California has been called the Ultimate Playground and a visit to Torrance is a prime example. Fresh air, an uncrowded beach, major sports team stadiums and Disneyland nearby, an exploding craft beer scene, a botanical garden and museums all give you serious play potential for all kinds of family fun.
Discover Torrance on your next family getaway for a trip that’ll leave everyone smiling, adults and children alike. Here are some places you won’t want to miss.
With your young ones 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. You can just relax and let them play in the sand and splash in the waves. There are lots of restaurants nearby and public showers too, so you can clean everyone off before you leave.
Young kids will be in awe at the nearby Aquarium of the Pacific. There are animal shows, an immersive theater with a Pacific Visions film and a Babies! Exhibit where they can see baby sea otters, tiny sharks and more. The jellyfish exhibit will wow them as they get up close to these majestic creatures. There’s a Lorikeet Forest where they can feed over 100 of these colorful birds and a Shark Lagoon with a touch pool where they can interact with sharks and rays. There are penguins and seals to see there, too, and in the winter, there are other pop-up events like a light show.
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.
MADRONA MARSH PRESERVE & NATURE CENTER
You can also treat your little nature lovers to one of the last remaining vernal freshwater marshes in LA County. Bring your binoculars for some birdwatching (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.
This charming park is perfect for your little ones. Smaller in scale, it features an adorable large frog statue called, “Dreaming of a Kiss,” that’s sure to spark some imaginative play. The frog is sitting with its arms crossed, looking towards the beach and was donated by former Mayor Dan Walker in memory of his late wife.
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!
DEL AMO FASHION CENTER
One of America’s largest malls, Del Amo has ideal spots to take young kids to play. Among its 250-plus specialty stores and loads of restaurants, you’ll find fun spots like Dig It!, where kids and adults can indulge in STEM-based play in a construction-themed center.
Your littles will love Le Funland. It features a wide assortment of soft play equipment that has toddlers begging to stay. ZoomiZoomi is another fun-filled center where kids can play on soft playground-style equipment and ball pits, paint and draw with arts and crafts and so much more. There’s also a children’s play area on the south side of the mall.
This is a beach everyone will love. It’s usually not crowded which leaves plenty of parking and lots of shoreline to relax on. Stroll among the local shops and restaurants nearby, start up a volleyball game, build sandcastles or just lay in the sun. The waves can range from gentle to more exciting, which makes this a great spot for trying out body surfing, boogie boarding, scuba diving and more.
Torrance Beach is 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
Your teens 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.
This museum is part of the Zamperini Airport. There’s quite a bit of history here surrounding the late Olympian and WWII hero, including a large mural made in Louis Zamperini’s honor. Be sure to check their calendar as the museum also hosts monthly events on key parts of aviation history as well as current endeavors ranging from military aircraft to rockets.
DEL AMO FASHION CENTER
Big malls are preteen and teenager playgrounds, and the Del Amo Fashion Center is one of America’s ten largest. We’re talking three levels of shopping, tons of restaurants, an 18-screen movie theater complex, and more.
Dave & Busters has great food and loads of arcade games and VR experiences to explore. The Back In Time Escape Rooms let you travel back in time to solve puzzles and find your way back in just an hour. The rooms at The Escape Game play like a Hollywood adventure with lots of plot twists and surprises.
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.
Torrance is near several stadiums and arenas including the Crypto.com Arena, home to the NBA teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers. SoFi Stadium is nearby, which is where the NFL Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers play. The MLB Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim play at nearby Angel Stadium and the MLB Los Angeles Dodgers play at Dodger Stadium that’s fairly close.
Lastly, the NHL Anaheim Ducks play at the Honda Center near Disneyland and Angels Stadium and the MLS Los Angeles Galaxy plays at the Dignity Health Sports Park just up the road in Carson. Of course, all these stadiums and arenas host several big concerts and events year-round.
THE FOOD
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.
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.
With so much to do, Torrance really is right in the middle of the ultimate playground with family attractions around every palm tree. Book your stay today and enjoy quality time with your favorite people!