Surf Away the Day in Torrance

Calendar
June 17, 2024

Whether you want to learn to surf, are aiming to compete in the Olympics or somewhere in between, summer is an ideal time to visit California, and Torrance is one of the better spots to catch a wave. Located in Los Angeles County, you’ll find a variety of hotels, all of which are located minutes from the 1.5-mile stretch of pristine, uncrowded coastline known as Torrance Beach. There’s even a surf festival you can catch.

INTERNATIONAL SURF FESTIVAL 

July 31 – August 4 at Torrance Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach & Manhattan Beach

This four-city surf competition is putting South Bay’s top lifeguards in a head-to-head challenge. Teams will compete in events like the Lifeguard Medley Relay, a pier-to-pier swim and a six-person beach volleyball tournament. Check out the full event schedule.

CALIFORNIA SURF DAY

September 20

Surf Day is every day for die-hard surfers. The California Legislature made it so in 2018 by establishing Sept. 20 as California Surfing Day and declaring surfing as the official state sport. It also debuted as an Olympic sport in the 2020 Summer Olympics with Hawaii-born professional surfer Carissa Moore winning the first-ever Olympic gold medal in women’s shortboard surfing.

TORRANCE BEACH AMENITIES

This uncrowded beach offers jaw-dropping views of the Palos Verdes peninsula, 300 parking spots, numerous activities and … oh, yeah, great surfing! There are also concession stands, outdoor showers to wash off the sand, beach wheelchair access mats, restrooms, lifeguard stations and restaurants. Torrance Beach is even famous – you may have seen scenes like this one from the Batman & Robin surfing episode.

EXPERIENCED SURFERS

Pro male and female surfers know what they’re doing and aren’t afraid to show it. You’ll see a fair share of these experienced surfers strutting their stuff along the waves of the Pacific Ocean at Torrance Beach, so feel free to sit back and enjoy their mastery or join in.

The South Bay is known for its beach-break waves, making this spot both exhilarating and pleasing for surfers and surf watchers. Should you forget any accessories, Blue Mango Surf in Torrance stocks a large selection of boards, suits, accessories and apparel. Even better, JMJ Wetsuits, a native Torrance company, makes custom wetsuits on request.

GETTING TO KNOW THE 7 LIFEGUARD STATIONS OF TORRANCE

Local Torrance surfers use the seven lifeguard stations of Torrance Beach as markers for where to go and meet up. These surfing spots include:

  1. “HR” – Hollywood Riviera Lifeguard Station (Near the Stairs of the former Hollywood Riviera Beach Club)
  2. Ramp Lifeguard Station (Near the ramp closest to the Torrance Beach parking lot)
  3. “TORR” – Torrance Lifeguard Station (Near the Torrance lifeguard headquarters)
  4. “PA” – Play Area Lifeguard Station (Near the former play area of Torrance Beach)
  5. “BLF” – The Bluffs Lifeguard Station (Near the Torrance Beach bluffs)
  6. “CLF” – Cliff Lifeguard Station (Near the cliffs of Torrance Beach bluffs)
  7. “R.A.T” – Right After Torrance Lifeguard Station (At the end of Torrance Beach)

NEWBIE SURFERS

No worries if you’re new to the waves because that’s an easy fix. Take a surfing lesson from one of the many experienced surfing schools and businesses in the area.

Wavehuggers offers private and group lessons throughout Southern California, including Torrance Beach. Choose from private single or multi-lesson packages, or do the same but with a group of friends. Aqua Surf is an award-winning school that coaches people of all ages and abilities, including summer surf camps for children and teens. They’ll have you amped up to hit the waves in no time.

HANG OUT ALONG ON THE SHORE

Torrance Beach offers mesmerizing views and a relaxing atmosphere. Family picnics, sunbathing, having fun in the water, people-watching and beach volleyball make for a super laid-back day. It gives everyone lots of options for a perfect day at the beach.

If you’d like a break from surfing, we recommend a scenic bike ride. You can rent at Perry’s Café and Beach Rentals which also rent electric bikes, Torrance Bikes, which is located on the way to the beach, or Marina Bike Rentals, which offers cruisers and five-speed bikes. Then you can head out on The Strand beach bike path. The 22-mile ride takes you through all of the South Bay beach communities, as well as Marina del Rey and King Harbor. Dogs are welcome on a leash on The Strand but are not allowed on the beach.

TAKE A LUNCH BREAK

No matter whether you’re surfing, riding or just laying out, there’s always a need for some sustenance to get you going again. Fortunately, there are more than 400 eateries in Torrance and a number of dessert spots.

Just a short walk from Torrance Beach is Bettolino Kitchen, a family-owned restaurant that serves classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Or enjoy a mix of local Hawaiian food and traditional American dishes at King’s Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant in Torrance, a short drive from the beach. Authentic Korean food is available at the Gen Korean BBQ House or maybe hit up any of the amazing fresh ramen spots on Torrance’s Ramen Trail. There are so many delicious options to consider.

COAST IN FOR CRAFT BREWS

After a fun-filled day surfing the waves – whether it be wave-, wind- or kitesurfing, or even wake- or skimboarding, we recommend kicking back and grabbing a cold one. Torrance is home to 10 craft breweries that are definitely worth exploring.

Buzzrock Brewing Co., located in The Brews Hall @ Del Amo, features any style of beer, from pilsners to stouts. HopSaint Brewing Company showcases a selection of seasonal brews with the added bonus of its creation of new outside-of-the-box offerings. The Monkish Brewing Company in Torrance houses a tasting room where guests can sample beers created at the brewery with creative names like Feminist and No Sleep Means Insomnia.

STAY IN TORRANCE

From sporting events and huge malls to art museums and botanical gardens, Torrance has everything to make your surf vacation truly memorable. Plus, there’s a great selection of hotels located away from the L.A. crowds. Start planning your trip to Torrance right away!