Torrance is weirdly overlooked. People fly into LAX, grab their rental cars, and zoom right past it on the 405, headed for the chaos of Santa Monica or the glitter of Hollywood. Honestly? That's a mistake. While everyone else is fighting for a square inch of sand at Venice Beach or paying $30 for a mediocre burger in West Hollywood, Torrance is just... sitting there, being cooler and more affordable than it has any right to be.
It’s not just a suburb. It’s a city with 1.5 miles of pristine coastline that locals call "RAT Beach" (Right After Torrance), one of the biggest malls in America, and a ramen scene that puts almost everywhere else in the country to shame. You’ve got to know where to look, though. If you just stick to the main drags, you might think it's all office parks and refineries. Look closer.
The Beach You Can Actually Breathe On
Everyone talks about the South Bay, but they usually mean Manhattan Beach or Redondo. Torrance Beach is the secret weapon. It’s tucked right at the base of the Palos Verdes Peninsula cliffs. Because it’s at the end of the line, you don't get the same crushing crowds of tourists.
The sand is wide. The views of the cliffs are stunning. Basically, it’s the place where you can actually find a parking spot without losing your mind. If you're into biking, this is the starting point (or ending point, depending on how you look at it) of the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. It’s a 22-mile paved path that goes all the way up to Will Rogers State Beach. Rent a cruiser from a local shop like Olympus Board Shop and just ride. You don't have to do the whole 22 miles. Just do enough to justify the beer you’re going to have later.
Why Torrance is the Craft Beer Capital You Didn’t Expect
Most people don't realize that Torrance has one of the highest concentrations of craft breweries in Southern California. We’re talking 11+ spots within a tiny radius. You’ve probably heard of Smog City Brewing Co. or Monkish Brewing Co. even if you aren't a "beer person." Monkish, in particular, has a cult following. People literally line up for their IPAs.
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If you want a vibe that’s a bit more laid back, head over to Red Car Brewery & Restaurant in Old Town. It’s named after the old Pacific Electric railway that used to run through here. They do a mean English-style ale. Or check out The Brews Hall @ Del Amo, which is basically a fancy food hall but for beer and comfort food. They’ve got George Lopez’s Taqueria and Colin Cowherd’s "The Herd" burgers all under one roof. It’s a great spot if you’re traveling with a group and nobody can agree on what to eat.
The Ramen Capital of the South Bay
Torrance is sometimes called the "Ramen Capital of Southern California," and for good reason. The Japanese influence here is huge—the city is home to the U.S. headquarters of Honda and Toyota (well, they were here for decades), which brought a massive, vibrant Japanese community.
- Hakata Ikkosha: If you like thick, creamy tonkotsu broth, this is your holy grail.
- Santouka Ramen: Located inside the Mitsuwa Marketplace. It’s a food court setting, but don't let that fool you. The Shio ramen with the little red plum on top is legendary.
- Ramen Yamadaya: Known for their 20-hour broth. It's intense.
Honestly, wandering through Mitsuwa Marketplace is one of the most fun things to do in Torrance on a Saturday. You can grab a matcha latte, browse some weirdly specific Japanese stationery, and pick up some high-quality sashimi to go. It feels like a mini-vacation within a vacation.
Shopping at the Del Amo Fashion Center
Look, I know malls are supposed to be "dying," but someone forgot to tell Del Amo. It’s massive. Like, 2.5 million square feet massive. It was used as a filming location for Bad Santa and Jackie Brown, which gives it some cool cinematic street cred.
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It’s not just a place to buy jeans. There’s an outdoor promenade area that’s actually really nice for walking around. It’s got a high-end feel without being as stuffy as Rodeo Drive. If you have kids, the "Luckey Climber" in the courtyard is a giant, colorful climbing structure that will keep them occupied while you recover from carrying shopping bags.
Nature in the Middle of the City
If you need a break from the concrete, go to Madrona Marsh Preserve. It’s one of the last remaining vernal marshes in Southern California. It’s this 43-acre patch of wetlands right across from the mall. It’s strange to see snowy egrets and frogs just a few hundred yards from a Nordstrom, but it works.
Then there’s Wilson Park. This is the heart of the community. It’s got a splash pad for kids, batting cages, and even a "Live Steamers" railroad where you can ride miniature trains on the first Sunday of every month. It’s home to the Torrance Certified Farmers’ Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which is arguably the best in the South Bay. The prepared food stalls there are dangerous—expect to leave with more tamales and kettle corn than you intended.
The Weird and Wonderful
For something totally different, check out the Western Museum of Flight. It’s located at the Torrance Airport (Zamperini Field). You can see actual fighter jets like the F-14 Tomcat. It’s small, run by passionate volunteers, and way more intimate than the massive museums in D.C.
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And if you're a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you can find the actual house used as Buffy's home in the show. It’s a private residence at 1313 Cuesta Way. Don't be a creep—stay on the sidewalk—but it's a fun little pilgrimage for 90s kids.
Planning Your Trip
Torrance isn't a place where you need a strict itinerary. It’s more of a "choose your own adventure" vibe.
- Where to stay: The Miyako Hybrid Hotel is a unique choice with Japanese-style soaking tubs and great sushi. If you want something more boutique, the Bluestem Hotel is modern and stylish.
- Timing: Visit during the Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring at Columbia Park if you want to see the trees in bloom. It’s a huge celebration of Japanese culture.
- Getting around: You’ll want a car. Torrance is spread out. While the Torrance Transit system is decent, Southern California is still a driving culture.
Instead of just checking off the big-name Los Angeles landmarks, spend a day here. Grab a bowl of ramen, hike the marsh, watch the sunset at RAT beach, and finish with a flight of beer at a local warehouse brewery. You'll realize that the "best" parts of LA are often the ones the tour buses ignore.
For your next move, consider checking the local brewery calendars—many of them like Absolution Brewing Company host live music and food truck pop-ups on weekends that aren't always advertised on the big travel sites.