Sophie Couwenbergh shares her experiences at Fiesta Hermosa in Southern California, which takes place over Labor Day weekend at Hermosa Beach. The event features live music, fish tacos, and colorful hippie clothing.

When planning my first trip to Los Angeles in 2012, I discovered that we would be there during Labor Day Weekend. I thought it would be fun to check out some of the festivities. After some research, a friend and I decided to visit Fiesta Hermosa, and we had such a great time that I went back during another trip to LA last year.

Fiesta Hermosa started in 1972 and has grown to be the largest arts and crafts fair in Southern California. It happens every Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday) right by Hermosa Beach. The stands stretch along Hermosa Avenue (from 10th St. to 14th St.) and Pier Avenue (from Palm Dr. to Pier Plaza), offering everything from jewelry and clothes to paintings.

The festival also features two stages for live music – one at Pier Plaza and another at the Charity Beer & Wine Garden on 11th Street. Last year, we enjoyed a Beatles tribute band at the main stage.

While there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the festival area, Fiesta Hermosa also has a food court with a variety of international cuisines. There’s pizza, fries, Mexican food, and even a fish taco stand run by the Hermosa Beach lifeguards. I missed the fish tacos but enjoyed nachos with guacamole from the Holy-Guaca-Moly stand.

Next to the food court is the kids’ area, which has rides and games like a mini carnival. We didn’t eat at the food court but went back to a small café at Pier Plaza where we had coffee in the morning. I can’t remember the name, but it’s near a big surf brand clothing store. The café has fresh orange juice, various coffees and teas, and delicious quiches. It’s a cozy spot, less crowded and noisy than other places, and perfect for people-watching if you get a seat outside.

I also stumbled upon a cute cupcake shop behind one of the stands. I always get a cupcake when I find one abroad. We loved a stand full of colorful hippie clothes, including underwear, and took a picture with the friendly stand owner.

Hermosa Beach has some cool bikes in all colors and models. If it wasn’t so expensive, I would have taken one home. Fiesta Hermosa is a daytime festival, running from 10 am to 6 pm, except for the Beer Garden, which stays open until 7 pm. The festival is eco-friendly, with recycling for glass and plastic containers and compostable plates and cutlery. The shuttle buses and generators run on biodiesel.

Driving to Fiesta Hermosa can be tricky due to parking restrictions in Los Angeles. Instead, I recommend using the festival’s shuttle bus system. You can park for free at the Northrop Grumman Building O4 at 15092 Aviation Blvd. in Manhattan Beach and take a free shuttle bus to the festival. The buses run from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm, and I used this system both times I visited. It’s stress-free and drops you off right at the fair. Note that dogs aren’t allowed on the shuttle buses.

If you’re in the area during Labor Day weekend, you should definitely spend a day at Fiesta Hermosa. Even if you visit Los Angeles at another time, Hermosa Beach is worth a visit. You can shop on Pier Avenue, which has some nice boutiques, and enjoy the beach. The beach is great for sunbathing, volleyball, and watching surfers. You can also join the runners, bikers, and walkers on The Strand, a beachfront sidewalk perfect for people-watching. If you’re there on a Sunday, check out the Comedy and Magic Club, where Jay Leno often performs.

Many thanks to Sophie Couwenbergh, a Belgian language lover and travel enthusiast who balances a full-time job with her wanderlust and freelance business. She travels the world during weekends, vacations, and public holidays, sharing her experiences on Wonderful Wanderings. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook.