan Beach Pier (IMG_1643) This iconic pier is nearly a thousand feet long. Palm Silhouette (IMG_1644) Nothing says Southern California like palms swaying in the wind. Downtown Manhattan (IMG_1678) The main drag. Use Caution (IMG_1649) Old school information product. The Octagon at Pier's-end (IMG_1668) Aquarium and Cafe at the end of the pier. Urban Surfing (IMG_1673) In the wintertime on a weekday, one finds the beach basically deserted. Bird over Water (IMG_1663) The seagull is everywhere. Surf's Up (IMG_1658) Setting his intention. Solitary Man (IMG_1655) That's the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the distance. Keeping It Clean (IMG_1683) Manhattan Beach has some of the cleanest beaches in the nation; here's the reason why. Beach Cruising (IMG_1776) You'd be hard-pressed to find a more pleasant route for a bike ride. Running with the Dog (IMG_1775) The Strand is not just for people either. Out with the Old (IMG_1687) Something big is being erected here. The Foot of Longfellow (IMG_1695) This iconic sign is near the border between the cities of Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. California Republic (IMG_1703) Pride in their state. Watch your Speed (IMG_1766) Between the posted speed limit and no smoking outdoors, you'd have a hard time hurting yourself in Hermosa Beach. Anchor Park (IMG_1713) Heavy doesn't even begin to describe it. Welcome to Hermosa Beach (IMG_1719) This small beach community is known for its vibrant culture of arts. Astronaut Jarvis RIP (IMG_1717) One of the casualties of the Challenger disaster, Greg Jarvis is immortalized on this beachside plaque. The Good Life (IMG_1721) A game of beach volleyball on a week day. Good Stuff Indeed (IMG_1760) Great food and you can't beat the ambiance. Downtown Hermosa at Pier Avenue (IMG_1732) Turns into party central on weekend nights. Bronze Waverider (IMG_1759) In memory of Micky Dolenz. Christmas 72F (IMG_1729) East Coast eat your heart out. Tile Mural (IMG_1739) A plain building made beautiful. Keep Hermosa Hermosa (IMG_1747) Strong community activism attempting to preserve the old way of life against strong financial interests. At Strand's End (IMG_1742) You can keep riding south into Redondo Beach, but you'd no longer be on The Strand.