Torrance

With 1.5 miles of sandy shoreline, the Los Angeles County city of Torrance (map) is technically a beach town. But the South Bay hub is increasingly known as a bustling city unto itself, with a multicultural heritage, a cool nature preserve, and a burgeoning beer scene.

Torrance Beach

A good place to start is Torrance Beach. Part of the Santa Monica Bay, the sand here is often less populated than the beaches in nearby Redondo and Hermosa. Rent a bicycle or surfboard to make the most of your getaway time here at Torrance Bikes and Olympus Board Shop, respectively.

Nearby, check out the Madrona Marsh, a 43-acre seasonal wetland where reptiles and small mammals make their homes in pop-up vernal pools and micro habitats. Bring your binoculars: The Audubon Society uses the Marsh for its annual bird census, and bird and nature walks are offered daily.

Torrance’s Multicultural Heritage

Torrance has a strong multicultural presence, too. Take one of the free tours at the Chen Art Gallery, which houses more than 1,000 Chinese artifacts, all from one family’s private, rare collection—including a Qing dynasty imperial throne room and a Ming dynasty bedroom. Torrance’s Japanese population, meanwhile, is second only to Honolulu in the U.S.; shop with the locals at the flagship Mitsuwa Marketplace, an immersive supermarket experience with specialty eateries, bakeries, and boutiques selling Japanese cosmetics, videos, and more.

Torrance’s Annenberg Tree House

The spirit of inclusion is also found in the city’s Wilson Park, which is home to the 2,500-square-foot Annenberg Tree House, the first universally accessible tree house in a public space in California. Visitors of all physical abilities can make their way along the winding wooden pathway and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the park, which also includes a 3,000-square-foot splash pad water playground that’s open from spring the early fall.

Shopping in Torrance

A don’t-miss shopping stop is the Del Amo Fashion Center, notable for being one of the largest malls in America and for making cameos in such movies as Valley Girl, Jackie Brown, and Bad Santa. For another kind of mercantile experience, browse the 200-plus vendors at the Torrance Antique Street Faire, held on the fourth Sunday of every month (on other days, check out the vintage furniture in its retail store).

Explore another side of Torrance shopping through its independent boutiques and specialty shops that line the city’s neighborhoods—from surf stores like ET Surfboards, a local favorite since the 1970s, to Japanese lifestyle and stationery shops in the Mitsuwa Marketplace area. Book lovers should browse Sandpiper Books or Book Off at Del Amo Mall (as the locals call it), while design enthusiasts can find California-made ceramics and textiles at Native Tile & Ceramics and Kokka Fabrics.

Where to Eat and Drink in Torrance

The city’s deep roster of excellent ramen restaurants has earned it a reputation as the place to indulge in Japanese-style tonkatsu ramen in Southern California. Explore them on the Ramen Trail, a round-up of eight of the city’s standout spots.

Beyond ramen, Torrance’s diverse dining scene reflects its rich cultural mix. Enjoy refined Japanese fare at Izakaya Hachi, beloved for its authentic small plates and lively atmosphere, or savor fresh sushi at Matsui, a long-time local favorite.

For Korean barbecue, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ offers an interactive dining experience perfect for groups, while Madre! Oaxacan Restaurant and Mezcaleria delivers bold Mexican flavors and one of the best mezcal selections in the South Bay.

Torrance also has a growing craft beer scene. Check out the tasting rooms of the ten-plus local breweries such as Red Car Brewery, named after Torrance’s old trolley line; Absolution Brewing Company; and Smog City Brewing, which has two Torrance locations as well as spots in Long Beach and Glendora.

The Torrance Farmers’ Market

Every Tuesday and Saturday, rain or shine, visit the Torrance Certified Farmers' Market—the largest in Los Angeles—for a seasonal variety of fresh, top-quality produce from 60-plus California farms. The market features a year-round selection of California-grown fruits, nuts, vegetables, eggs, honey, baked good, fish, and flowers.

Where to Stay in Torrance

Torrance offers a range of lodging, from chains to independent hotels . For stylish boutique accommodations, the Bluestem Hotel stands out as a newly built property combining modern design with local flair. On the upscale end, the Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach provides full amenities including a pool and fitness center, just minutes from the beach and shopping.

For longer stays or apartment-style comfort, the Extended Stay America – Los Angeles Torrance Del Amo Circle offers kitchen-equipped units and free WiFi—a good pick if you’re in town for a week or more. There are also several budget-friendly motels and suites-hotels that dot the area, offering comfort without the high luxury.

Know before you go: For tips from the local staff and free maps and brochures, drop by the California Welcome Center, Torrance. You can also check out Torrance’s upcoming events page for a rundown of what will be happening in the city during your visit.