The Comedy & Magic Club   

Since it first opened its doors to a chuckle- starved public in 1978, Hermosa Beach's Comedy and Magic Club has become among the most important comedy clubs on the circuit. In addition to the countless big name performers who headline, the list of major stars who've dropped in unannounced to try new material in the past several years reads like a who's who of modern comedy -- Jerry Seinfeld, Robin Williams, Jim Carrey, Rodney Dangerfield, Billy Crystal, Dennis Miller, Tim Allen and Garry Shandling (who calls it his favorite club in the US). The intimate venue (225 seats) also boast one of the ultimate activities to entertain star-seeking out of town guests, as nearly every Sunday of the year, 'The Tonight Show' host Jay Leno tests out new stuff that may well end up on the air only days later. Next door is their sister club, Lounge at the Beach, which offers low-key live music on weekends.