Fresh air, an uncrowded beach in California’s South Bay, an exploding craft beer scene, fun parks and museums make Torrance a go-to destination for all. Discover Torrance on your next family trip for a getaway that’ll leave everyone smiling, adults and children alike. Here are some places you won’t want to miss.
With your family in tow, you should definitely hit up Torrance Beach. It’s less crowded and lesser known, which means our pristine shore has plenty of places to park, relax and stroll with lots of local shops and restaurants nearby.
This public beach is great for volleyball, building sandcastles and laying in the sun, plus playing in the waves and trying out body surfing, boogie boarding, scuba diving and more.
It’s also the start of the Strand Bike Trail, a 22-mile path that runs from Torrance Beach to Will Rogers State Beach in Malibu. Rent a bike at Perry’s Café and Bike Rentals and take in gorgeous coastline views at your own leisurely pace.
WESTERN MUSEUM OF FLIGHT
Kids can climb into a real airplane while adults can dive deep into the fascinating history of aviation. Explore the hangers filled with displays, books and models. Afterward, grab a seat on a bench to watch the small planes fly in.
The museum also hosts monthly events on key parts of aviation history as well as current endeavors ranging from military aircrafts to rockets.
SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDEN
Peaceful, quiet and beautiful, locals call it “the jewel of the Peninsula.” It’s an enormous 87-acre botanic garden in nearby Palos Rancho Verdes and a true urban oasis with more than 2,500 plant species from all over the world. Picnics are encouraged, so pack everyone’s favorites and enjoy all the sights and scents. There’s even a monthly Kids Club with themed scavenger hunts if you time it right.
You can also treat your nature lovers to one of the last remaining vernal freshwater marshes in LA County. Bring your binoculars for some bird watching (there are 300+ species here!) and look down to spot the tracks left behind by the various species that live there. Free to the public, anyone can stroll through the grounds on a self-guided tour or enjoy a docent-led adventure.
LOS ARBOLES PARK
Let your kids take off in a rocket ship – in their imagination at least – to the Moon and beyond. This famous park is known for its cool retro rocket ship structure. Adults can sit back and take in the ocean views and ‘gram away, so it’s a total win-win.
WILSON PARK ANNENBERG TREEHOUSE
This is a treehouse nearly anyone can play in. The Annenberg Tree House is an impressive 2,500-square-foot wooden structure that allows children and adults of all ages and physical abilities to be their most playful selves. This treehouse is the first universally-accessible tree house in California!
There are more than 400 restaurants in Torrance to tempt everyone’s palate and the largest farmer’s market in the South Bay. Top favorites include our famous Ramen Trail with AH-mazing fresh ramen and King’s Hawaiian Bakery straight from Hilo, HI, which serves a spectacular breakfast, plus lunch and dinner too.
Ice cream lovers (so pretty much everybody) will love Kansha Creamery where everything is handmade with ingredients coming from local, organic farmers whenever possible. For donuts, we love Sidecar Donuts for their inventive flavors and commitment to serving the world’s freshest donut. Prepare yourself because they’ve turned these treats into an art form and you are in for a truly unique experience.
Del Amo Fashion Center
DEL AMO FASHION CENTER
One of America’s largest malls, the Del Amo Fashion Center has 250-plus specialty stores, loads of restaurants, an 18-screen movie theater complex, places to play and more. There are escape rooms and other fun spots like Dig It! where kids and adults can indulge in STEM-based play.
While there, you can also visit the California Welcome Center Torrance on the Main Level, Entrance 1 for all the details about what to see and do in Torrance. There are kiosks where you can build out your own dream Torrance vacation or you can get personal tips from the friendly staff.
STAY WITH US
There are 15 hotels in Torrance that put you right in the middle of LA and Orange County attractions at a much better price. Near the Del Amo Fashion Center, the DoubleTree is a popular choice, especially if you’re hoping to take public transportation to spots like Disneyland or the Crypto.com Arena (formerly the Staples Center). Be sure to look at special discounts and packages to find the right fit for you.
Family fun in Torrance is a walk in the park with family attractions around every palm tree. Book your stay today and enjoy quality time with your favorite people!