About Discover Torrance

Who We Are

Discover Torrance Visitors’ Bureau is a 501(c) non-profit organization, funded by 15 hotels (with more than 2,500 rooms) within Torrance’s city limits, with an annual contribution from the City of Torrance, in partnership with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce.

Our members are comprised of the 15 Hotels and professionals who have experience and willingness to serve the community beyond the scope of their demanding work schedules. Their volunteer responsibilities include steering company policy, building relationships with local government, interpreting the needs and interests of the community to the corporation and its staff, and determining the future course of the organization.

Our mission is to market the City of Torrance and its lodging partners as a destination. Our goals are designed to increase the economies of the city through sustained growth in tourism spending which results in significant increases in the economic impact in areas of earnings, tax collections and jobs.

Visitors to the city can also learn more about Torrance at our California Welcome Center Torrance, which is located in the Del Amo Fashion Center, main entrance, level 1.

 

Torrance History at a Glance

In 1910, Los Angeles was mired in labor troubles and with that, industrialist Jared Sidney Torrance set out to create “a working man’s paradise;” a new model residential/industrial city halfway between Los Angeles and the San Pedro Harbor. Torrance then persuaded major industrial firms and a railroad to relocate to the city, and world-famous landscape architects Olmsted and Olmsted (Frank Lloyd Wright, Jr. also pitched in with landscaping) along with modernist architect Irving J. Gill teamed up to design the city’s look (a blend of Mission Revival and early Modernist architecture) featuring the distinctive depot and railroad bridge. Torrance was officially incorporated as a city in 1921.

Today, even though Torrance is located in one of the most densely urbanized zones in the world, the city owns the distinction as one of the safest cities in Los Angeles County and still remains true to its earthy industrialist roots and vision as a balanced city. Well-crafted, diverse and with a relaxed yet innovative spirit all its own, Torrance is a refreshingly unique destination in Southern California.