If you are in your 20's Hermosa Beach might be for you. Once my kids hit 30 they moved over to Manhattan Beach for bars and restaurants.

http://www.pubclub.com/losangeles/hermosa.htm

Were in our late 20s, just looking for casual bars. Not really interested in having to get dressed up like in vegas. Looking for more of a casual vibe

How are the bars located? we prefer somewhere where the bars are close together. From reading about Santa monica it seems that the bars are more spread out over the area

Plenty of casual bars at the base of the Hermosa Beach Pier at the Plaza. Beachwear is fine during the day and in the evening. No cars allowed in the one block area, just pedestrian foot traffic. Taxi cab stand on hand.

Plenty of casual bars at the base of the Hermosa Beach Pier at the Plaza. Beachwear is fine during the day and in the evening. No cars allowed in the one block area, just pedestrian foot traffic. Taxi cab stand on hand.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Hermosa-Beach-Pier

photo of Plaza at night:

photos.hermosawave.net/potd/detail.php…

Agreed. From what you describe, you will definitely want to locate yourselves in Hermosa.