You’ve got your Groovs and your feet feel amazing. Now what?

For my fellow SoCal residents, there’s only one answer: take those happy feet to the beach and let them carry you through a day of sunshine, sand, and discovery. Foot pain is no longer an excuse. Comfort unlocks freedom, and freedom unlocks adventure. So let’s map out the perfect day where every step is effortless.

Stop One: Manhattan Beach Pier

Every great beach day deserves an iconic starting point, and Manhattan Beach Pier sets the tone. The ocean stretches out like an infinite blue canvas, the salty air mixes with the faint scent of sunscreen, and the golden glow of morning light makes every photo look like a scene from a movie. It’s your main character moment.

At the end of the pier sits a little gem, the Roundhouse Aquarium. It’s free, it’s family-friendly, and there’s something about staring at sea creatures that instantly makes you feel connected to the world under your feet. Watching a stingray glide or a starfish cling to the glass reminds you that every species depends on a strong foundation. Humans are no different, we just need Groov insoles instead of fins.

The Strand: Inspiration with Every Step

From the pier, head south onto The Strand, one of Southern California’s most famous walkways. This long stretch of paved path hugs the coastline and doubles as the perfect runway for dream-home shopping. On one side, the Pacific glitters. On the other, rows of beachfront homes swing between sleek modern palaces and classic California cottages.

You’ll catch yourself saying, “Wow, that’s nice” about a dozen times, followed immediately by, “Wait, does Jeff Bezos’ girlfriend live there?” Each house is its own story, and each step brings you another glimpse of what life on the edge of the ocean could look like.

If you’re lucky, or just feeling brave, you might wander into a pickup volleyball game on the sand. Manhattan Beach is, after all, the birthplace of beach volleyball. Kick off your shoes, dig your toes into the sand, and play like a local. Win or lose, your Groovs will be waiting to cradle your feet when you slip your sneakers back on.

Refueling in Downtown Manhattan Beach

Exploring works up an appetite, and Downtown Manhattan Beach is the cure. If coffee is your first priority, stop at Two Guns Espresso. Their flat white is legendary, and the energy of this café will set you up for the rest of the day.

If food is what you’re craving, MB Post is the destination. Ask anyone in town about the bacon cheddar biscuits, and their eyes will light up. Flaky, cheesy, buttery perfection, they’re the kind of biscuits that make you plan a second visit before you’ve even finished the first.

The Walk to Hermosa Beach

Now it’s time to walk it off. Luckily, Hermosa Beach is only a couple of miles away, and the stroll is lined with ocean views that make every step worth it. This stretch of coastline feels like one long postcard: surfers paddling out, cyclists cruising by, kids running with kites.

When you arrive in Hermosa, you’ll immediately sense the shift in vibe. Where Manhattan is polished, Hermosa is relaxed. Live music spills from bars, surf shops beckon with boards and bikinis, and street performers add bursts of personality to the scene. The Pier Plaza is people-watching paradise, where flip-flops, funky sneakers, and occasionally bizarre footwear choices parade by.

Ending the Day Right

After a full day of exploring, it’s time to reward yourself. Tower 12 serves up a laid-back atmosphere with unbeatable ocean views, perfect for a casual sunset drink. If you’re looking for something a little livelier, The Bungalow Hermosa is your spot, complete with good music, good cocktails, and a front-row seat to the fading glow of the sun sinking into the Pacific.

There’s something special about ending the day this way. The air cools, the beach quiets down, and you feel accomplished. You didn’t just visit the beach, you lived it, step by supported step.

The Moral of the Story

When your feet are happy, the world opens up. Suddenly, a quick beach trip becomes a full-day adventure. That new café down the block? You’ll walk there. That scenic neighborhood you’ve always meant to explore? No excuses now. Comfort creates momentum, and momentum creates memories.

So slip on your Groovs, take the first step, and let the rest of the day unfold. The ocean will always be there, the volleyball games will always welcome a new player, and the sunsets will always remind you to pause. Your job is just to keep moving, with comfort leading the way.

Stay groovy,
Santiago
Resident Beach Wanderer