66 Things to Do in Torrance

In honor of the 100^th anniversary of the naming of the popular U.S. Route 66, here is a list of 66 Things to Do in Torrance.

Although Torrance is not on Route 66, the short detour of about a dozen miles is well worth the time. From beautiful beaches and parks, to tours of Hollywood filming locations and stops at some of the best eateries around, there’s plenty to do and see. Make a reservation at one of the 15 comfortable hotels, and you’ll be rested and ready to see all Torrance has to offer.

Before you start your Torrance tour, head to the Del Amo Fashion Center. Besides being one of the largest malls in America, it’s also home to the California Welcome Center. With the help of expert guides and touchscreen kiosks, you’ll find the best ways to customize your Torrance itinerary and maybe score some discounted passes to local attractions.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Visitors of all ages can find plenty to do outside in Torrance, and thanks to year-round beautiful weather, it’s always a good time to enjoy the city.

• The beauty of Torrance Beach is multiplied by the fact that it’s often uncrowded. From fishing and surfboarding to volleyball and soaking in the sun, Torrance Beach is a true gem. And while you’re here …
• Travel along the bike trail known as The Strand. The 22-mile ride (one way) — which goes from Torrance Beach to Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades — offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as plenty of spots to stop for food, beverage or rest.
• Visit the Madrona Marsh Preserve & Nature Center, one of the last vernal freshwater marshes in Los Angeles County. Plants, birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and more call Madrona home. Across from the preserve is the Madrona Nature Center, which offers exhibits, lectures and live animals, including snakes, turtles and other animals.
• Known as “The Jewel of the Peninsula,” the South Coast Botanic Garden features more than 2,500 different species of plants from around the world. Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the garden includes collections that provide food and shelter to abundant wildlife and bird populations, and offers a lively calendar of fun events throughout the year.
• Torrance is home to many incredible parks, including Wilson Park, the site of the 2,500-square-foot Annenberg Tree House, the first universally accessible tree house in a public space in California. The park also features a sports center, splash pad, batting cages and much more.
• Your children will love you even more if you take them to Los Arboles Park, also known as “Rocketship Park.” The highlight for kids is the three-story-tall rocket ship they can climb on, but parents will delight in the picturesque view of the entire city, including the Hollywood Sign.
• If you don’t want to interrupt your regular workout routine, head to Columbia Park, the largest of Torrance’s 33 parks. A fitness course and exercise path will help keep you in shape, and you can enjoy the 120-plus community garden plots, sculpture, sports fields and more while you get your steps in.
• If you’re looking for a truly beautiful spot to pop the question — or hold the wedding — head to Miramar Park. Set on 1.6 acres, the incredible background of the Pacific Ocean and Torrance Beach makes the former site of the famous Hollywood Riviera Beach Club a prime location for your life-changing event.
• A special memorial wall honoring three fallen Army soldiers who lived in the Torrance can be found at Seaside Heroes Park. The site of several veteran-related events, Seaside’s main draw is the wall commemorating the lives of the soldiers, although there is a play area with a rubberized surface for toddlers.

A SPORT LOVER’S DREAM

If you can’t go a day without experiencing the “thrill of victory,” but sometimes end up with the “agony of defeat,” then Torrance is the Sports Hub of Southern California and the perfect spot for you. There are many sports teams located just minutes from Torrance, and plenty of opportunities to play in the city.

• The world champion Los Angeles Dodgers — with stars Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and others — call Dodger Stadium their Major League Baseball home.
• Watch the American League’s Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim take on the rest of baseball’s best at Angel Stadium, a 30-mile drive from Torrance.
• The National Football League’s Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers display their pigskin mastery at SoFi Stadium, the largest stadium in the NFL and the first indoor-outdoor stadium. The stadium will also host eight FIFA World Cup soccer matches this year, including the opening contest between the U.S. Men’s National Team and Paraguay in June.
• Located in the heart of Downtown LA is Crypto.com Arena, the home of the Los Angeles Lakers and superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, as well as LA Kings hockey matches.
• LA’s newest stadium is Intuit Dome, located in Inglewood, a short drive from Torrance. The National Basketball Association’s LA Clippers play their home games here.
• The Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League showcase their exciting brand of hockey at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
• The action continues at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. The 125-acre sports and entertainment complex is the home field for Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy, not to mention the California Legion of Major League Rugby.
• For those who want to get in on the action, there are several opportunities for that. The Sea-Aire Golf Course is a nine-hole, three-par course set in the hills of the Seaside Ranchos neighborhood of South Torrance. The course, open to the public, is next to Sea-Aire Park.
• Pack your racket (or your paddle) and head over to the South Bay Tennis Center & Pickleball Center. The public facility offers court rentals, classes and more.

A FOODIE’S – AND BEER DRINKER’S — PARADISE

We’ve limited this blog to 66 things to do, but we could easily change that to 466 with all of the great restaurants and craft breweries in our city. However, we’ll limit it to three excellent eateries for each meal, and a few prime breweries worth checking out. All of the great establishments can be found here.

• Delicate pastries, savory bites, perfectly steeped blends — if it pairs with tea, Chado Tea Room likely serves it. Located in Old Torrance, Chado offers an impressive selection of teas from around the world so settle in, sip slowly and savor the moment.
• At Clutch and Coffee, the breakfast lineup may — amazingly — outpace even its impressive variety of coffees and teas. This car-themed café is built for mornings in high gear. Start your day strong with a breakfast plate, omelet or open-face toast, then cruise out fully fueled for the road ahead.
• OK, so doughnuts may not constitute a complete breakfast, but few people would turn down one of the mouthwatering goodies from Randy’s Donuts. Maple Raised with Churros, Red Velvet with Ganache, Glazed Candy … the long line is worth the wait!
• Time for lunch? Head to Historic Old Torrance, a charming location filled with restaurants, breweries, shops and studios. There’s a variety of establishments to try, so visit our link and click on Downtown Area Restaurant Guide.
• The Brews Hall is part brewery and part food concepts. You’ll be able to choose from burgers, wings, tacos, pizza and more while downing a Buzzrock Brewery beer or perhaps a margarita or cocktail.
• Sandwiches, salads, subs and sides are all on the menu at Calf & Chick. The lively Mediterranean restaurant uses high-quality halal ingredients, so come hungry!
• Known for fascinating monthly cooking classes, Depot is led by Chef Michael Shafer. You’ll find delicious grilled dishes, prime cuts of steak and small plates for dinner that are as amazing as the entrees.
• Ise-Shima, located in the elegant Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance, offers a Japanese and American blend of flavors. Seasonal menus feature innovative culinary styles that are sure to please any taste.
• Treat yourself to authentic Oaxacan cuisine at Madre! Oaxacan Restaurant and Mezcaleria. The Mexican restaurant specializes in dishes featuring mole, but everything on the menu is fantastic, including the selection of mezcal flights.
• A wonderful meal deserves an equally excellent dessert, such as the ones you’ll find at Somisomi, located at Del Amo Fashion Center. Korean-inspired soft serve desserts stuffed in a goldfish-shaped waffle cone equals a fun time for the entire family.
• King’s Hawaiian Restaurant and Bakery is known for their bright orange packages of bread in the supermarket, but the Torrance bakery and restaurant is nearly as popular. Desserts such as cakes, cupcakes, pies and pastries — King’s Hawaiian has it all, plus unforgettable breakfast favorites served fresh daily.
• A slice of cheesecake, a torte, a brownie and a scone are among the delicious choices available at Torrance Bakery. The family-owned and operated bakery is well known by Torrance residents and is always dreaming up seasonal delights, so make sure to try their tasty treats.
• In case you didn’t know, Torrance has been named the “Ramen Capital of Southern California” thanks to its wide variety of authentic ramen restaurants. We’ve put together a map of the most popular ramen restaurants in Southern California so you can take part in your own ramen crawl.
• Not to be outdone, Torrance is also a purveyor of everything Italian. From lasagna to pizza, you’ll fall in amore with the delicious dishes. And to make it easier, we’ve put together a pasta path map with some of Torrance’s favorite Italian eateries. Buon appetito!
• Beer drinkers are often picky about the beer they drink. Fortunately, Torrance is home to a variety of breweries with some amazing craft beers. Absolution Brewing Company offers artisan beers and ales using the freshest ingredients from local sources. Choose from 22 taps, and enjoy a game of cornhole while you drink.
• The award-winning HopSaint Brewing Company is a full-service restaurant and brewery where you’ll find 20 beers on tap. Seasonal brews created by brew master Brian Brewer include natural ingredients and a variety of flavor sensations sure to please any beer drinker.
• The Red Car Brewery & Restaurant, named after California’s Red Car trolley system, features English barley, wheat, yeast strains and hops, as well as some domestic hops. The result is classic and seasonal offerings that keep beer lovers coming back.

THE ART OF DIVERSITY

Exploring the heritage of Torrance and other areas of the world through art can be a wonderful way to learn how similar and different we all are. Torrance has a variety of museums and experiences certain to shed a new cultural light for visitors.

• See the history and artifacts of Southern California’s aviation heritage at the Western Museum of Flight. The collection includes unique and prototype aircraft, target drones, World War II instruments, a model aircraft collection and much more.
• Through art exhibits, artist talks, educational programs and lectures, the Torrance Art Museum helps visitors to develop and increase their understanding and appreciation for modern and contemporary artwork.
• More than 1,000 artifacts that span 5,000 years of Chinese history are on display at the Chen Art Gallery. From Neolithic Era pottery to early 20^th-century creations — as well as a Qing dynasty imperial throne room and a Ming dynasty bedroom — the museum hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. Visits are schedule by private tour so plan ahead.
• Destination: Art is a celebration of local artists and their creative and diverse styles. Exhibitions throughout the year showcase their works. During business hours, guests can meet the artists to discover the inspiration of their works.
• The goal of the VEFA Gallery in Torrance is to bring artists together to provide varying perspectives around a relevant topic. The gallery, which hopes to make positive contributions through its displayed works, offers unique exhibitions throughout the year.

MUCH-DESERVED RELAXATION

There’s nothing more refreshing than a day of relaxation and pampering. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to achieve that level of comfort in Torrance.

• A blend of Japanese tradition, natural materials and friendly service makes Spa Relaken worth visiting. The healing experience is available through hot stones, massages, treatments, Pilates and yoga.
• Enjoy a European-style spa day at Burke Williams. The wellness sanctuary offers resort-style amenities and features massage therapy, facial and skin care treatments, hydrotherapy and chiropractic services.
• Some of the latest spa treatments are available at DuBunné Day Spa. Services include spa packages for one or two people, bath soaks, massages, body treatments and more.
• Offering services such as facials, massages, professional makeup, waxing and brow treatments and aromatherapy, Organically at Your Best Wellness Spa is the complete package. De-stress and be at peace with like-minded wellness seekers.
• At Float Clinic, you may relax like never before. In a private float room, you’ll be in total darkness and in a noise-free environment for 90 minutes. No distractions, pure rest, de-stressing and healing will make this the most relaxed you’ve ever felt.
• A holistic approach to movement, meditation and energy flow that combines multiple Eastern disciplines is what you’ll find at Body & Brain Torrance. The practices of qigong, tai chi and meditation will harmonize your body, mind and spirit.
• The Torrance Zen Meditation Center offers techniques for beginner and advanced practitioners. The nondenominational events are held to help everyone seek spiritual liberation together.
• Feeling good is helped in part by healthy eating. At Sweetgreen, you can enjoy delicious meals made from scratch. Protein plates and bowls, salads, healthy drinks and more are available.
• There’s a variety of healthy menu items to match any lifestyle or diet type at Urban Plates. Sustainably sourced seafood, grass-fed beef and more are among the freshest cuisine items you’ll find in Torrance, and all are made from scratch.
• At the Beach Bowls Acai Café, you can partake in Açaí and Pitaya (dragon fruit) bowls, as well as the restaurant’s delicious Rainforest Açaí smoothies topped with fresh fruit, organic hemp granola and honey.

FUN WITH THE FAMILY

Children and adults alike will find there are plenty of family-friendly attractions in and around Torrance. From amusement parks to studio tours, Torrance is just a short drive to a day of laughter and fun.

• Enjoy the thrill and excitement of finding your way out at The Escape Game, located at Del Amo Fashion Center. Games such as Prison Break, Gold Rush and Playground will have you looking for an exit before time runs out.
• At Back in Time Escape Rooms, you’ll travel back through portals to help solve mysteries, alter history and recover hidden treasure. Missions include The Vampire Slayers, Blackbeard’s Lost Treasure and more.
• Parents who want a little adult-only time can drop off their children ages 4-12 for a few hours at Dig It in Del Amo Fashion Center. The construction-themed play area features a remote-controlled truck and a variety of ways for kids to explore and build the community.
• Rides and attractions, movie studio tours, shows based on popular characters and plenty of places to eat can be found at Universal Studios Hollywood. This exciting adventure park will have your family making memories to last a lifetime.
• Known as the “Thrill Capital of the World,” Six Flags Magic Mountain is a playground for all ages. The park features heart-racing roller coasters, games and attractions, shows and — starting the summer of 2026 — Looney Tunes Land.
• Disneyland Park in Anaheim is celebrating its 70^th anniversary in 2026, and you can join in the fun. Enjoy the characters found in various areas of the park, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Tomorrowland and Mickey’s Toontown.
• There’s little you can’t discover at the Aquarium of the Pacific. From vibrant coral reefs and playful sea otters to sharks and hands-on touch pools, the ocean comes to life at every turn. Animal encounters and seasonal events make every visit unforgettable.
• From Old West adventures to the thrill of giant roller coasters, Knott’s Berry Farm is a fun and exciting way to learn about the history and culture of California. The park is ideal for all ages.

TAKE A TOUR

A number of sites in Torrance and nearby communities offer fascinating tours. Whether self-guided or led by a staff member, tours are a great way to learn about the area in an enjoyable atmosphere.

• The Torrance Historical Society and Museum offers walking tours of Old Torrance during various times of the year. The organization’s main fundraiser is a tour of historic homes in the Old Torrance area. You can also arrange a private tour of the museum.
• Any place that can claim it’s the home of the high school seen in TV’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer has got to be cool. Fortunately, Torrance has been the spot where scenes from many movies, TV shows and commercials have been shot. Check out our film map so you can plan your own itinerary.
• The Queen Mary ocean liner is now docked in Long Beach and features a variety of tours, including Glory Days, Steam & Steel, Queen Mary Art and Haunted Encounters excursions.
• Color, creativity and community come together on the Torrance Mural Tour. From bold street art to hidden gems throughout Old Torrance, each mural tells a story worth slowing down for. It’s a vibrant, photo-ready way to experience the city from a whole new angle.

READY TO SHOP?

For some, shopping is a sport. The thrill of finding that special item is as exciting as scoring the winning basket. Fortunately, Torrance is home to a variety of destinations and businesses sure to delight anyone who’s ready to spend.

• The king of retail is, of course, Del Amo Fashion Center. It houses more than 250 specialty stores, a variety of dining establishments, an 18-screen movie theater and more in an environmentally pleasant atmosphere.
• A somewhat smaller but cozy center is Torrance Crossroads. Featuring more than 40 stores and restaurants, the open shopping mall features a Northern Italian architecture with plenty of parking and a convenient location.
• Open year-round on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the Torrance Certified Farmers’ Market offers top-quality products from approximately 60 California farms. You can also shop for baked goods, fish, flowers and more.
• The Roadium is a 15-acre outdoor swap meet where you can find great bargains year-round. More than 450 vendors offer a wide assortment of items, from furniture and antique treasures to fresh flowers and produce.

The Detour That Delivers

Route 66 may not run through Torrance, but the best road trips are built on great detours. Swap highway miles for ocean views, global flavors and unforgettable experiences around every corner. Book a stay, make the turn and add a few new favorites to your Route 66 story.