Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Torrance lies in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County, between the Palos Verdes hills and the Pacific. It was founded in 1912 by real estate developer Jared Sidney Torrance as a planned industrial city, and its original downtown was designed by the famous Olmsted Brothers landscape firm, with Mission Revival buildings by architect Irving Gill. The city was incorporated in 1921 and grew around oil fields, steel and later aerospace and car companies.
Torrance became one of the centers of the Japanese American and Japanese business community in the United States, and for years it was home to the American headquarters of major Japanese car makers. Its many Japanese markets, ramen shops and bakeries make it a favorite food destination, alongside the large Del Amo Fashion Center, one of the biggest malls in the country.
Visitors can walk the historic Old Torrance district and the restored El Prado area, relax at Torrance Beach at the foot of the Palos Verdes bluffs, and explore the Madrona Marsh Preserve, a rare surviving wetland in the middle of the city. The Torrance Art Museum and the cultural arts center add a creative side.
Torrance Beach is a wide sandy beach at the southern end of Santa Monica Bay, quieter than the beaches to the north. The paved Strand path starts nearby and runs north toward Redondo Beach, and the bluffs of Palos Verdes rise at its south end. Paid parking is above the beach; arrive early on summer weekends.
Madrona Marsh Preserve is a rare seasonal wetland in the middle of Torrance, with vernal pools that fill in winter and attract many birds. A nature center has exhibits and runs guided walks, bird surveys and family programs. Trails are short and flat; winter and spring are the best seasons to see water and wildlife.
Wilson Park is Torrance's largest park, with sports fields, playgrounds, a roller rink, picnic areas and a small model train ride run by volunteers on some weekends. It also hosts the city farmers market. Come on a market morning, then let kids enjoy the play areas and the train if it is running.
Old Torrance is the city's original downtown, planned in the early 1910s with help from the Olmsted Brothers firm. Its streets have older storefronts, Japanese and other restaurants, cafes and small shops. It is a relaxed place for a meal and a short walk; look for the historic buildings along El Prado.
Del Amo Fashion Center is one of the largest shopping malls in the United States, with department stores, hundreds of shops, restaurants and an open-air dining area. It draws shoppers from across the South Bay. Weekday mornings are the quietest time, and the mall's directory map helps in such a large space.
Mitsuwa Marketplace in Torrance is a large Japanese supermarket with a food court serving ramen, curry, sushi and Japanese pastries, reflecting the city's large Japanese American community. Shop for snacks, groceries and kitchen goods. The food court is busy at lunch; go a little before noon to find a seat.
The Torrance Certified Farmers Market is held on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at Wilson Park and is one of the most respected markets in the Los Angeles area. Farmers sell seasonal fruit, vegetables, flowers, eggs and baked goods. Arrive early for the best choice, and bring your own bags.
The Torrance Art Museum is a free contemporary art space at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, showing changing exhibitions by local and international artists. Shows are often experimental and thought-provoking. It is small enough to see in under an hour; check opening days, as it closes between exhibitions.
The Torrance Historical Society Museum is housed in the city's former library building and tells the story of Torrance's founding as a planned industrial city, its oil and industry past and community life. Photos and objects fill the rooms. Admission is free, and opening days are limited, so check before visiting.
The Western Museum of Flight is a volunteer-run aviation museum at Zamperini Field, the Torrance airport. It displays rare aircraft, prototypes, engines and models tied to the Southern California aerospace industry. It is small but packed with history; opening days are limited, so confirm hours before going.
The Torrance Cultural Arts Center is the city's arts campus, with the James R. Armstrong Theatre, studios, meeting halls and a traditional Japanese garden. It hosts concerts, plays, dance shows and classes. The garden is a quiet place for a short walk, and the theater calendar lists upcoming shows.
No reviews yet. Been to Torrance? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Torrance? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photos
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
Photo: Cardinalngold at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Thurifer, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DylanMoz49, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DylanMoz49, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 1.0
Photo: TeddyBearInMind007, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Thurifer, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Paintgol, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Rjung2k, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Edilyn Tsai, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: DylanMoz49, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Thurifer, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Lilac55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: FASTILY, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: FASTILY, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jess Lander, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Paintgol, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Paintgol, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Motohide Miwa from USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Motohide Miwa from USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Motohide Miwa from USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Motohide Miwa from USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Motohide Miwa from USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0