Part of California's South Bay strip, Torrance is a sun-drenched beach town fringed with golden sand and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. It's a stone's throw from Los Angeles, which means you can soak up the sun on the beach or sightsee in the “City of Angels”.
Things to do in Torrance
The laid-back Torrance Beach stretches for over two kilometres and is known for its powdery sand. Torrance Beach is fringed with The Strand, a scenic coastal bike path that extends to Santa Monica Pier.
Head to Redondo Beach Pier to find a collection of cafes, seafood restaurants and ice cream parlours. In summer, the beach hosts outdoor concerts, farmers markets and cultural events. It's also one of the best places in Los Angeles to watch sunset.
While Hollywood steals the spotlight, Torrance has also had its five minutes of fame. Over the decades Torrance High School has been a filming location for hit TV series, including “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, “Bring It On”, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Not Another Teen Movie”.
Head south and you'll hit Manhattan Beach. In addition to its golden stretch of sand, it's also home to unique attractions, such as the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab & Aquarium. Perched on the tip of the pier, the aquarium is filled with colourful anemones, eels, starfish and sharks.
Getting around Torrance
Cars are the fastest and easiest way to get around Torrance and the South Bay region, with rentals and Uber and Lyft services available. The drive to Los Angeles should take around 30 minutes. Public buses also run throughout South Bay.